Playa First Aid & General Medical questions

Tancorix · Post by **Tancorix** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:03 pm

This thread is being created to discuss playa related medical issues like the best way to prevent playa foot, what dust masks / filters work best for people sensitive to dust, etc.

Do you have suggestions on what works best for playa foot? Is white vinegar or lemon juice better for neutralizing the alkalinity of the playa? Which sunscreens work best on the playa for you? Have you found the miracle cure for hangovers after spending a night enjoying the various liquid libations found on the playa? Here's the place to discuss it.

This is also a good place to describe any accidents or medical problems you may have encountered in BRC.

(This thread is not a substitute for professional medical advice, it's meant to pass along tips that will make for a more enjoyable playa experience.)

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:10 pm

If you have any questions of the Emergency Services Medical Staff, they can be e-mailed at [email protected]

PurplMyst · Post by **PurplMyst** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:20 pm

Sunscreen: Coppertone Sport SPF 45 worked wonders for me. I'm very fair skinned & burn pretty easily. I used this last year & returned home as white as when I left. The "sport" part helps it stay on yer skin even when you sweat.

Hangover cure: drink Gatoraide before passing out.

Misc. first aid: use baby powder on parts that might rub together (thighs, etc). Chafing + sweat = unhappy camper.

Ivy · Post by **Ivy** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:37 pm

Maybe this seems obvious, but I've encounted many people who never thought of it:

Bring a first aid kit.

You can make your own or the camping ones from places like army surplus stores are great.
I prefer to put my own together becuase there are certain things (Band-Aids, Q-tips, Moleskin) that I like to have a lot more of than the storebought ones generally provide.

Oh, and tampons/pads, if you're a woman (or even if you're not, they are pretty useful in absorbtion in general).

_tears_ · Post by **_tears_** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:44 pm

Tancorix wrote:This thread is being created to discuss playa related medical issues like the best way to prevent playa foot, what dust masks / filters work best for people sensitive to dust, etc.

Do you have suggestions on what works best for playa foot? Is white vinegar or lemon juice better for neutralizing the alkalinity of the playa? Which sunscreens work best on the playa for you? Have you found the miracle cure for hangovers after spending a night enjoying the various liquid libations found on the playa? Here's the place to discuss it.

This is also a good place to describe any accidents or medical problems you may have encountered in BRC.

(This thread is not a substitute for professional medical advice, it's meant to pass along tips that will make for a more enjoyable playa experience.)

Playa foot : I ran around in flip flops or bare feet for 10 days while I was on the playa, and I did not have a single problem. I soaked some baby wipes in Lemon juice before i went to the playa and i would use those to clean my feet once in the morning and once midday. I would also lotion them up when i felt i needed it. Baby oil also works well. I think the Lemon vs. Vinegar is a matter of opinion and what each different person likes betters

Hangovers: I do not drink much, but I would say to stay hydrated as much as you could, and take something for a headache.

On dust masks. I have dreadful asthma and sensative eyes. I never used my goggles and I didnt have too bad of a time, they did dry, but i just used basic eye drops. I did use dust masks in the whiteouts, but not all of them, often i would just use my skirt and I did just fine, I had no asthma problems.

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 3:51 pm

Have you found the miracle cure for hangovers after spending a night enjoying the various liquid libations found on the playa?

Yes!

while hydration is a major factor (dehydration is primarily what causes the headache) I also take these...

http://www.lef.org/newshop/items/item00205.html

I have not had a hangover since I have been using them (three years) and that's not for a lack of trying.

Stormy · Post by **Stormy** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 6:00 pm

Dehydration and heat exhaustion are common problems. Arriving midweek and trying to do too much too fast can make you drop as I've found from earlier years. Having really cold water can be helpful. Many people won't drink enough water if it's tepid. So those ice runs aren't just a luxury. Also Gatoraid has too much sugar in it. I have been advised by an EMT that watering down the gatoraid, half water and half gatoraid, provides a good hydration solution. There are of course more expensive options out there with less sugar.

