About this blog
Welcome to the Wilderness Medicine Newsletter blog. We will provide information and news regarding the world of wilderness emergency medicine and rescue, disaster medicine and rescue, and ecotourism medicine.
The Wilderness Medicine Newsletter turns 20 years old with the publication of the January/February 2007 issue. Since 1988, we have published over 120 issues covering the practice of medicine “Beyond the Golden Hour” (away from immediate help). We like to think of it as “emergency medicine barehanded.” This unique medical specialty requires the ability to improvise and provide long-term care and monitoring, as well as an in-depth understanding of environmental emergencies.
The WMN is a subscription-based, online newsletter, published six times per year. Peter Lewis is the editor and Frank Hubbell, DO, is the primary author and medical editor. Other experts also contribute. We will provide information and illustrations on specific techniques, such as improvising a traction splint or reducing a dislocate patella.
We will also review the signs and symptoms and the management of unusual medical concerns such as Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, High Altitude Cerebral Edema, long-term care for diabetic emergencies, or abdominal pain. We will answer questions, discuss new medical products and techniques, and share other experts’ opinions on long-term patient care.
November 2, 2006 at 4:42 pm |
Dear Misty,
Thank you for your question regarding aspirin. Aspirin is a very powerful anti-platelet drug that is used to prevent blood clot formation. Once taken, the effect of aspirin actually lasts about 10 days but, if you have decided that the individual will benefit from taking aspirin, then they should continue to take one adult strenght aspirin, 325mg, per day until they are out of the backcountry.
This is appropriate management for anyone who is not allergic to aspirin and you suspect is having heart problems or is at high risk for pulmonary emboli.
Thanks, Frank