TREK Doctor

Having been on Trek 4 years ago, I have a feel for what sorts of things I saw on-trail and what supplies I used.  This may or may not be helpful to you.  I am less sure of conditions the Lodge Dr. treated and what materials he used. 

Trek Medical List:

1. Hot/Cold: Trek being in the winter is not overly hot during the day, but can  be very cold in the AM.  It is still possible to overheat and dehydrate.  The carts are heavy and a muddy trail can be a slog. 

2. Hydration: We encouraged individuals and families to drink plenty of water water.  All individuals are given a tin drinking cup and all carts are outfitted with a water jug, but many carts are guilty of placing their water jug in an inaccessible position.  We should also have scheduled rest and hydration stops.

3. Feet: Children should be encouraged to double sock.  Inner sock should be thin/shear nylon, acrylic and outer sock cotton or wool. Broken-in cross-trainers, light hikers are preferred.  Heavy hiking boots are not necessary.   Children and adults should be encouraged to apply mole skin over hot spots before they become blisters. 

4. Meds: Children and their advisors should manage the children’s own daily meds. 

5. Insects: no mosquitoes and few other bugs that I can remember.  Bug spray wasn’t necessary. 

6. OTC Meds: My rule of thumb was that if a child had a condition that was simply treated with an OTC med on-trail, I didn't feel like I need to contact parents or get permission.

Motrin-  headaches, aches (prefer)

Tylenol- headaches

Emetrol- nausea (usually exertion related => rest, shade, water)

Robitussin- cold and cough

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste- chaffing

Neosporin- scrapes, minor cuts

Benadryl- allergy, hives

Zyrtec- allergy, nondrowsy

Chlorhexadine- surgical disinfectant 

Imodium- mild diarrhea

OTC Meds were individually dispensed using Ziplock baggies, mini dixie cups, and plastic spoons. 

7. Ortho:  the physical demands of Trek and moving heavy handcarts sometimes through mud and up hills resulted in several minor othopedic issues. 

ACE Bandage- very popular, and reusable. 

4X4 Gauze- works well with ACE or Coban

Bandaids (varous sizes)

Cold Packs or ICE Bags- very popular

Knee Sleeves- used several 

Ankle Sleeve- used several

Coban- I prefer ACE Bandages

Mole Skin

SAM Splints

Silk Tape

8. Female: This wasn’t an issue but having a few maxi probably wouldn't hurt.  Girls generally get these from their female adult advisors. 

9. Lodge: A few children will become homesick or dislike the cold, or walking, or sleeping arrangements and will  present with nonspecific, vague symptoms.  These can usually sleep on a cot in the lodge and be transported to camp for activities and meals.

Children with severe blisters, feet or knee pain which visibly impacts their ability to walk (limp), should stop the Trek, stay at the lodge, and can participate at activities and meals.  In some cases they can ride on the cart 

10. Call Parents: If I am tempted to give the child anything more than OTC meds, or do any procedure, apart from an absolute emergency, I’ll call and get permission from parents.  This mainly would apply to using dermabond, staples, sutures or giving Zofran. I would seriously avoid doing anything more than dermabond.  However, simple finger cuts are actually best treated with splinting and no closure. 

10: Return Home: Inevitably, someone will come down with severe gastroenteritis as soon as they arrive. They will have woken up sick but hoped in vain that they would feel better. They should not continue. Noro viruses are very contagious.  

Generally speaking, any condition that should visit the ED, that child should stop the Trek, have their parents called, and they should go to the ED.   We will have children from the Greenville stake which is a 3+-hour drive for parents. 

Emergency Supplies:  (What I have)

Fabric Litter/Stretcher

Cervical Collar

SAM Splints

Epi Pen

Benadryl

Dexamethasone

Hydroxyzine

Suture Kit

Staple Gun

Dermabond

Lidocaine

Albuterol Inhaler + Spacer

Airway- Ambu bag, nasal trumpets, small O2 tank with mask. 

BP Cuff

Finger Pulse Ox

Otoscope

Petscription Pad and Stamp

11. Radio/911: We are in continual radio/phone contact with the lodge at Lake Leitner and Fort Gordon has its own EMS. 

12. Camp Rounds:  Each night I clip on a blinking bicycle light (camp visibility) and visit all the carts/families. 

13. Walking: 4 years ago, I walked the Trek. However, inevitably there were needs at the front of the caravan, middle, back, and then at the front again.  This was way too much walking.  So, I’m looking to use an ATV this year. 

14. Adults: Also require treatment for various simple ailments. 

15: Perscriptions: I may write an antibiotic like a Z-pack and a medrol dose pack. I don’t write opioid pain meds or benzodiazepines. I might do Motrin 800mg and Robaxin 750mg 

16. Walmart is not far, and trips can be made to get needed supplies.