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 6:39 pm

Most dehydration I've witnessed has been when people get too busy to think about drinking water. Either they're slaving away putting something up or partying and drinking watever alcohol is handed to them. ALWAYS have water with you and keep taking sips. Before you go to bed, take another big swig. Don't think that you can stop drinking water because the sun has gone down. It's still very dry out there and you could wake up in very bad shape.

When it comes to feet, I'll say again - start taking care of them now! Apply anti-fungal, pumice and lotion away any cracks and dead skin, do whatever you have to so that your feet are soft and happy before you leave for the playa. Slap on some sports tape anywhere your feet are rubbing against sandal straps, the inside of your shoe, etc to keep it from getting worse. Clean and lotion them at least once a day.

Carry an "emergency kit" with you containing disinfectant, bandaids, gauze, sports tape, tiny flashlight, sunscreen, and condoms.

Learn where the medical stations are in case you or someone you run across needs help.

Make your camp-mates aware of any allergies or health issues you may have.

If you have any supplies that you need on a regular basis like contact lense solution, tampons, medications, etc bring 5x what you think you'll need and keep them in a couple of different locations. Stuff gets misplaced, ruined by dust, someone else might need it, etc.

Be prepared for all possible digestive difficulties.

No casual raw meat usage! Either don't bring any or give it the proper respect - keep it in a sealed bag and make sure the ice never runs out in the cooler!

calsur · Post by **calsur** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 12:38 am

What I have learned camping in deserts. Episode #1

I like Banana Boat Sport (Orange tube) SPF 50. It lasts and even protects a buddy of mine who gets moon burn without it. And if you normally wear shoes be sure to put it on your feet if you decide to wear sandals. Sunburned feet are just no fun. Also be sure to do up under you chin, ears, face, nose and if you decide you do not want to wear a hat lather up your head. Hair has an SPF of 0.05 in the desert. And no hair equals no SPF. A sunburned head is at least half way to heat stroked.

On hydration. Start hydrating 2 weeks before hitting the Playa. 8 – 16 oz. glasses of water a day. Has the advantage of flushing all the crud out of your system before the desert and gives you a running start and training on proper hydration in the desert.

On first aid kits.

Ivy, thanks for reminding me about moleskin It is so much a part of my kit I do not even think about it.

Moleskin is your friend. Buy at any pharmacy in the first aid aisle. This is the stuff you put on your feet when you get a blister. And have a means of cutting the sheet of moleskin to the desired shape. For the rest of your kit use what works for you. I prefer hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant. Several sizes of band-aids though I always have the finger and knuckle ones when pounding in stakes. And an eye wash is always good in the dusty desert. I would also include some sunburn relief stuff. Solarcaine makes this green aloe vera jelly that is the best I have found. And as many of use will be using muscles we did not know we had think about some painkillers like aspirin or what ever works for you.

Use common scene. If you are on a prescription double or triple up and stash them in different places so if you lose track of one you have a backup.

All for now.

SealBoy · Post by **SealBoy** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 3:02 am

For seals, the playa is especially dangerous. Keeping your pelt wet in Black Rock City is a daunting task; yet with a little help from your primate friends you will find that the desert can be almost as much fun as a barnacled boat launch in Monterey. An elder seal gave me these recommendations:

Inflatable kiddie pool: put it at your camp to hop into and protect from drying out while napping. Line with fresh seaweed and ask a human to change the water often.
Squirt bottle: frequent sprays about the face and neck by friends with opposable thumbs are much appreciated.
Water truck: the water truck is your friend!!! Many seals enjoy the serendipitous visits from this mud-making flipper splasher.
Thermometer: fellow seals, you must REGULATE YOUR BODY TEMP! Nary a seal can help getting distracted by a pretty seal-lady and drying up like a nut in the midday sun... don't be a statistic!
Massage: According to Pinniped Weekly Magazine, the number one cause of injury for seals at Burning Man is strained foreflippers. A nice relaxing massage can help relieve tension from a late night of flopping about on the alkali bed at a Sol System party.

Things to avoid:
Animal control.

