It is hoped that the introduction of major outdoor hazards, identification methods, and response measures in this article can help outdoor enthusiasts reduce accidents and promote outdoor safety.
This article is for reference only. Before and after actual trips, other relevant outdoor safety materials should also be consulted, especially for medical-related issues, please consult professionals in detail.
The outdoor risks introduced in this article occur only in specific seasons for some, while others may occur year-round.
In the event of any injury, professional medical assistance should be sought as soon as possible.
1. Getting Lost
Getting lost can happen in all seasons, but it is most likely to occur during seasons with changeable weather (or due to inadequate preparation), such as spring, especially in heavy fog. In winter, snowy and windy conditions also make it very easy to get lost.
Safety Guidelines:
Plan your trip in detail before setting out, and try to familiarize yourself with the route as much as possible in advance.
Pay attention to recent weather forecasts and avoid traveling when the weather conditions are poor.
Carry essential items, such as: a map (preferably a topographic map with contour lines), a compass (or GPS), water, food, a headlamp (flashlight), rain gear, first aid supplies, a whistle, a mobile phone, a pen and paper, etc.
Avoid letting the distance between the front and back of the group become too great; it's best to stay within sight or communication range.
While moving, choose mountain trails with clear signs or well-established routes, and avoid taking shortcuts or forging new paths.
Response Measures:
Use a compass and map to determine your current location.
Try to remember the path you have taken and retrace your steps back to the starting point. If you cannot return the way you came, it’s best to stay put and wait for rescue.
Do not continue advancing or wandering blindly, as this will exhaust your energy and make rescue more difficult.
If you decide to keep moving forward, leave clear markers at every fork in the path while searching for a way out.
If you are unable to identify your location, head toward high ground such as ridges, where it is easier to get your bearings and you are more likely to be spotted by rescuers. Avoid heading into valleys or ravines—once there, it is hard to determine direction. While going downhill may seem easier, it is more dangerous, and retracing your steps to higher ground becomes difficult, leading to unnecessary energy depletion.
If it is necessary to send someone for help or to scout ahead, follow the buddy system.
If the weather is cold and you lack adequate cold-weather gear, during thunderstorms, or in case of wildfires, temporarily move away from high ground and wait for conditions to improve before returning to a higher position to await rescue.
Send an [International Mountain Distress Signal]
Within one minute, issue six long signals in succession, then pause for one minute, and repeat the same signals without interruption until rescue personnel arrive. (Even if you have been spotted by rescuers from a distance, continue sending signals so they know your exact location.)
Methods for Sending Signals:
Blow a whistle.
Use a mirror or metal sheet to reflect light.
At night, use a headlamp or flashlight to flash.
Wave brightly colored scarves or clothing.
SOS distress signal
Whenever possible, spell out large SOS letters on flat, open ground using rocks or branches. (Each letter should be at least 6 meters × 6 meters)
2. Snake Bites
There are roughly ten common types of venomous snakes in China: the pit viper, bamboo pit viper, golden ringed snake, silver ringed snake, five-step snake (sharp-nosed pit viper), viper, cobra, king cobra, hundred-pace viper, and sea snake (found in the sea and coastal mangroves). In mountainous and wild areas, snakes are usually active during spring, summer, and autumn.
Snakes are generally very afraid of humans and will not attack unless they feel threatened. Given the chance, they will usually flee.
Safety Guidelines:
Wear long pants and high-top boots when outdoors.
Stick to established paths and avoid creating new ones. Try not to walk through tall grass or dense shrubbery.
Avoid touching areas that are out of sight or of unknown condition with your hands or feet, such as under rocks, in grass, or in pits and holes.
Response Measures:
If you encounter a snake, stay calm and still. Do not provoke the snake, and give the frightened snake a chance to escape. Snakes have good eyesight and will often strike back immediately if provoked by sudden movements.
If bitten by a snake, here’s what to keep in mind:
Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom or wash it unless you are a professional.
Comfort the victim and keep them calm.
If possible, clean the wound with a clean liquid (such as water) and apply a sterile dressing.
Have the victim lie down, immobilize the bitten area, but do not elevate the wound—keep it below heart level.
Do not drink alcohol or engage in unnecessary movement. If carrying snake medicine, take it orally or apply it externally as soon as possible.
If possible, use a bandage to tightly wrap the area above the wound. (The tightness should allow one finger to slide between the limb and the bandage)
Transport the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible. If possible, identify the type, color, and markings of the snake. If the biting snake has been captured, take it to the hospital as well to help medical personnel identify it and administer the appropriate antivenom.
3. Insect and Arthropod Stings and Bites
3.1 Bee Stings
Safety Guidelines:
Stick to established paths and avoid venturing off-trail, especially areas like fern thickets where insects often gather.
Do not disturb beehives, and avoid swatting at bushes or tree branches with trekking poles or sticks.
Apply insect repellent (such as DEET) to your skin and clothing.
Avoid using fragrant cosmetics, as they may attract bees.
Response Measures:
If a beehive blocks your path, consider taking a detour.
If a few bees are hovering around your head, you can usually ignore them and continue on your way.
If a stinger remains in the wound, remove it with tweezers—but do not squeeze the venom sac, as this may push more poison into the skin.
If you are being chased by a swarm of bees, stay still, use your outer clothing to cover your head and neck for protection, curl up on the ground, and slowly retreat only after the bees have dispersed.
You can soak a towel in cold water, gently apply it to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain. Alternatively, apply medications such as wind-dispelling oil, safflower oil, or mentholated oil to alleviate the pain.
