Cyberhobo and Crow have already linked to this — a doctor’s description of medical care for long-distance hikers — but I thought I’d post a few excerpts for the poor unfortunates who might’ve missed ’em. Though the guidelines were intended for those who stay out on the trail for months, they strike me as handy for anybody who’s at least several hours from civilization.

Blisters:

Once a fluid filled blister has already formed they can be quite uncomfortable. Rupturing fluid filled blisters does carry a small risk of infection because it is sterile until it is ruptured. So if you decide to open the blister (or if it has already ruptured on its own) then do so with a clean knife or needle that has been sterilized with a flame. Make a hole along the bottom part of the blister then cut off the dead skin. Wash with soapy water and cover it with Neosporin and a bandage to prevent further blister formation. Be vigilant for signs of infection such as redness, warmth, severe pain and pus. Blisters that are small, not bothersome and not infected are better left alone to heal on their own.

Fractures/Dislocations

Your goals for management of such fractures in the field essentially are to straighten out the bones (when possible), splint for stability, pain control (Ice, elevation, motrin), and seeking medical attention Identifying fractures without an x-ray can be challenging, however, the ability to bear weight on the affected extremity, and move the joints back and forth with only mild to moderate pain makes a fracture unlikely. But if you are concerned or you have too much pain, seek medical attention. Fractures are generally not life threatening unless the skin is open around the fracture (which can lead to infection) or when self-supported evacuation is dangerous or impossible. If the skin is open, pour 2-3 liters of purified water through the wound and wrap it in something clean, and seek medical attention.

Diarrhea:

Prevention: WASH YOUR HANDS!!!! after every time any form of bodily fluid (feces, urine, or other) leaves your body and before you eat. Washing your hands and cleaning cooking pots and utensils with warm, soapy water is MORE likely to prevent diarrhea than water purification. This has actually been studied. That being said, PURIFY YOUR WATER consistently.

Scrapes and Cuts:

The Basic principles are 1) get it clean, and 2) keep it clean. Lacerations (cuts) are closed with sutures primarily to reduce scar formation, and this can be delayed for 24-36 hours without untoward effects as long as you keep it clean

Snake Bites:

Pit vipers (rattlesnakes, water moccasins, etc) and coral snakes are the only poisonous snakes in North America. Pit vipers have triangular heads, and cat-like pupils. Coral snakes have to chew on you to envenomate, so don