SealBoy

Selkie · Post by **Selkie** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 8:16 am

Stormy wrote:Also Gatoraid has too much sugar in it. I have been advised by an EMT that watering down the gatoraid, half water and half gatoraid, provides a good hydration solution. There are of course more expensive options out there with less sugar.

If you're not big on Gatorade (which I'm not), but want something that will have the same nice affects on your bod, try just mixing orange juice with water. You don't need much and it does the exact same thing. You do need something with a little sugar in it, just not as much as Gatorade usually puts in.

Selkie · Post by **Selkie** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 8:45 am

SealBoy wrote:Water truck: the water truck is your friend!!! Many seals enjoy the serendipitous visits from this mud-making flipper splasher.
Things to avoid:
Animal control.

As a virgin seal burner (hmm...that doesn't sound right...) *ahem*

As a virgin burner seal, I am also looking forward to the magical water truck and many happy moments slip-sliding in the nice cool mud. Just have to remember to get a friendly human to wipe me down with lemon-water afterwards!

Yes, Animal Control is bad. They would definetely ruin all the fun. Who says seals can't be in teh desert?

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 9:56 am

Stormy wrote:Dehydration and heat exhaustion are common problems. Arriving midweek and trying to do too much too fast can make you drop as I've found from earlier years.

Give yourself a break--the heat and altitude are no joke. Drink and don't push yourself. If you have to be out there doing things, find a "pamper camp" and chill for an hour or two.

Stormy wrote: Also Gatoraid has too much sugar in it. I have been advised by an EMT that watering down the gatoraid, half water and half gatoraid, provides a good hydration solution. There are of course more expensive options out there with less sugar.

I've heard the same advice from an EMT (and 6-year burner). No word on if it's the SAME EMT. Salt pills are also an option. And there's that electrolyte replacement stuff in a foil pouch with a wave on it.

Dork wrote:Learn where the medical stations are in case you or someone you run across needs help.

The medical stations are at the 3o'clock and 9 o'clock plazas and at center camp. The Emergency Services Staff will be wearing yellow shirts with Emergency Services Department and logos on them. These are good people, folks and are at BRC to help you. Some will be firemen, or dispatchers or mental health people, but all should have radios if you suddenly find yourself in over your head and need help. Rangers can also contact dispatch if you need them too. Even DPW can.

Dork wrote: Make your camp-mates aware of any allergies or health issues you may have.

Consider a medic alert bracelet if you have a potentially life threatening condition. ESD does have the means to contact them in an emergency. Having a laminated card could with complete information around your neck is good too--just be sure that you are comfortable with other people possibly being able to read it.
ON dehydration--Don't sleep in your tent during the day. It becomes a very uncomfortable sauna steaming with your own sweat. I made a trip to the med tent last year for that very thing. Find a shade structure or chill space to nap in.

Last--I have it on good authority that there will be a "Health and Safety" page posted on the main website--I will post that link when I see it.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 10:00 am

SealBoy wrote: Thermometer: fellow seals, you must REGULATE YOUR BODY TEMP! Nary a seal can help getting distracted by a pretty seal-lady and drying up like a nut in the midday sun... don't be a statistic!

I heard it wasn't the seal-ladies, but the brutal fights with the beach--um, PLAYA--master that was the problem. . .

SealBoy · Post by **SealBoy** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 1:55 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:
SealBoy wrote: Thermometer: fellow seals, you must REGULATE YOUR BODY TEMP! Nary a seal can help getting distracted by a pretty seal-lady and drying up like a nut in the midday sun... don't be a statistic!
I heard it wasn't the seal-ladies, but the brutal fights with the beach--um, PLAYA--master that was the problem. . .

Yes, snout-to-snout combat is prevalent on the playa, and this is why it is important to always have a first-aid kit handy. The SealBoy Scouts of America recommend your first aid kit contain the following items:

* Bar of soap
* 2-inch roller bandage
* 1-inch roller bandage
* 1-inch adhesive
* 3-by-3-inch sterile pads
* Triangular bandage
* Assorted gauze pads
* Adhesive strips
* Clinical oral thermometer
* Scissors
* Tweezers
* Sunburn lotion
* Lip salve
* Poison-ivy lotion
* Small flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb)
* Absorbent cotton
* Water purification tablets (iodine)
* Safety pins
* Needles
* Paper cups
* Foot powder
* Instant ice packs

Stay safe! Stay wet!