In cases of severe stings, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
3.2 Ticks:
Ticks, commonly known as grass crawlers, ticks, flat ticks, or hidden-wing insects, are highly harmful insects widely distributed in China. There are approximately 100 recorded species of hard ticks and 10 species of soft ticks in China. Ticks are temporary parasites on the surface of many vertebrates and serve as vectors and reservoir hosts for certain zoonotic diseases.
Hard ticks mostly live in forests, shrubs, grasslands, open pastures, grassy plains, and mountain soils. Soft ticks often inhabit livestock pens, wild animal burrows, bird nests, and crevices in buildings, or live within the fur of animals such as livestock. The distribution of different tick species is also related to climate, soil, vegetation, and hosts.
Safety Guidelines:
Since ticks mainly inhabit grasslands and woods, try to avoid entering known tick-infested areas during summer and autumn. To prevent tick bites, it is best to wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants, tuck in your collar, cuffs, and pant legs, and avoid sitting or lying on the ground for extended periods. Apply repellents [such as DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide)] to exposed skin. When leaving, check each other to ensure no ticks are carried out.
Wear long pants and tightly fasten the collars, cuffs, and pant legs. Try to avoid sitting or lying on the ground for extended periods in the wild. Apply insect repellent [containing DEET (diethyltoluamide)] to exposed areas, and check each other before leaving to ensure no ticks are carried out.
Response Measures:
Ticks usually cause no pain when they bite and suck blood, but because their chelicerae and hypostome pierce the host’s skin simultaneously, they can cause localized redness, swelling, acute inflammatory reactions, and may lead to secondary infections.
If bitten by a tick, never try to pull it out forcefully by hand, as this may leave the tick’s head embedded in the skin. If you find a tick attached or burrowed into the skin, apply alcohol to the tick. If alcohol is unavailable, apply wind-dispelling oil, herbal oil, or mentholated oil to the tick’s head, or use liquid paraffin or glycerin to suffocate it by applying a thick layer to its head, causing it to relax or die. Then remove the tick with tweezers. If alcohol or similar is not available, you can also burn the exposed part of the tick with a cigarette butt to make its head detach on its own.
After removing the tick, disinfect the area with iodine or alcohol, and monitor your health closely. If symptoms such as fever, inflammation or ulceration at the bite site, or rashes appear, seek medical attention promptly. (Note: Never rinse the bite area with water while the tick is attached.)
3.3 Scorpion Stings:
Scorpions are widely distributed across China. Stings are usually very painful but generally not life-threatening. If stung by a scorpion, keep the wound clean to prevent infection and cool the affected area. If the pain is severe and persists for more than four hours, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
4. Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction refers to the body’s adverse response to external substances. It is said that the number of deaths caused by severe allergic reactions each year is twice that of venomous snake bites. The severity of allergic reactions varies—mild symptoms include itchy skin, burning sensations, asthma, localized redness and swelling, rashes, or hives, while severe reactions can lead to breathing difficulties, anaphylactic shock, and even death.
The above describes allergic reactions caused by insects and arthropods. Below focuses on allergic reactions caused by plants.
Some common wild plants in the mountains and fields can pose risks to humans. For example: pollen can cause respiratory allergies; lacquer trees can cause skin allergies; prickly ash (Zanthoxylum nitidum) can prick hands and feet; and water celery or wild mushrooms (and wild fruits) can be toxic and fatal if consumed.
Safety Guidelines:
Generally, individuals with allergies should understand their conditions, carry necessary anti-allergy medication when venturing outdoors, and inform their companions of their allergy history. It is best to write down the types of allergenic plants and associated symptoms and carry them with your first aid kit.
Never pick or consume unidentified wild plants or fruits (such as water celery, mushrooms, or fungi).
Avoid walking into dense thickets.
Wear gloves when entering a forest.
When necessary to pass through thickets, wrap your head and face or exposed skin with a towel or clothing.
Never touch lacquer trees with your bare hands.
When handling plants, watch out for thorns or spines.
Response Measures:
If any allergic reaction occurs, even the mildest symptom such as difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.
If a companion shows signs of an allergic reaction, first keep the person calm.
If you accidentally ingest wild plants, your first priority should be to try to vomit in order to expel the contents of your stomach.
Your companions should closely monitor the patient’s physical condition. Symptoms such as fever, itching, followed by difficulty breathing, rashes, hives, wheezing, and then swelling of the lips, tongue, eyeballs, and hands, along with signs of shock (rapid, weak pulse; pale, cold, clammy skin), can lead to very serious consequences.
If medical help is not immediately available, administer appropriate medication if possible. Use antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (25–50 mg every 4–6 hours for adults), chlorpheniramine, cetirizine, or loratadine. In cases of more severe breathing difficulties or shock, an injectable prescription drug—epinephrine—may be administered if possible (only under a doctor's prescription).
[Please follow a doctor’s instructions for the use of the above medications.]
5. Contaminated Water and Diarrhea
Water sources in the wild are often contaminated by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Once consumed, contaminated water may cause one of three outcomes: acute diarrhea, chronic infection, or asymptomatic infection (where the person carries the pathogen and spreads it to others).
Safety Guidelines:
In the wild, bring your own water as much as possible, and avoid drinking untreated water whenever you can.
Do not allow individuals with diarrhea symptoms to handle cooking or come into contact with water or food.
If no other options exist, at least boil the water, filter it through a physical device, or treat it with chemical purifying tablets before drinking. Boiling water is the best method. It is recommended to boil the water for one minute and let it sit for a few minutes before drinking.
Animals are also a source of contamination risk. At campsites, cover food and water at night to prevent animals from accessing or contaminating them.
Response Measures:
The key to treating diarrhea is to replenish fluids and prevent dehydration in the patient.
