[pct-l] Self-medicating and first aid on the trail

[Kristin Hamann]

I am sending this email in response to a trail angel and mother's email.
 If you are choosing to self-medicate (for yourself or your pet), please do
so with caution.  As an ER vet I see every worst case scenario out there.  I
am always afraid of what people find from "Dr. Google" and don't want
anyone getting sick or hurt from bad advice they find out there.  I find
that "Dr. Google's" bad advice and people trying to avoid an "expensive vet
visit" costs them far more in the long run when they see me critically sick
in the ER.  You can find plenty of free bad medical advice on the internet.
 While it is great for job security, I would prefer if people are being
responsible about taking care of themselves and their pets.  That being
said, I recognize that people on the trail may be faced with a situation
where MD or DVM care is not immediately available and they have to do what
they can.  I would encourage all thru-hikers to have first aid training,
and also see your MD or DVM to obtain medications you may need to use, if
nothing else until you can get off the trail and see a doc.  If you or your
dog is sick enough please get off the trail and seek medical/veterinary
care!

Cheers and safe travels!
Dr. k