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GENERAL MEDICAL INFORMATION
Each trek group is required to have a minimum of one doctor, registered nurse, or
EMT for every hundred participants. The designated medical expert must be with the
trekkers at all times. Each ward or stake is responsible for the safety of their entire trek
participants at all times. The Medical Staff must be prepared with all the necessary
emergency medical equipment, medicine, shelter, transportation, release forms, and
communication they will need to cover the needs of their group. They should provide
training for the Ma’s and Pa’s on prevention methods. Design activities with safety in
mind. Please train all trek participants so they can encourage, strengthen and remind
each other regarding safety issues. Few things will be more detrimental to a successful
trek than sickness or injury.

Obedience
Obedience to rules of inspired priesthood leaders, trek leaders, Ma’s and Pa’s, and other
personnel is essential for trek safety.

Physical Challenges
There are many youth who have a variety of physical or mental challenges such as
Diabetes, blindness, Down's syndrome, obesity, depression, etc. that might discourage
them from attending trek. They often require special food, medication, help, sleeping
arrangements, or equipment to allow them to be a part of the experience. They may not
be able to walk very far with the handcarts but other arrangements can be made. Try to
include everyone. Leaders (including the medical staff) should counsel with the
individuals and their parents about going and how they could be a part of the trek. These
individuals can have a great experience and add an incredible spirit to the trek. Their safe
involvement should always remain the first priority.

Proper clothing
Pioneer style clothing is good for more than one reason--it helps set the mood and
provides protection. First make sure that the trek clothing is appropriate for the weather
conditions that your group might face. Generally, groups are encouraged to wear cotton
fabrics; light- weight, long sleeved shirts and blouses, mid-calf to boot-length skirts for
the girls, with bloomers underneath for modesty, and for the boys, long pants;
comfortable, loose fitting, and not denims. Shoes should be well broken in walking shoes.
It is suggested that trekkers wear 2 pairs of socks at a time, (1 thin, 1 heavier); this can
help to reduce the likelihood of blisters. Large brimmed hats and sunbonnets help protect
from sun and insects.

