Thursday, July 10, 2025
Trek to Jharkhand's highest peak: Parasnath Hill
Sunday, June 29, 2025
ESSENTIAL EMERGENCY MEDICINES FOR TREKKING ADVENTURES: A COMPLETE GUIDE
Trekking and mountaineering are undeniably thrilling activities that offer unparalleled views and an opportunity to truly immerse oneself in nature. However, these activities also come with potential risks and uncertainties. It is important to comprehend and evaluate the potential health risks associated with trekking. Preparing well for emergencies when going on trekking expeditions is essential to ensure safety and well-being. In this guide, we will discuss the importance of carrying essential medications, their purposes, and guidelines for their usage that every trekker should consider.
- Understanding the risks
Before taking any medication while trekking, it is important to be aware of the potential risks so that you can take preventive measures to mitigate or avoid them. During a trek, common medical emergencies include altitude sickness, injuries such as sprains, strains, cuts, gastrointestinal problems, and dehydration. These problems are often caused by factors like altitude, weather conditions, and individual health considerations.
- Building a personalized medical kit
A properly stocked first aid kit is vital when trekking. It will help the trekkers to enjoy the view with comfort and safety. It's important to customize the kit according to individual needs, including factors such as duration, destination, and personal health. A well-equipped kit should include essential items such as scissors, adhesive tape, bandages, crepe bandages, tweezers, a thermometer, and CPR masks.
- Essential Emergency medicines
- Paracetamol – It is used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches or even sprains, body aches, and fever.
- Cetirizine or montelukast +fexofenadine- It is Used to treat the common cold, and treats allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, or runny nose. It is advisable to take this medicine at night after dinner and get some rest.
- Domperidone or Ondansetron – This medication is used to alleviate vomiting or nausea symptoms.
- Doxycycline + Ambroxol, and Ascoril – It is Primarily used to treat cough associated with respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis.
- Ofloxacin +ornidazole – It is effective in treating diarrhea caused due to indigestion and controlling bowel movements.
- Norfloxacin+ Tinidazole- It is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and severe stomach infections.
- Drotin DS or Drotaverine – It helps in relieving stomach aches or spasms.
- Ciprofloxacin (eyedrop)- It is used to treat watery eyes, red eyes, or ophthalmalgia.
- Aceclofenac + Paracetamol – It works effectively in reducing back pain, body pain, or arthritis.
- Volini spray "It provides immediate relief for leg sprains, twists, and muscle pain."
- Aluminum Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide, Pan 40- It is used to relieve acid indigestion and upset stomach.
- Amoxicillin with potassium clavulanate – It is used as an antibiotic to treat burns, cuts, and injuries.
- Azithromycin 500+Paracetamol+ Montelukast- These are used to treat various bacterial infections, colds, or prolonged fever.
The following information provided above is mentioned in tabular form to help you out more efficiently.
PROBLEM | MEDICINE NAME | DOSAGE |
Headache, body ache, fever | Paracetamol 650 | Take one tablet three times a day after meals. |
Common cold | Cetrizine or montelukas+fexofenadine | Take one tablet after dinner every day. |
Vomiting tendency or vomiting | Domperidone or Ondansetron | 1 tablet three times a day, half an hour before each meal. |
Coughing | Doxycycline + Ambroxol, and Ascoril | To take doxycycline, you need to take 1 tablet every day for three days, either in the morning or in the evening. Take 2 spoons of Ambroxol or Ascoril three times a day. |
Loose motions or diarrhea | Ofloxacin +ornidazole | Take one dose twice a day. |
Dysentery and stomach infections | Norfloxacin+ Tinidazole | Take one dose twice a day. |
Stomach ache or spasms | Drotin DS or Drotaverine | Take one dose thrice a day |
Watery eyes or red eyes | Ciprofloxacin (eyedrop) | 1 drop 4 times a day (both eyes) |
Muscle pain or arthritis | Aceclofenac + Paracetamol | Take one dose twice a day after a meal |
Leg twists and sprains | Volini spray | - |
Acidity | Aluminum Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide syrup, Pan 40 | Take 2-3 teaspoons of syrup along with 1 Pan 40 tablet before meal. |
Cuts and injuries | Amoxicillin with potassium clavulanate | Take one tablet once a day, either in the morning or in the evening. |
Prolonged fever or cold | Azithromycin 500+Paracetamol+ Montelukast | Take one tablet once a day, either in the morning or in the evening. |
- Additional considerations
- By regularly checking the expiry dates of your medications, you can ensure that you are taking them safely and effectively. Don't risk taking expired medication. Replace any that have passed their expiration date as soon as possible to ensure your health and well-being.