First, have the patient drink treated water or an electrolyte replacement drink. You can use commercially available electrolyte drink powders. Alternatively, mix one part salt, three parts sugar, and one liter of treated water to make a homemade electrolyte replacement drink.
Second, administer bismuth subsalicylate to the patient—two tablets every half hour, not exceeding 16 tablets within 24 hours. [For detailed usage of this medication, please consult a doctor.]
For more severe symptoms—such as three or more episodes of diarrhea within eight hours, persistent diarrhea over several days, or other serious physical signs (nausea, fever, bloody stool, severe cramps, etc.)—seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
6. Slips and Falls
Sloping trails—such as slippery stone surfaces, muddy paths, or hard sandy ground covered with grains of sand—can easily cause people to slip and get injured while descending.
Safety Guidelines:
Wear non-slip hiking shoes with ankle support and textured soles.
Carry trekking poles when possible, and use them when needed.
Avoid walking on slippery stones, muddy paths, or hard sandy ground covered with sand. If avoidance isn't possible, proceed cautiously without running or jumping.
Response Measures:
When someone slips and gets injured, check for sprains, abrasions, or other injuries. Administer first aid immediately if needed.
Sometimes fractures are not obvious from the surface. If there is redness or pain at the injury site, do not continue walking. Only proceed after confirming that there is no serious issue.
If the injured person can walk, assist them with trekking poles or the help of teammates. Do not force them to walk alone, which may worsen the injury.
If the injured person has difficulty moving, seek help via mobile phone or send someone for assistance immediately. Move the person to a cool, flat, dry area, cover them with clothing to keep warm, and wait for rescue personnel. If there is internal bleeding (organ hemorrhage), do not move the person unnecessarily to avoid worsening the bleeding. If you are able and understand the symptoms, provide emergency treatment as needed. If no external help is available, carefully carry the injured person out of the mountains for medical treatment. After initial first aid, immobilize the injury and construct a stretcher to transport the patient.
7. Landslides
During heavy rain or after several days of rainfall, natural or man-made slopes that have absorbed large amounts of water are highly prone to landslides and mudflows, which can trigger slope collapses.
Safety Guidelines:
During heavy rain or after days of rainfall, avoid approaching or staying near steep slopes.
When large amounts of muddy water seep out from the base of a slope or from drainage holes, it indicates that the slope is saturated with water. Cracks in the middle or top of the slope, newly formed stepped patterns, or freshly exposed soil are all signs of potential landslides. You should evacuate such areas as soon as possible.
If a landslide blocks your path, do not attempt to walk across the mud. Retreat immediately and find a safe alternative route or cancel your journey.
Response Measures:
If a teammate is buried by a landslide, do not attempt to rescue them on your own to avoid further casualties. Notify the relevant authorities immediately so they can bring appropriate tools for rescue.
8. Falling Rocks
Even small rocks falling from a height can sometimes cause injuries or fatalities.
Safety Guidelines:
When hiking in the wilderness and encountering areas prone to falling rocks—such as steep slopes, cliffs, or scree slopes—it is best to wear a helmet. If no helmet is available, use thick clothing, towels, or similar items to cover your head and move through quickly.
If you encounter an extremely loose scree slope, it is recommended to take a detour if possible.
When climbing up a slope, cliff, or scree slope in a team formation, try to ascend in a zigzag pattern.
While climbing, avoid grabbing loose rocks or tree stumps to prevent triggering rockfalls.
While walking, try to avoid stepping on loose rocks. Generally, in rocky areas, loose rocks appear newer in color compared to surrounding stones and can be identified with careful observation.
Response Measures:
If you hear or see rocks falling from above or accidentally dislodge a rock yourself, immediately shout to alert anyone below. At the same time, move as far inward as possible to avoid being hit.
If you are injured by falling rocks, treat the injury appropriately based on the severity using standard first aid procedures for external wounds.
9. Flash Floods
During the rainy season, flash floods are extremely dangerous. Everyone should fully understand the power and speed of flash floods. A small stream can quickly swell into a massive torrent due to heavy rainfall upstream, sometimes within just minutes. If you are in the valley, you could easily be swept away, resulting in injury or death.
Safety Guidelines:
Unless you are on a planned stream-trekking activity, avoid walking along valleys or riverbeds.
During summer rainy seasons or after heavy rain, do not enter valleys or riverbeds.
Do not rest in riverbeds, especially downstream.
When it starts to rain, quickly leave the riverbed and move to higher ground on the shore.
Do not attempt to cross bridges that have been submerged by floodwaters. Evacuate the riverbed immediately.
Avoid camping in valleys or riverbeds. If unavoidable, assign someone to keep watch overnight.
Response Measures:
If you notice fast-moving, murky water mixed with sand and mud, it is a sign of an impending flash flood. Evacuate the area immediately.
If you accidentally fall into fast-moving water, grab onto rocks, tree trunks, or vines along the bank and try to climb back to shore or wait for rescue.
If you need to cross a river, avoid choosing areas with strong currents. Never attempt to cross during a flash flood. If possible, use ropes or other equipment to assist in crossing.
10. Wildfires
During dry autumn and winter weather, wildfires can spread extremely quickly uphill on sloping grassy terrain when carried by the wind. Hikers must never underestimate the power of wildfires.
Safety Guidelines:
Always be cautious with fire sources at all times.
For short day trips, avoid carrying stoves or cooking over an open flame as much as possible.
At campsites, try to use stoves for cooking rather than building campfires or bonfires. When using a stove, be cautious with the flame, keep it away from grass and other flammable areas, and pay attention to wind direction at all times.
In the wilderness, avoid smoking. Cigarette butts and matches must be completely extinguished before being discarded in a garbage bag and taken away.
