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Summer hiking safety; know about snakes, poisons, supplies

By Staff Sgt. Amanda Urban, 341st Maintenance Operations Squadron / Published July 26, 2007

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Imagine you are hiking down to your favorite fishing spot about a mile away from your truck. You are with your friends when you step right where one guy put his foot only to find you awoke a rattlesnake. How would you react in that situation? Would you be prepared if you were bitten? There are a lot of opportunities for something to go wrong and things to start looking grim for those who are ill-prepared. 

When you are hiking, let someone know where you are going. Plan for unexpected weather and always be alert for possible bear or mountain lion signs. Pick up an animal track indicator and learn which animals make which tracks. 

Watch where you put your feet when walking in the prairies and rocky terrain - you want to make sure you are stepping on solid ground and not a rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes are common in this region and can be deadly if bitten by one and medical help is not available right away. 

Know how to act if you are bitten. Keep calm and don't try to catch the snake. Know that symptoms of a snake bite can start at anytime depending on the weight, age and possible medical conditions of the person. Symptoms can range from tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes to fever, chills, sweating, nausea and breathing problems. 

When going into the mountains, make sure you are aware of what poison ivy and poison oak looks like. Knowing what they look like will keep you from getting a rash and being very uncomfortable for your hike. 

Every now and then something will go wrong but being prepared helps you through those setbacks and allows you to continue your hiking experience. 

Always try to hike with a group wherever you go and check to make sure everyone is equipped for the hike with the appropriate gear that is needed. 

Another idea is to bring your canine companion. As with a human companion, you want to make sure you have supplies for your dog like water, food and a first aid kit. Before you go out with your dog, you need to make sure they know basic commands. It would be best if you kept your companion on a leash in case you meet up with a bear or mountain lion. 

Before you go on a hike, check your supplies to make sure your items are still usable and in good condition. Supplies everyone should carry during a hike are:
* Candles; 
* warm clothing; 
* compass; 
* well-stocked first aid kit; 
* extra food; 
* flashlight; 
* map; 
* pocket knife; 
* medications you are currently taking; 
* space blanket; 
* water; 
* waterproof matches; 
* water purification tablets; and 
* whistle. 

These items are recommended for any length hikes and they could help save your life if something does go wrong. 

For more information, visit the following Web sites: www.bluebison.net, www.redcross.org, www.americanhiking.org, www.merck.com.

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