Animals & Plants: Insect Bites & Stings
Mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and other annoying biters cause reactions from itching to Lyme disease to full-blown, life-threatening allergy.

Animals & Plants: Poison Oak, Ivy, and Sumac
Many persons are allergic to the resin ("urushiol") present in poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Learn to recognize these plants in their natural habitats.

Animals & Plants: Snake Bites
If you are bitten by a snake, retreat out of its striking range and try not to panic. Most bites are "dry bites," with little or no venom.

Animals & Plants: Tick Bites & Tick Removal
Ticks are now recognized to transmit many serious human diseases. Check your skin regularly and remove ticks promptly.

Emergencies: Allergic Reaction
A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can be life threatening. Caused by exposure to insect and animal venoms, plant products, medications.

Emergencies: Dehydration
In all situations of high altitude, extreme environmental heat or cold, or vigorous exercise, people underestimate their need for fluids.

Emergencies: Heat-Related Illness
Consider heat-related illness a medical emergency. The human body does not tolerate elevated body temperature well, or extreme elevation at all.

Emergencies: High Altitude Disorders
Acute mountain sickness can begin as a nuisance, but its presence indicates that the sufferer is on the edge of becoming much more severely ill.

Emergencies: Hypothermia
The level of hypothermia determines whether you can effectively rewarm a person in the field. Always keep the victim from becoming colder.

Emergencies: Lightning Strike
A person who has been struck by lightning is not "electrified."