SealBoy out.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 3:28 pm

SealScouting for All has a simelar list--and adds condoms, lube, gloves and dental dams.

(What I really gotta wonder is if my pinneped worshiping niece and nephew from England are in touch with this guy.)

SealBoy · Post by **SealBoy** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 4:02 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:SealScouting for All has a simelar list--and adds condoms, lube, gloves and dental dams.

Condoms and lube should be kept separate from your first-aid kit to avoid confusion in a medical emergency. KY jelly won't really help a gaping wound... though a dental dam might help prevent infection... hmmm.

Oh, and SealBoy Scouts of America is an INCLUSIVE organization, contrary to popular belief!

SealBoy out.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 4:18 pm

Good to hear about inclusivity.

calsur · Post by **calsur** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 1:37 am

SealBoy,

I have a few problems with your list.

* Bar of soap
* 2-inch roller bandage
* 1-inch roller bandage
* 1-inch adhesive
* 3-by-3-inch sterile pads
* Triangular bandage
* Assorted gauze pads
* Adhesive strips
* Clinical oral thermometer
* Scissors
* Tweezers
* Sunburn lotion
* Lip salve
* Poison-ivy lotion
* Small flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb)
* Absorbent cotton
* Water purification tablets (iodine)
* Safety pins
* Needles
* Paper cups
* Foot powder
* Instant ice packs

Specifically poison-ivy lotion and water purification tablets.

The only Ivy on the Playa is a very nice young lady from Long Beach. And unless the lotion attracts her I would leave it at home.

And if you think that you need water purification tablets then you must be planning to survive on other peoples Grey water.

ADDITIONS TO THE LIST THAT WORK:

Any eye flush like sterile saline is a good idea.
An over the counter pain killer of choice is also good. You will be working muscles you did not even know you had.
A sun burn relief gel with aloe vera is also nice. Take 3.
Knuckle and finger bandages.
Mole skin for blisters.
I like a product called Nu-Skin. It is a liquid bandage you paint onto VERY small cuts and scrapes. And going on it feels like liquid fire but it seals the cut and is very durable

And I would suggest to you SealBoy that this is a serious discussion. I take all first aid and basic desert survival seriously. I take it seriously enough that if you post another dumb ass reply here my next email will be to Admin to get your Pinniped ass booted off the Eplaya. You want to play on the Eplay no problem. Just not here SealBoy, Joined on July 22, Do not play here unless you want to make a serious contribution.

SealBoy · Post by **SealBoy** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 2:13 am

calsur wrote:SealBoy,
I have a few problems with your list.
Specifically poison-ivy lotion and water purification tablets.

Yes, I should have taken the time to pull things off the BSA list that do not apply to the desert environment. I apologize for the mistake. Your additional items were good recommendations.

calsur wrote: And I would suggest to you SealBoy that this is a serious discussion. I take all first aid and basic desert survival seriously. I take it seriously enough that if you post another dumb ass reply here my next email will be to Admin to get your Pinniped ass booted off the Eplaya. You want to play on the Eplay no problem. Just not here SealBoy, Joined on July 22, Do not play here unless you want to make a serious contribution.

Point taken. I agree that safety is a very serious issue, and that people should be prepared for the dangers of the desert. I meant no harm, and was just trying to be funny. Hopefully Admin won't kick me off, and I hope there are no hard feelings on your end of things either. My attempt at humor obviously fell short.

Now lighten up a bit. Even seals aren't dumb enough to bring poison ivy lotion to the desert... it was just a minor oversight to not delete it from my list, which was intended as a serious contribution (as opposed to my other post, which hopefully entertained someone). Most people will need their first-aid kit for other outings, and I think the BSA list is pretty damn good for general camping and backpacking kits -- mine has served me well for ten years in a variety of settings (including BRC). As far as taking this thread seriously, I assure you, people can read through the humor to get the information they need. If not, they probably haven't survived this long anyway so I wouldn't worry about it. Sheesh.