Weather
It can change rapidly so jackets or coats and rain-wear should be kept handy. If trekkers
are planning to be in water on occasion, they should have water shoes or a change of
shoes and socks so walking in wet shoes and socks can be avoided. Also, wet pants can
cause chafing if considerable walking is done after getting wet. Chafing is more frequent in hot temperatures. Remember, the weather may be either hot or cold or, more likely, a combination. Plan for change! Chemical Barriers
Sunscreen and insect repellant are a must. For protection from insects, including disease-
carrying ticks, use permethrin products to spray clothing, shoes, hats, etc., according to
product instructions BEFORE packing for the trek. Use high percentage DEET products
to spray on skin as directed while on the trek. Sunscreen should be applied prior to sun
exposure and repeated as directed during the day. Cover ALL exposed parts of the body.
Chafing in underarm and 'diaper' areas can be a problem, and may be prevented by
keeping those areas dry with good air circulation. Products such as baby powder, Gold
Bond powder, Zeasorb, etc., may be helpful.
Endurance
Trek participants (youth and leaders) should be able to walk the distances which will be
traveled on the trek (unless they have a limiting disability). This usually requires some
conditioning/training prior to the trek. You need to make advance preparation and plans
for anyone in your group who needs special assistance.
Diet
The trek experience is physically challenging. Trekkers need nutritious, well-balanced
meals and snacks to maintain strength. Fasting during Trek is not recommended.
Water, Water, Water
Every handcart should have 10 gallons of water. Trekkers should stop every 20-25
minutes to drink water on the trail. Avoid carbonated and highly sweetened drinks.
Adequate water should be provided to the trekkers at points along the trail and in
camping areas.
Communication
Medical personal should have two way radios, cell phones, and a GPS system if possible.
They will need to keep in contact with the medical vehicle, the Trail Boss and Company
Captains. Medical Staff should wear something that makes them easy to identify, for
example, they could wear a red cross on their hat or a red band on their arm.
Parents and leaders at home should have a way to contact the leaders on trek if there is an emergency. Transportation
During a trek, there must be medical personnel walking with the youth, while an out-of-
sight medical vehicle follows behind. If someone is injured or cannot continue, the
medical staff contacts the vehicles to pick up the individual. (Medical vehicles are not
allowed to follow trekkers at Martin’s Cove or Sixth Crossing. They may be called in
case of an emergency).
Medical Facilities/Life Flight and Ambulance Service
The medical support and group leaders should know the route to the nearest hospital
and carry the numbers for the local sheriff and Life Flight for their area.
Lift Flight helicopter service and ambulance service may be available, but depending upon locality, either may be very expensive. To avoid unnecessary liability for payment for these services, only authorized medical personnel should call for these services upon request of the group's Trek Leader or medical advisor. General Safety
Leave the wildlife alone! Trekkers should NOT hike alone or wander off from their
group; a buddy system should be developed. Leaders should know where the youth are at
all times. Every person should have a working flashlight. If someone is bitten by a snake,
contact the Trek Medical Expert immediately.
Medical Information/ Release
Medical staff should receive a medical release form from every participant including the
Ma’s/ Pa’s and support staff. Essential information should include allergies, current
medications, medical conditions, date of last tetanus booster and any special needs. ALL
MINORS should have a consent paper for medical treatment signed by their parent or
legal guardian. The medical support and leaders should familiarize themselves with the
different medical issues they might face along the trail and be prepared. The Ma’s and
Pa’s should be notified of the medical issues they face within their trek family.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS
Trek groups are responsible for their own medical and support staff. Each group should have their own emergency action plan for injuries such as dehydration/hyperthermia, asthma, blisters, cuts, sprains, insect/snake bites, allergic reactions, foreign body / irritation to eye, broken bones, vomiting/diarrhea, lost participants, fire, severe storms, and all other life threatening injuries. The main focus of these emergency action plans should be centered on prevention, communication, and proper action. Sample Emergency Action Plan
Prevention
Train leaders to look for the signs and symptoms of possible injures Ensure that everyone has the needed equipment During the orientation at the trekking site review possible health hazards Trail Boss, Medical Staff, and Ma’s and Pa’s, should always be watching Maintain communication with radios and cell phones. Procedure if trekker is injured
Ma or Pa contact their Company Captain who will radio the Medical Company Captain will also inform the Trail Boss of the situation Ma and Pa will temporarily treat the injured trekker and the rest of their Medical Support will evaluate the condition of the sick trekker and give Medical Staff will communicate with the Trail Boss, Company Captain, and Ma and Pa of the trekker’s condition. If the situation involves evacuation, the Medical Staff will contact the proper medical facilities and inform the participant’s parents, bishop, and
FIRST AID INFORMATION
Each group should evaluate their own situation and rely on their own Trek
Medical Experts and medical staff for opinions, diagnosis, and treatment of any
illnesses or injuries incurred while trekking. The following are samples and
suggestions for dealing with medical issues on trek, and are not to be taken as legally
binding. The Trek Medical Experts should be consulted and their advice followed in
all medical incidents incurred while trekking.
