Wilderness Medicine Podcast March 2018 - Wilderness & Environmental Medicine Live
Feb 27, 2018
Joseph Derek Forrester, MD, a general surgery resident and trauma critical care fellow, joins Jake Jensen, a Wilderness Medicine Fellow, to discuss fascinating insights on venomous and non-venomous animal fatalities in the U.S. They reveal surprising statistics about domestic animals and insects as the main culprits, while also addressing common misdiagnoses of spider bites. The duo shares innovative educational practices at the Khumbu Climbing Center, highlighting the importance of mentorship and fair trade for Sherpas, and the challenges of high-altitude health skills.
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Non-Wild Animals Cause Most Deaths
- Most deaths from animal encounters in the U.S. are due to non-venomous animals like farm animals, dogs, and bees rather than wild animals.
- Children under four are at highest risk for fatal dog attacks, highlighting a preventable public health issue.
Epinephrine Is Vital for Stings
- Carry and know how to use epinephrine auto-injectors to treat anaphylaxis from bee, wasp, and hornet stings.
- Rapid administration and evacuation are critical for allergic reactions to hymenopteran stings, especially with Africanized honeybee swarms.
Why Hymenoptera Stings Outnumber Snake Fatalities
- Hymenopteran stings cause more deaths than venomous snake bites because people encounter them more often.
- Improved antivenom availability and critical care have reduced snake bite mortality over time.