Summer Safety Tips
Summer Safety Tips in Jackson Hole, WY According to Dr. Brent Blue, a physician at Emerg-A-Care and Dr. Ron Gooder, a physician at InstaCare (services that specialize in routine and emergency care), the most common injuries they see in the summer are:
Overuse injuries
Overuse injuries occur so predominately for two main reasons: while you may be in shape in your hometown, Jackson's high altitude and low humidity contribute to dehydration and extreme exhaustion; and you're on vacation--it's easy to push your comfort/wise-use limit into the bounds of injury without really being aware of it until it is too late.
Sunburn
Both doctors mentioned sunburn as a primary "injury"--and one that can ruin several days of your vacation in Jackson Hole. The sun feels more intense in Jackson and at high elevations it is; there is less atmosphere to protect your skin from exposure. Even at the valley floor, if your home is at sea-level, you are approximately 6300 feet closer to the sun--a difference that can make a radical change in the amount of sun-time your skin can handle before burning.
Allergies
Jackson Hole has several distinct allergy seasons that progress through dust, pollen, cottonwood(s), and haying. Often visitors to Jackson Hole have an increased susceptibility because that are not used to the specific type of irritant.
Fishhooks
Not normally a considered a weapon against human flesh, according to Dr. Gooder, "piercing in various parts of the body" have required his services during the summer months. Laugh now--it could be you, the budding fisherman/woman on your next visit to Jackson Hole.
Infections from Water-borne Bacteria
The most common water-borne bacteria that causes severe illness in the Jackson Hole area is Giardia. Even though water looks absolutely clear and clean, it can be infested with live bacteria, eggs and cysts. At higher altitudes, water must be boiled for 25 minutes to ensure killing both the live bacteria and the eggs that could hatch in your intestinal tract (remember "Aliens"--just kidding). Giardia infection is characterized by nausea, cramps, diarrhea and extreme gas (bloating). If you fall out of a boat/raft, try not to swallow water--it may be impossible, but try.
Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS is a reaction to high elevation levels that can result in headaches, nausea, disorientation, and in extreme cases, needs immediate hospitalization. Generally you are only at risk if you are sleeping at elevations over 8000 feet, but some people have a greater sensitivity, or if you are from extremely lower elevations, minor reactions can occur.
All of these injuries/illness can put a damper on your vacation--and almost all are easily preventable with a little common sense and keeping the following in mind:
- Drink lots of water--LOTS. The general rule of thumb is drink enough to cause urination at least every three hours. You are easily susceptible to dehydration in Jackson's low humidity, high altitude environment. You will exasperate AMS symptoms if you are not sufficiently hydrated. If you are out hiking, either carry water with you that you know is safe, use a water-filtration device that removes bacteria, sediment and at least the most common viruses or use iodine tablets to purify stream or lake water. No matter how clean that stream looks, unless you want to spend the next 10 days to two weeks sicker than a dog, don't drink it.
- Don't over do it. Take your time easing into Jackson Hole's outstanding outdoor opportunities. The high altitude makes high-level activities such as hiking and biking much more demanding on your body. You are far more likely to injure yourself when you are over-tired. Pleasantly tired from a day's hike feels good--exhaustion, dehydration and too much sun can ruin your evening.
- Wear protective clothing, hats and sunscreen as necessary for your skin type. Painful sunburn at these altitudes can happen within an hour for people with fair skin.
- Wear the appropriate protective gear. If you are biking or kayaking, wear a protective helmet. Always have a emergency medical kit with you.
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