Since wildfires are harder to spot during the daytime, stay alert for flying ash and the smell of smoke. If you detect a wildfire, leave the area as quickly as possible.
Remember that the speed at which wildfires spread is extremely difficult to estimate. If you see a wildfire in the distance downhill from your planned route, do not risk continuing your journey, as you could become trapped.
Response Measures:
Stay calm when encountering a wildfire—do not panic.
If a wildfire is caused by personal actions such as cooking, try to extinguish it in its early stages.
Do not attempt to put out a wildfire unless:
A. The wildfire is very small.
B. You are absolutely in a safe location.
C. You have a clear escape route.
Assess the following factors to quickly evacuate the area:
A. The direction of the wildfire’s spread—avoid running in the same direction as the fire.
B. The slope of nearby trails—choose an easier path to escape.
C. The height and density of nearby vegetation—opt for areas with less vegetation.
Escaping along existing trails minimizes obstacles and allows for faster movement.
If the wildfire is imminent and there’s no escape route, wrap exposed skin with clothing, run to an already burned area—this reduces the chance of injury. If conditions
allow, avoid moving uphill as it consumes more energy.
Do not enter areas with low shrubs or tall grass, as wildfires spread faster and generate more intense heat in these environments.
Burn Treatment:
If you suffer burns, treat them promptly based on the severity of the injury and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The first step in treating burns or scalds is to cool the affected area. Rinse the burned tissue with clean, cool water.
Remove all burnt clothing from the victim, and carefully take off any fabric stuck to the skin. If blisters form, do not puncture them to avoid infection.
Remove jewelry and clean the wound, then apply a layer of antibiotic ointment.
Cover the wound with a dry, sterile dressing. Wrap it securely to seal it from air. If possible, place something like an ice pack over the dressing to reduce pain, but
Prevent the burn tissue from coagulating.
Elevate the injured person’s limb. Give the victim plenty of water to drink.
Conduct a full examination of the victim. If shock occurs, provide immediate treatment.
Transport the victim to hospital for treatment as soon as possible.
11,Lightning Strikes
From June to September each year, the period from noon to evening is when lightning strikes most frequently.
Lightning usually strikes the highest point of an object and then travels along the path of least resistance to the ground.
When a person is struck by lightning, it often causes muscle spasms, burns, suffocation, or cardiac arrest.
Safety Guidelines:
Pay attention to weather forecasts. Avoid traveling when the weather is unstable, and especially do not go out when a thunderstorm warning is in effect.
If it starts to rain during your trip, the first sign is usually the enlargement of cumulus clouds, which will soon turn into thunderclouds. If you see cumulus clouds gathering, try to find shelter in a safe place. A sudden downpour of large raindrops during rainfall is also a sign of impending thunder.
When outdoors, wear rubber-soled shoes.
In a lightning environment, do not touch water or wet objects.
Response Measures:
Quickly move to lower ground. Do not stand on mountaintops or near highly conductive objects. Trees or masts are easily struck by lightning and should be avoided as much as possible.
After lightning strikes an object, the electric current spreads through the ground, so do not lie down, especially on damp ground, which is particularly dangerous. Crouch down and minimize contact with the ground.
Stay away from metal objects, and temporarily remove any metal items on your body such as jewelry or metal-framed glasses.
Whenever possible, take shelter inside a building but avoid standing close to walls.
Do not swim or engage in other water sports. Get out of the water and find shelter.
Do not touch antennas, water pipes, wire fences, or other similar metal installations.
Avoid gathering in groups; try to spread out while maintaining communication with each other.
Do not handle flammable materials in open containers.
If someone is struck by lightning and exhibits symptoms such as unconsciousness, respiratory arrest, or cardiac arrest, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you are trained to do so.
If there are signs of burns, treat them according to the burn treatment methods described above.
12,Sunburn
When engaging in outdoor activities in summer, the sunlight is very strong, so it is essential to guard against sunburn. Prolonged skin exposure to the sun can cause first- or second-degree burns and lead to heat-related injuries such as heatstroke. Ultraviolet rays can also penetrate the skin and bones, radiating to the meninges and retina, damaging the brain and eyes. Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer.
At high altitudes, the thin air allows a large amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation to directly hit the human body, making sunburn very likely. Walking on snowfields or glaciers under bright sunlight can also cause sunburn. Sunburn can even occur on cloudy days.
Safety Guidelines:
On hot, sunny days with intense sunlight, try to avoid walking on exposed, unprotected trails.
When participating in activities where sunburn is possible, always bring a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30–50), a scarf, wear UV-protective clothing, and carry heatstroke prevention medications such as Shidishui, Rendan, Huoxiang Zhengqi Pills, and Cooling Oil.
Countermeasures:
Sunburn is best prevented.
If sunburn occurs, cover the affected skin with opaque clothing.
The treatment for sunburn is largely the same as that for burns.
When walking on snow or other areas with high sunlight reflectivity, failure to protect your eyes can easily lead to snow blindness. Snow blindness is essentially a sunburn of the eyeball. Prevention is key—wear sunglasses that block UV rays, and in cases of strong sunlight or high reflectivity, also use side shields. At high altitudes, wear sunglasses regardless of weather conditions. If you wear contact lenses and experience snow blindness, remove them immediately.
13. Heat Injuries
During outdoor activities in summer, high temperatures and intense physical exertion can cause the body to accumulate more heat than it dissipates. Without proper precautions, rising body temperature and loss of fluids and electrolytes can lead to heat injuries such as heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and in severe cases, heatstroke.
As body temperature rises, the human body has two responses: first, blood vessels in the skin dilate to increase blood flow to the surface and cool the skin; second, sweating increases to release heat from the body through sweat.
