Once you make up your mind to go on the way to Everest Base Camp, it is bound to be a unique trek and a huge challenge physically and mentally. Aside from the usual things like getting in shape and ensuring you have some decent kit, one of the bigger considerations to make when preparing to conquer this incredible Everest Base Camp Trek is a well-packed first aid box. Naturally, a guide from such a responsible trekking company should carry an all-inclusive medical kit in case the worst happens, but this is your personal bag of tricks for regular day-to-day support and for preventing minor ailments that can (unsurprisingly) fly into your ointment as you’re traversing trails. Independent for Small Issues lets you stay on the Trail & Focus on Having Fun with your EBC Trek Experience!!!
That’s the reason in this post, we will help you know what things to store up and keep there, in your personal first aid box during your Mount Everest Base Camp Tour.
The Lifesaver: Altitude Sickness Medication
The most valuable thing in your high-altitude trekking first-aid kit is altitude sickness medication. The drug that is most commonly used and recommended to prevent AMS is Diamox (Acetazolamide). This medication, prescribed by a doctor, actually helps your body acclimatize to altitude more rapidly than it does naturally (of course, you also have much finer control over the pH balance in your blood when you take a pill), which will allow you to breathe better at high elevation. Plan so that you don’t have to scramble at the last minute for an appointment with your doctor, and ask at least six weeks before you plan to embark on a trip to ensure that your insurance will cover it. You may experience mild side effects such as tingling in the fingers or toes, and more frequent urination. Diamox is not a cure, and won’t save you from having to descend in the event your symptoms worsen. Bear in mind that a reputable guide who is part of a good Everest Base Camp Trek package will have on hand with him emergency medicines such as Dexamethasone, which is reserved for serious and potentially fatal altitude sickness, and should only be administered by trained medical personnel.
Everyday Trekking Ailments
The path to Everest Base Camp Trek can be a long way with a few small niggles thrown in for good measure. Diversify your OTC meds supply in your first resource package. Deliver ibuprofen and acetaminophen for headaches (one of the early caution symptoms of altitude sickness). In case you are vulnerable to stomach problems after converting dietary behavior, % anti-diarrhoea drugs (eg, Loperamide, Imodium) plus an indigestion remedy and treatment for heartburn. The cold and dry air of the Khumbu can mean getting a nonstop “Khumbu cough” as well, so have lozenges or cough drops to give your throat some relief from that load. A broad-spectrum antibiotic that your doctor prescribes is good to have, too (in case it’s a bacterial infection).
The Blister Blueprint
Itch, chafe, and blisters are the enemy of any hiker. They can be a world of pain and completely ruin what would have been a fun hike. Do not leave home without a properly filled-up kit to treat blisters. Take a variety of hydrocolloid dressings (Compeed and the like) for padding/cushioning/second skin during healing. For preventing blisters before they even form on “hot spots,” yes, moleskin is the best. And % a few antiseptic wipes, scientific tape, and a small, sterile needle for popping huge blisters if you have to. So you prevent a stupid twinge from progressing into a first-rate problem by staying on top of warm spots and addressing them the second you feel the burn.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Wounds
No matter how much thought you put into it, there are always a few nicks and scrapes on the trail. That, after all, is essentially the point of your basic first-aid kit: treating wounds. Toss in an assortment of adhesive bandages of various sizes, antiseptic wipes for cleaning, and a tiny tube of antibiotic ointment to stave off infections. And, for larger cuts, you can even wedge in a couple of sterile gauze pads and medical tape to assist in holding them in place. Easy things, such as those, may be all that is needed to save you from a bump or scratch that could get infected and ruin the relaxation of your journey.
Other Essential Supplies
Besides the fundamentals, there are a few different belongings you’ll need to have handy. These are crucial for restoring and rehydrating you, mainly when you have a dehydrated belly. Take a small bottle of hand sanitiser so you can be certain that at least your hands are cleaned in places where water may not be available. Lip balm with SPF is a must to shield your mouth from the powerful sun and dry wind way up on the hill. A set of tweezers can also be used to remove splinters or a tick.
“Mandatory First-aid Kit”
The idea isn’t actually that you’ll do much with the pack, but talk to your doctor. Before you set off on your Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary, go to a group meeting discussing personal health history, preexisting conditions, and come away with prescriptions for altitude sickness med. Your doctor can give you personalized advice and a complete list of options based on your specific circumstances. This is non-negotiable; this should be thought of at least 1 month before your leave date.
Your Kit & Your Tour Package
It is wise to have your own personal first aid kit as a part of self-reliance, but that does not take the place of being taken care of by an established trekking company. The guy at a good company has seen emergencies before, and you will be the first person he treats if you or someone else in your group becomes seriously ill. What the Cost to climb Everest Base Camp also stands for is having a professional team on the ground, in case of medical evacuation. Your home kit gives you professional support and should help sort out any minor problems – so you can smile on the go!
Final Comment: Get thee to the trail!
It’s a small release in saving money if nothing else, as well as time and worry about health. By taking the time to talk to your doctor and gather a first-aid kit that addresses general illness, as well as any unique issues you will face in the realm of high-altitude treks, you are preparing yourself for what lies ahead. Instead, because you’ve got all the gear waiting securely in your daypack, you’re going to be able to focus on enjoying the awe-inspiring landscape and life-changing experience of hiking through this region of the world’s highest mountains without a worry in your mind that you’ll be ready for anything.