- A medical manual or reference guide can be a lifesaver in times of emergencies. Ensure you carry one with you for quick and efficient responses during critical situations.
- It is recommended to store medications in a waterproof container or packaging to prevent them from exposure to moisture and environmental temperature fluctuations.
- When traveling to higher altitudes, it is important to carry sunscreen to protect yourself from increased UV exposure, which can cause sunburns and radiation damage.
- It's important to bring enough water and snacks to avoid dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health issues.
- Carry an insect repellant to avoid insect bites and stings which can lead to discomfort and potential allergic reactions.
- Make sure to pack blister treatment supplies and bring layers of clothing, including waterproof gear, to stay dry and comfortable.
The medicines and remedies mentioned here are shared solely based on personal experience and are not prescribed or recommended by a licensed medical professional. We strongly advise you to consult a qualified doctor or healthcare provider before using any of the mentioned medications. Self-medication can be harmful—always seek professional medical guidance for diagnosis and treatment.
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Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Trek to Andhrapradesh highest peak Seethamma Konda
Being a mountaineer I always wanted my daughter to trek and want her to connect with the nature. After last year Parasnath Trek organised by Durgapur Club which is Jharkhand states highest peak, we decided to scale highest peak of Andhra Pradesh. Before introducing her to the mighty Himalayas I want to test her calibre and want to check whether she finds interest in the sport or it's just I am forcing my choice on her. During Pongal holidays we planned this trek.
Day 01: 17.01.24
After spending two days at her grandmother's village during Pongal, we reached Visakhapatnam on 17.01.24 and our train for Araku was at 06:45 hrs. Boarded Vista Dome train from Visakhapatnam and reached Araku around 11:44 hrs
Had our lunch in an eatery outside the Railway station.
At 13:15 boarded bus towards Paderu and reached Hukumpeta at 1430hrs. Praveen our local contact sent an auto for us. Auto took us to his shop where Praveen was waiting for us. He introduced Chiru our guide and he accompanied us for the trek. Chiru bought some rason for us and then around 1500hrs we left Hukumpeta to base Village Olubedda.
Around 1600hrs from base Village trek starts. The trail was gradually ascent through village and forest.
Around 1800hrs we reached base camp. It was almost dark. After keeping our luggage at basecamp we walked towards the viewpoint but clouds and fog made the sunset hardly visible. Wind was chilling so we decided to come down to the tents.
We arranged our sacks inside the tent. At 2000hrs our guide arranged a bonfire and we had our dinner in the warmth of that fire.
We slept early as in a few hours we had to start for a summit push.
Day 02: 18.01.24
Around 3:30 hrs I woke up and tried to awaken my wife and daughter. I came out of my tent and asked the guide about our summit push. He said it's too dark and we can start around 0500 hrs. With the speed you all have we can easily make it before sunrise.
He served some milk for us. Jisha (my daughter) was still sleepy. Somehow I managed to make her drink that milk served to us. Around 0530 hrs all three of us with guide left for summit push. As we were reaching towards the summit, beautiful colors of sunrise on the horizon started to appear on our right side. We clicked many pictures of sunrise and slowly moved towards the summit. The watch was ticking 0630hrs when we reached the summit. The GPS device showed 1680 metres.
Around one and half hours we spent there clicked many pictures and shot many videos for Instagram reels and all. Around 0815hrs we were back in basecamp.
They arranged some breakfast for us, we had it and started descending. While returning our guide Chiru brought us from another route, there were beautiful caves and very very beautiful rock faces perfect and ideal for rock climbing.
Around 1130 Hrs we were back in the base village. Our transport was already parked. When we reached there our guide informed us that there is a medical emergency so the patient and his parents would also come with us.
We all came to Hukumpeta, we were dropped at Praveen Shop owner of Hikoi Adventure. He is an Everestee with two successful summits from both sides of the mountain. A very kind guy a retired defense person trying to bring awareness among the youth of local villages. I was really amazed to know about him. It was a great experience. This was my daughter's second trek. She performed well.
Looking forward to more treks with her!