SealBoy OUT.
P.S. Why do people on Eplaya take offense to a recent "joined on" date? (Don't answer that. I realize that's been answered elsewhere...)

calsur · Post by **calsur** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 2:47 am

SealBoy,

Sorry if I came off a bit harsh but I have seen too many people get hurt in the desert. This is a big hot button with me. Thanks for understanding.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 7:34 am

Boy, I wish that Conflict Resolution was that easy back in Reality Camp. Bless you both.

Selkie · Post by **Selkie** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 7:51 am

robotland wrote:Boy, I wish that Conflict Resolution was that easy back in Reality Camp. Bless you both.

No kidding. Hell, I wish it was that easy everywhere else on the eplaya!

And for the record SealBoy, I enjoyed your post very much. I got a good giggle out of it.

Having been a real human Girl Scout for 8 years, I am also very big on first aid while camping. This is a great thread with really really important information.

Ivy · Post by **Ivy** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 7:55 am

The only Ivy on the Playa is a very nice young lady from Long Beach.

Actually, there are other Ivys. There is in fact an Ivy from Gigsville who lives in the LA area and people mix us up all the time.

(but I'm the best. or most infamous. or most annoying. or something!)

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 8:21 am

Calsur--at least give me some blame for encouraging SealBoy with my replies. I agree that this is a serious topic, but levity can be a good learning tool.

SealBoy--I knew your list (and your post) was serious. Didn't read it carefully enough, obviously, but I didn't have doubts about intent.

Everyone--as a member of the Emergency Services Department, I take this thread seriously. The better all of you are prepared for the desert, the less wear and tear on my camp and department mates. (And last year was really tough on some of us.)

gilmore · Post by **gilmore** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:51 am

You asked about dust masks……

Caveat: Whether you need a dust mask is a personal choice. There are veteran burners who SWEAR by muslin cloth wrapped around their head. It’s whatever works for YOU…Your mileage may vary.

FYI –
I’m bringing a box of “Fair” masks as gifts for those who have none
I’ll have 3 or 4 “Better” masks for myself for their ease of use (easy to carry around) AND
I’ll bring an “Overkill” mask to have at camp because I have nasty asthma and a former employer gifted it to me.

******************

Fair - Basically single use, cheap, provides basic protection. Better than nothing
Single "rubberband” .
http://store6.yimg.com/I/maskstore_1798_18970732

******************

Better - Wear till they get funky, provides good protection.
Twin yellow rubberband “straps".

http://www.allergybegone.com/gerson2737.html

******************

Best - Button in center is exhalation valve: easier to breath and they last longer
Elastic straps

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebs ... &gf8uuuuT-

******************

Overkill –

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebs ... h2LC&&&&y-

******************

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:54 am

KY jelly won't really help a gaping wound...

Perhaps not, but a condom could be used as a makeshift tourniquet...

calsur · Post by **calsur** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:42 pm

As far as I am concerned I have no problems. Please just keep it on topic.

Badger · Post by **Badger** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 11:34 pm

Overkill –

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebs ... h2LC&&&&y-

Not really. The blue one, right center. 3M version with HEPA filer set up. REALLY comfortable, not hot - especially in blowing dust. Runs about $20/ea. Little bastards rock.

You want overkill? Heh... Try this. Have two of these for our Patchouli Spill Response Team (aka HIPIES)

Hazardous
Incident
Patchouli
Invention
and
Elimination
Squad

or something like that...

http://epartner.msanet.com/cgibin/hsrun ... ate=closed

Apollonaris Zeus · Post by **Apollonaris Zeus** » Sat Jul 24, 2004 2:26 am

If I should be dying, should I really be concerned about it?

I don't have children or depended parents or highly co-dependant relationship at this moment?

Am I just passing through one portal to the next or am I just playa dust anyway and shouldn't give a shit?

A II Z