Although sweating helps lower body temperature, excessive sweating leads to significant loss of water, salt, and electrolytes, and can also reduce blood circulation to the brain and other vital organs to dangerously low levels. Thirst is not a reliable indicator of dehydration—the body typically only feels thirsty after losing over a liter of water.
Safety Guidelines for Heat Injuries:
Plan your itinerary carefully, taking into account the temperature and the physical condition of your group, and avoid prolonged activity under high heat and direct sunlight.
Avoid pushing your physical limits with intense exercise in high temperatures to prevent overexertion.
While wearing hats and long-sleeved clothing during the journey helps protect against sun exposure and scratches from weeds or thorns, it can also hinder heat dissipation. To help cool down, wet your hat with water when walking in the sun; remove the hat when in the shade. During rest, try to take off your backpack and unbutton your shirt collar to allow heat to escape. Rest in shaded, ventilated areas whenever possible.
Maintain a steady pace during the journey. Avoid walking for more than an hour at a time, and take a break every 30 minutes or so in high temperatures, resting for 5 to 15 minutes as needed, to prevent rapid pulse, elevated body temperature, and excessive sweating that could lead to heat injuries.
Drink plenty of water along the way and carry sufficient heat prevention medication. Follow the principle of drinking small amounts frequently. Don’t rely solely on thirst as an indicator for hydration—even when not thirsty, you should drink water. Even in cool weather or at high altitudes, plan regular hydration breaks to maintain balanced fluid intake. Drink at least 50 milliliters of water per hour of walking. Controlling water intake out of fear of sweating is a serious misconception. Severe dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Avoid drinking large amounts of water all at once. Many media advertisements show models taking a big gulp of a drink during or after exercise, which may look refreshing but is actually very harmful. Drinking large quantities of water during or after physical activity puts extra strain on the circulatory system, digestive system, and especially the heart, leading to greater fatigue. This can result in even more sweating, further loss of salt, and trigger heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.
Direct consumption of salt is not recommended.
Unless water is abundantly available, avoid consuming large amounts of salt (such as through table salt or high-sodium foods like pickled vegetables).
Even in hot weather, most people can obtain enough electrolytes from their regular diet. Extra electrolyte supplementation is unnecessary unless there is heavy sweating. Carrying a small amount of electrolyte powder is a good backup for travel in hot climates.
During summer outdoor activities, carry small salty snacks (like crackers) and eat them in moderation. Some people feel better in extreme heat after consuming small amounts of salt.
In hot summer weather, if you experience mild discomfort, you can take heat prevention medications such as Shidishui, Rendan, or Huoxiang Zhengqi Pills in moderation.
Heat Cramps and Heat Syncope:
Engaging in strenuous activity in hot, humid environments can lead to loss of water and electrolytes, resulting in cramps in the limbs and abdomen. Heat cramps are commonly known as muscle spasms. Heat syncope can be caused by insufficient blood supply to the brain or other vital organs, or even by congestion in the legs.
Heat Exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion can occur after profuse sweating. Clinically, it is divided into two types: water-depletion heat exhaustion and sodium-depletion heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion does not only occur in high temperatures—it can also happen frequently in warm but not extremely hot weather. Dehydration is the main cause of heat exhaustion, and loss of salt and electrolytes is another contributing factor. Outdoor activities such as hiking can lead to heat exhaustion, and even cross-country skiing without proper hydration and electrolyte replenishment can result in it.
Especially when drinking large amounts of water without replenishing salt after heavy sweating, the secretion of ADH decreases, urine output increases, and salt is lost, leading to hyponatremic dehydration. Increased intracellular fluid causes cell swelling. Severe dehydration can then result in heat exhaustion.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion typically include profuse sweating with moist skin, relatively normal or slightly elevated or cool skin temperature. Elevated mouth temperature, rapid pulse, nausea, muscle weakness, dizziness, thirst, headache, overall weakness and fatigue are signs of heat exhaustion. If not treated promptly to reduce body temperature, continued heat accumulation can raise the temperature of vital organs to dangerous levels, leading to emergency symptoms: extremely rapid pulse, weakness, headache, altered mental state (confusion or lack of cooperation, gradually slipping into unconsciousness), hot and flushed skin. Without timely treatment, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke, which is life-threatening.
Countermeasures for Heat Cramps, Heat Syncope, and Heat Exhaustion:
If heat cramps, heat syncope, or heat exhaustion occur, immediate rest is required. Move the patient to a cool, shaded area, elevate their feet, and slightly lower their head. Massage and stretch the muscles to alleviate cramping.
Immediately replenish water and electrolytes. Have the patient drink water, lightly salted water, or ready-made electrolyte replacement drinks. Take small sips to prevent vomiting.
Typically, a person who faints from heat will regain consciousness quickly after collapsing.
Symptoms such as nausea, headache, fatigue, and dizziness in patients with heat exhaustion will ease as treatment progresses.
With proper treatment and rest, the patient can make a full recovery. After all symptoms have subsided, the patient may continue participating in activities but should avoid strenuous exercise.
Team members should monitor the patient for signs of a recurrence of heat exhaustion.
Heatstroke:
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can quickly cause a person to collapse or die.
In cases of heatstroke, body temperature is usually above 41°C. Engaging in physical activity after a period of inactivity, or exercising in hot, humid, and uncomfortable environments, can easily lead to heatstroke.
In the early stages of heatstroke, although the body's internal temperature is extremely high, the skin surface may be moist and relatively cool. The most noticeable symptoms of heatstroke include abnormal behavior such as confusion, heightened aggression, or excessive combativeness. Physically, the patient may have difficulty walking, feel weak, experience dizziness or headache, or even faint. Later, the skin turns red, becomes hot, and then dry. This is known as exertional heatstroke.