First Aid Kits
Sample Basic Kit Each Ma and Pa should have with them a basic first aid kit. The following items are put into a zip lock bag: antiseptic wipes, mole skin, band aids, Neosporin, hand wipes, scissors, baby powder, feminine products, sun screen, tweezers etc. Sample Major Kit Medical personnel should have their own extensive first aid kit which could include extra of the items listed above, along with disinfectant, epinephrine kit, Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, Hydrocortisone cream, butterfly bandages, ace bandages, sterile gauze 3x3, 4x4 pads, tape, knee brace, wrist splint, triangle bandages, burn ointment, thermometer, penlight, steri-strips, non-adherent dressings, blood pressure cuff, IV, second skin, ice pack, eye wash pack, latex gloves, Aloe Vera Gel, Pepto Bismol, electrolyte tabs, safety pins, basins (soaking, emesis), coke, crackers, and other supplies or medications your medical personnel desire to have available.
Medical Concerns
Seven medical issues generally faced on trek:
1. Dehydration/Heat exhaustion which can cause (nausea and vomiting)
2. Hypothermia
3. Blisters!!!!
4. Sprains (knees and ankles)
5. Cuts from knifes
6. Asthma and allergy attacks
7. Sunburns and Chafing
Dehydration/Heat Exhaustion
1. Did you know that if you’re thirsty, you’re already partially dehydrated?
2. Drink to prevent thirst, not to quench it.
It is important to have plenty of Water and Gatorade or equivalent powder for the
trekkers. Most groups carry 10 gallons of water on the carts with them. The Trail Boss
will need to stop the group at least every 20-25 minutes for a water break. When it is
really hot, the groups refill their water jugs two to three times during the day. Spray
bottles help keep the youth cooled off. The Ma’s and Pa’s should have powdered
Gatorade that they add to the water at least twice during the day. Remember to drink even
when you are not pulling handcarts.
Symptoms
 Pale face and the whole body may feel cool and clammy  Dilated pupils, headache and dizziness  Weak pulse  Place the person on their back and raise their feet  Provide shade for the person  Loosen clothing or remove some of the patient’s clothes, shoes and socks  Give patient water and if you have Gatorade or equivalent powder, dilute it with water (half and half): encourage patient to drink all possible.  Fan and put cool, wet cloths to back of neck, face, armpits lower legs The Medical support staff needs to be capable of providing treatment for moderate to severe dehydration, if required. Prevention of dehydration by ensuring adequate fluid intake is critical, but may not always be adequate without careful monitoring. Heat exhaustion can quickly progress to heat stroke without adequate medical care and supervision. Heat Stroke (caused by exposure to the sun; it is a life threatening emergency)
 Red, very hot face. Skin is often dry but if a person has been exercising hard, they  Rapid, strong pulse  Possible unconsciousness  Place person on his back with head and shoulders raised  Get them into a cool medical vehicle.  Undress the person down to the underwear  Cover the person---especially the head with dripping wet towels, shirts, or cloths.
Hypothermia (the body loses more heat than it can generate)
This can happen to anyone who is not dressed warmly enough in cold weather. Wind, rain, and exhaustion increase the risk. The temperature does not have to be freezing.  Begins to shiver and then shivering becomes violent  Cannot think clearly, stumbles and falls.  Prevention! Be prepared, eat plenty of food and drink lots of fluids.  Take off wet clothes  Get into a sleeping bag.  If in an advanced stage, the rescuer must also strip down to underwear and get into the sleeping bag so that body contact can warm the victim slowly.
Sprains and Strains
Treatment
 Apply cold to reduce swelling and pain  Elevate injured part, and use compression (Ace wrap).  Then 72 hours later, apply heat to increase metabolism.  Rest the injured part. Blisters
Prevention
 A pair of thin inner socks (nylon knee high) under thicker hiking socks will help  If you feel a hot spot forming on your foot, stop right away and treat it before it  Cut a piece of moleskin in the shape of a doughnut and place it on your foot with  If you think a blister will break, sterilize a pin in the flame of a match.  Prick the blister near its edge and press out the liquid.  Protect the wound from pressure with a doughnut bandage and keep it clean with
Bleeding
Treatment
 Elevate injured limb above body level  Apply direct pressure  Cover with a pad. If the cloth becomes soaked, DO NOT REMOVE IT. Put another pad on top of the first one, and get medical help.
Thunderstorms/Lightning
Thunderstorms can often surprise trek groups. Stake/ward leaders should have an
emergency plan prepared.
The Trail Boss, Company Captains, and Medical Staff should know the flash-to-bang system of measuring lightning distance. Because light travels much faster than sound, the time between a lightning bolt and thunderclap will tell how far away the lightning is. Each 5-second count equals 1 mile. Before the count reaches 15 seconds or less (3 miles or closer) take precautions. Sometimes you may feel an electric charge, the hair on your head or body standing on end, or your skin tingling; if so, a lightning strike may be imminent. Lightning typically strikes the tallest object in the area and is attracted to metal objects. Ma’s and Pa’s should move their families, with their rain ponchos on, away from their handcarts towards the lowest spot in the area. Everyone should spread out at least 15 feet apart to minimize the chance of everyone getting hit. Everyone should be taught (before the trek starts) the crouch position they should get into if lightning is a threat. Trekkers should crouch down on the balls of their feet and bend forward so that their head is low but no other part of their body touches the ground. Keep your feet together to minimize body contact with the ground, which minimizes the risk of being hit. If someone is struck, get the Medical staff immediately to treat and transport.

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