Whether you sleep in a tent or a motorhome, camping is a popular pastime for people of all ages. Sadly, your outdoor adventure potentially poses several safety risks. When someone is to blame for your camping-related injury, you may be able to seek compensation, even if it occurred on a government-owned camping area. From weather-related illnesses to wildlife encounters, Nevada camping injury lawyers suggest these safety tips for injury-free camping trips.
Weather-Related Woes
Nevada’s weather includes long, cold winters in the northeast, and long, hot summers in the south. Weather-related illnesses include:
- Dehydration from not drinking enough water when it is hot. This can lead to shock and even death. Stay well hydrated, especially during hot summertime hikes.
- Heat Exhaustion can occur after prolonged physical exertion in hot weather. Rest in shady areas often and cool off with a wet sponge, while drinking cool water.
- Heat Stroke can lead to brain damage and even death, if your body doesn’t get cooled down. Cool heat stroke victims with ice packs and call an ambulance immediately.
- Hypothermia is a cold-weather danger when your core body temperature drops below 95 degrees. Move to a warm, dry shelter. Then, exchange wet clothing for dry garments and drink warm liquids.
- Frostbite occurs when cold temperatures damage your skin and tissue. If blood vessels are also damaged, gangrene can occur and amputation may be necessary. Seek immediate medical attention.
Always pack a standard first aid kit with bandages, tape, scissors, burn cream, antiseptic and painkillers. Then, add electrolyte tablets or powder, fast-acting antihistamines and anti-diarrheal products. Seek medical attention for anyone suffering from:
- Stumbling/staggering
- Slurred speech
- Confusion/incoherence
- Rapid or weakening pulse
- Irrational or aggressive behavior
- Headache and vomiting
- Collapse
- Seizure
Common Bodily Injuries
Trip hazards in the campground or hiking on uneven terrain could lead to a bodily injury. Depending on how the injury occurred, Nevada camping injury lawyers may suggest filing a personal injury lawsuit.
- Simple Fractures do not pierce the skin. Immobilize, splint, and elevate the fractured body part until you can get medical care.
- Compound Fractures pierce the skin and can cause serious bleeding. Cover the injury with a sterile pad and splint limb. Applying pressure to stop bleeding or moving the injured person can cause further damage.
- Sprains are most common in ankles. Apply ice/cold compress, firmly affix an elastic bandage, elevate the limb, and rest the injury.
- Bleeding Wounds should be elevated and pressure applied to slow blood flow, if excessive. Wipe away blood, inspect the wound, and apply antiseptic and sterile bandages.
- Burns are common, especially around campfires. Promptly apply cold water, then burn ointment and non-adherent burn dressing. However, you should seek medical help if the person is in shock, or the burn is a third-degree or chemical burn, or covers multiple body parts.
Safely Camping in Bear, Cougar, Snake Country
Encounters with Nevada wildlife can be scary and hazardous. Campgrounds and hiking areas should post signage warning you of potentially dangerous wildlife common to the area. In Nevada, these may include:
American Black Bears can be black, brown, or cinnamon and prefer mountainous areas, scrub lands, and river or lake areas. These animals are primarily nocturnal, but they occasionally forage during daytime hours. They mostly inhabit the Tahoe basin, but are common in Nevada’s westernmost mountain ranges. Bear safety includes:
- Keep campsites clean.
- Securely store all food away from tents, preferably in food lockers.
- Don’t store garbage at campsites; use campground dumpsters.
- If you encounter a bear, do not run, slowly back away.
- Finally, use bear spray to deter charging bears.
Mountain Lions (aka cougars, pumas, panthers) prefer dense cover or rocky, rugged terrain, and make their homes in all of Nevada’s mountain ranges. They also inhabit areas thick with trees and/or brush, and can also live in desert areas. They typically hunt early mornings and evenings; and silently stalk and ambush their prey.
Rattlesnakes typically come out mid-day in the fall and spring; and early mornings and evenings during the summer. But, they become much less active in winter. Five rattlesnake species inhabit Nevada. Pets typically suffer bites more often than humans, so keep them leashed. Seek immediate medical care for snake bites.
Hire Top Nevada Camping Injury Lawyers
Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe camping environments, including State and National parks/campgrounds. If you were hurt while camping, the Nevada camping injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys bring experience, skill, and passion to your case. We offer free consults and no fee, unless we win your case. Visit our office from 8 AM to 5 PM, use our online LiveChat or reach us 24/7 at 702-877-1500. Call now!