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion share similar superficial symptoms but are actually quite different. Patients with heat exhaustion typically have a relatively normal body temperature. In contrast, heatstroke patients exhibit symptoms of shock due to cardiovascular system dysfunction, altered mental status, and extremely high body temperature. In the case of heat exhaustion, proper treatment will promptly alleviate both the mental symptoms and shock.
Measures for Treating Heatstroke:
If someone suffers from heatstroke, cooling measures should be initiated immediately.
The patient may be uncooperative due to confusion and needs to be moved to a cool, shaded area to rest and be cooled down.
Remove the patient’s clothing or loosen it.
Use a wet cloth or cool water to cool the patient’s head, neck, armpits, and groin area, and keep blowing air on them. You can also sprinkle water evenly over the patient’s body and head. If ice is available, wrap it in a towel and place it on the head or body to reduce temperature. Cooling efforts can stop once the body temperature returns to normal.
If the patient begins to shiver, stop cooling immediately.
After cooling, closely monitor the patient’s body temperature and overall condition for any signs of temperature rising again. If the temperature increases again, cooling should be resumed.
Once the patient regains consciousness, if their gag reflex and swallowing ability are not impaired, they may sip small amounts of water and may also take moderate amounts of electrolyte replacement drinks or other fluids.
After treatment has begun, symptoms such as high body temperature, nausea, weakness, thirst, headache, and increased heart rate may persist for some time.
Generally, most heat exhaustion patients, after being treated and returning to normal, can usually continue with subsequent activities. However, heatstroke is a more serious condition. Do not let the patient walk or engage in any activity. Unless they are significantly recovered, they should exit the activity accompanied by someone. For severe cases of heatstroke, it is recommended to evacuate the patient by stretcher and seek medical care as soon as possible.
14. Heat Injuries Caused by Human Factors
Summer Cold (Common Cold in Summer):
A summer cold is simply a common cold that occurs during the summer. Colds in the summer often involve conditions of heat and dampness. Internal causes of summer colds include excessive heat, overexertion, poor sleep due to hot weather, and too little physical activity. External causes include taking cold showers, setting the air conditioner too low, sleeping without covering up, and prolonged exposure to electric fans.
During summer exercise in high temperatures, the human body generates heat quickly, and the capillaries in the skin dilate extensively to dissipate heat. Exposure to sudden cold stimuli can cause the already-open pores on the skin to shut abruptly, leading to dysfunction of internal organs, disruption of the brain’s temperature regulation, and illness—typically resulting in a "summer cold" or common cold, and possibly more severe illnesses.
Safety Guidelines:
While marching in the summer and sweating profusely, if there are mountain springs, streams, ponds, or you pass by the sea, never risk jumping into the water for an instant cool-off. Even after activities end and you reach your destination, wait until your body cools down before taking a cold shower. After activities, if the return vehicle is air-conditioned or you’re in an air-conditioned room, do not turn the air conditioning directly on yourself. It is best to open the windows and use natural airflow to cool down, and only turn on the air conditioner once your body temperature has decreased.
A summer cold is not contagious.
For a summer cold, you may take medications such as Shi Di Shui (Ten Drops Water), Ren Dan, or Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Pills in moderation.
Cold Drinks:
Enjoying chilled drinks during outdoor summer activities is a pleasure, but you should not consume large quantities of cold drinks immediately during or after the activity. Cold drinks not only lower the temperature of the stomach but also dilute gastric juices, impairing stomach function. Mild effects may include indigestion or diarrhea, while serious outcomes can lead to acute gastritis.
Safety Guidelines:
Consuming small amounts of cold drinks can help cool down the body, but overconsumption should be avoided — it depends on the specific situation. Any frozen drinks brought from home before departure, such as beverages, should be consumed in small quantities and at intervals.
After activities, wait until your body temperature has significantly dropped before drinking frozen drinks or beer.
Clothing:
During summer outdoor activities, you tend to sweat a lot and clothes get wet quickly. Many people, upon reaching their destination, let their clothes remain wet and rely on their own body heat to dry them. This practice is extremely harmful and, if continued over time, may lead to conditions like rheumatism or arthritis.
Safety Guidelines:
Before participating in any activity, pack a set of dry backup clothes to change into (especially upper garments) along with an outer layer in your backpack. Once you reach your destination, immediately change out of your wet clothes.
When taking breaks during the activity, especially in very windy conditions or if the break is long, put on your outerwear promptly. Otherwise, the wind can carry away a significant amount of your body heat. Alternating between cold and warm can easily lead to illness.
To facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation, it’s best to wear outdoor garments made of synthetic quick-drying materials. The ideal choice is clothing that is both quick-drying and UV-resistant, and preferably with removable pant legs.
15. Cold Injuries
Most outdoor cold injuries refer to hypothermia, also commonly known as "loss of body heat." Hypothermia is a condition where the internal body temperature drops below the normal level, leading to illness.
Hypothermia is a relatively dangerous condition. Initially, sufferers may not feel anything, but soon their judgment and reasoning abilities are impaired. They may become sluggish, speak less, appear listless, and move more slowly or awkwardly. If not detected and treated in time, it can lead to blood vessel constriction, limb necrosis, or even death. Hypothermia occurs when the body produces less heat than it loses. It is not solely caused by low air temperatures — many cases occur in damp, windy conditions where temperatures are above freezing (i.e., when the wind chill index is high). Falling into cold water, slipping into ice crevasses, having wet clothes or skin, or being exposed to cold currents can all rapidly trigger severe hypothermia.
