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From A Guide for Desert and
Dryland Restoration, Island Press, 2007.
Text ©2006
David A. Bainbridge. Single use permitted for educational
purposes.
Stay Healthy Out
There!
The desert is generally a safe, clean and enjoyable place to work.
The biggest dangers are driving to and from work sites, but being
aware of possible hazards can help you stay healthy and active as
a desert restorationist. After more than 20 years of intermittent
ecology field work I have had personal experience with valley
fever, encephalitis, one case of heat exhaustion, a few blisters,
strains, bruises, minor infections from thorn punctures, heat
rash, insect bites (desert gnats can be vicious) and extensive
skin damage despite sunscreen and hats. In fellow workers in the
biology department at San Diego State University and the Soil
Ecology and Restoration Group I can have heard of one rattlesnake
bite (a herpetologist chasing a lizard didn’t see the snake until
it was too late), one probable black widow bite, sprains, strains,
back pain, one case of water poisoning (hyponatraemia), and
several other close calls with heat exhaustion.
The potentially life threatening concerns are: heat stroke,
hyponatraemia, and rattlesnake bites. Be familiar with the
symptoms and treatment. It is a good idea to have the phone number
of the nearest emergency room – just in case. If working in former
military lands the risk of unexploded ordinance should also be
considered. Do not touch or pick up any metal or plastic items or
shift parachutes.
DIsclaimer:
The author is not a medical professional and the information here
is presented to help you help medical professionals treat you
correctly. As a restoration field worker or manager you should be
prepared to suggest the exposures you might have had that may have
contributed to your injury or illness. Seek the best medical
resources available.
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