Generally, hypothermia is classified into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe, with treatment varying accordingly. Managing hypothermia is a complex process because signs and symptoms do not always match the severity. Many patients with critically low core temperatures may still be conscious and lucid, while some with only mild hypothermia may show signs of confusion and poor coordination. However, even those with severe hypothermia can fully recover without any lasting effects.
Hypothermia Safety Guidelines:
Preventing hypothermia mainly involves avoiding exposure to cold air (or cold water and snow), minimizing heat loss, and detecting and treating hypothermia symptoms as early as possible.
When your body is warm, make sure it has a sufficient supply of heat.
If you're traveling in a cold and damp outdoor environment, try to avoid wind and rain, and set up camp to rest before your energy is depleted or before coordination and judgment abilities are significantly impaired.
Eat more carbohydrate-rich foods so they can be quickly converted into energy, and supplement appropriately with simple sugars like glucose.
Eat more carbohydrate-rich foods to help your body quickly convert them into energy, and moderately supplement with simple sugars such as glucose.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol causes blood vessels near the skin to dilate, creating a sensation of warmth, but it actually leads to greater heat loss from the body.
In windy, cold, and damp environments, closely monitor each team member for signs and symptoms of hypothermia. The earlier hypothermia is addressed, the lower the risk. Sometimes patients may deny having hypothermia, so rely on physical signs and symptoms rather than the patient's own judgment.
During activities, control the intensity and rhythm of exercise to prevent excessive sweating and subsequent heat loss.
Take wind protection measures seriously. Even slight winds in cold environments can cause rapid heat loss.
In cold and damp environments, wear appropriate clothing. Whenever possible, dress in layers to prevent convective heat loss. A minimum of three layers is recommended: the inner layer should provide warmth, wick moisture, and allow breathability; the middle and outer layers should be waterproof, windproof, warm, and breathable. Try to avoid wearing pure cotton undergarments — prioritize synthetic materials that offer warmth, moisture-wicking, and breathability.
Take measures to keep heat-sensitive areas such as the head, neck, hands, and feet warm.
Change out of wet clothes promptly.
Isolate the patient from cold and damp ground using items like a ground mat, and keep them dry.
Cover the patient’s mouth and nose with a scarf or similar item to reduce heat loss.
Mild Hypothermia:
Symptoms: feeling cold, shivering, difficulty moving hands; psychological changes such as depression and lethargy; core body temperature remains above 34°C.
Response Measures:
Leave the cold environment as soon as possible.
Remove wet clothing and change into dry clothes.
Add more clothing for the patient, zip up their coat, put on a hat, etc.
Try to keep the patient in a warm environment.
Use a hot water bottle or other warm objects (such as heat pads) to help the patient warm up (be careful to avoid burns).
Once the patient regains consciousness and can eat, they may consume warmed water and food.
Avoid alcohol and coffee, as these cause blood vessels near the skin to dilate, leading to faster loss of body heat.
If there are no complications, with proper treatment, a person suffering from hypothermia can fully recover.
Moderate to severe hypothermia:
Symptoms: The patient has a blank stare, confused consciousness, and does not realize they are ill. Speech is slurred, walking is unsteady. Core body temperature is below 32°C.
More severe symptoms of hypothermia include: delayed reactions, slowed heartbeat, weak breathing, cessation of shivering, and shock.
Response measures:
If possible, send the patient to a hospital immediately and get them out of the cold environment as soon as possible.
Remove wet clothing and change into dry clothes. To prevent the patient from moving, you may cut the clothing open directly.
Add more clothing for the patient, zip up their coat, put on a hat, wrap them in a sleeping bag, etc.
Carefully check whether the patient has any other injuries or complications. If conditions allow, record the patient’s vital signs every 15 minutes.
Try to keep the patient in a warm environment.
Actively help the patient regain warmth, focusing on the head, neck, armpits, and groin. Use a hot water bottle or other warm objects (such as heat pads) to help the patient warm up (be careful to avoid burns).
Observe whether the patient shows signs of shock. If there is no heartbeat or breathing within 60 seconds, immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Ultimate solution: Send the patient to a hospital for treatment.
Falling into cold water:
When a person accidentally falls into cold water, the large amount of body heat conducted into the cold water can quickly lead to moderate or even severe hypothermia. Blood vessels in the legs and buttocks will rapidly constrict, making the person feel extremely cold and unable to control or move their limbs.
When a person is immersed in ice water close to zero degrees Celsius, without wearing special clothing, survival time is usually very short—sometimes just a few minutes.
Response measures:
Get out of the water as much as possible. Although this may make you feel a strong cold wind, it actually reduces the loss of body heat.
Cross your arms and tuck your legs up to your chest to minimize heat loss.
Do not struggle unnecessarily, as this will only cause heat to dissipate more quickly.
Patients who fall into cold water can be treated according to the different levels of hypothermia.
Frostbite:
Parts of the body that protrude, such as fingers, toes, ears, nose, and face, are highly susceptible to frostbite in cold environments. If body temperature continues to drop, blood circulation stops, resulting in frostbite. Frostbite refers to the freezing of the fluid between cells, an imbalance in the chemical composition of the fluid inside the cells, causing the internal fluid to leak out. Frostbite is categorized as superficial
Frostbite and deep frostbite.
Superficial frostbite:
Superficial frostbite mostly occurs on areas such as the face, nose, ears, and hands. If not treated promptly, it can develop into deep frostbite.
The skin in the affected area appears pale, stings, feels waxy to the touch, and begins to harden, but the deeper tissue remains relatively soft. The patient may feel pain, and the frostbitten area feels cold and numb.
Response measures for superficial frostbite:
Place the frostbitten area in a warm part of the body while applying steady pressure.
Do not rub the frostbitten area to avoid damaging the skin.
If the patient is experiencing significant pain, take pain-relieving anti-inflammatory medication.
Prevent the frostbite from spreading.
Deep frostbite:
Deep frostbite mostly affects the hands, feet, buttocks, and legs. It can cause damage to body tissues, and more severe cases may require amputation of the entire frostbitten area.
The skin of deep frostbite appears pale, stings, and feels waxy. The skin is hard, and the deeper tissue is also hard.
Joint movement becomes difficult or even impossible.
The frostbitten area may be painful and will gradually become numb and lose sensation.
During the thawing process, the frostbitten area experiences intense pain.
Response measures for deep frostbite:
Check for symptoms of hypothermia. If hypothermia is detected, immediate treatment is required as it can be life-threatening.
Do not thaw the frostbitten area immediately.
Do not rub the frostbitten area.
Protect healthy areas from getting frostbitten.
If the injured area has already thawed, prevent it from freezing again and avoid putting weight on it.
Have the patient drink plenty of water.
If possible, take appropriate pain-relieving anti-inflammatory medication.
Thawing should only be done if there is no risk of refreezing and in a sterile environment. Generally, these conditions are not met in the wild, so detailed response measures are not outlined here.
Seek hospital treatment as soon as possible.
Preventing frostbite:
The most effective way to deal with frostbite is through prevention.
Keep your body warm and wear suitable thermal clothing. In cold environments, wear mittens if possible.
Wear clothing loosely to prevent compression of blood vessels and ensure proper blood circulation.
Avoid wearing too many layers of socks, and do not tighten boots too much to ensure good blood circulation in the feet.
Check the padding (inner boot) of your boots for any freezing or swelling that could affect blood circulation in your feet.
If the boots are made of stiff material, pay extra attention to foot protection to prevent swelling that may impair blood circulation.
Frequently move your toes and fingers to ensure good blood circulation.
Avoid exposing bare skin to cold metal or volatile liquids (such as alcohol or gasoline), as body heat can be conducted away, leading to frostbite.
Regularly check your companions’ faces, hands, and ears and nose for signs of superficial frostbite.
In cold environments, avoid smoking and consuming caffeine.
Cold immersion foot (hand) syndrome:
Cold immersion foot syndrome often occurs when limbs are exposed to cold (0–10°C) and damp outdoor conditions for extended periods. It is similar to trench foot experienced during World War I.
In the wild, if your shoes get wet and you’re in a cold environment, it can also lead to a condition similar to cold immersion foot. Even if it’s not cold, prolonged exposure causes discomfort; in winter or if there are wounds on the feet, the pain can be severe.
With cold immersion foot syndrome, although the skin tissue isn’t frozen, the blood circulation and nervous system are damaged. The feet become cold, swollen, mottled, and feel waxy to the touch. Patients experience numbness and pain.
Response measures:
Keep your feet from being exposed and maintain consistent dryness.
Ensure your footwear fits well so that any foot swelling does not hinder blood circulation.
Have the patient drink water and eat moderately.
Administer pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication every six hours and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
16. Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness refers to the body’s natural physiological response to reduced oxygen levels at certain elevations, as it adapts to the decrease in air oxygen and resultant oxygen deficiency.
Generally, most people will experience some degree of altitude sickness above 2,500 meters, while a small number may have mild symptoms even at 1,500 meters. When reaching altitudes above 3,500 meters, more intense altitude sickness usually occurs.
The effects of altitude sickness vary by individual. Some are barely affected, some adapt quickly, others recover slowly, and a few struggle to adjust at all.
Altitude sickness can be very dangerous and potentially life-threatening without prompt treatment. Some sufferers show no warning signs. Others may experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weakness in limbs, slow movement, and difficulty sleeping.
Preventing Altitude Sickness:
Ascend gradually to allow your body time to adapt. The best way to acclimatize for extremely high-altitude climbs is through step-by-step ascent with adequate time for adjustment.
Stay well-hydrated to prevent dehydration, regardless of whether you feel thirsty.
Upon arriving at high altitude, get plenty of rest. Avoid strenuous activity in the first few days. As time passes and you gradually adapt to the altitude, your body will adjust to lower oxygen levels and altitude sickness symptoms will lessen.
Control your climbing speed—go slower. If possible, when above 5,000 meters, limit daily elevation gain to 300 meters.
If making multiple ascents or repeated climbs, follow the principle of “climb high, sleep low.”
Maintain a proper and balanced diet to ensure sufficient energy. Eat more starchy foods to help alleviate altitude sickness symptoms.
Avoid medications containing alcohol, caffeine, anesthetics, painkillers, and sleeping pills, as these can cause dehydration and harm the respiratory system.
Above 5,500 meters in extremely high-altitude areas, the human body loses its ability to resist oxygen deficiency. While short stays are possible, adaptation is not feasible, and descent to lower altitudes is necessary as soon as possible.
If severe headache occurs and painkillers such as aspirin fail to relieve the symptoms, or if symptoms such as coughing, vomiting, poor coordination, or confusion appear, the patient should be moved to a lower altitude as soon as possible. However, altitude sickness is complex and variable, with many symptoms interacting with one another, and no single method can fully prevent or treat high-altitude illness.
Countermeasures:
Altitude sickness includes Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). The basic treatment for all common or severe altitude reactions is to descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible — the lower, the better.
Given the specialized nature of altitude sickness, specific first aid measures will not be detailed here. In short, the most effective treatment is two words: “Descend!”
Reprinted from: Mafengwo (Mountain Home Network)