I came across this link for a site called Hyperbole and a Half. Its very well written. What drew me there was a link from Wilderness Survival Forum site with a new take on the hospital "pain" charts. Seems we all need to see pictures of things to adequately attach a number to how much pain we are experiencing.
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/02/boyfriend-doesnt-have-ebola-probably.html
I have some understanding of the pain assessment process. The nurse comes in and asks you to tell her on a scale of one to ten how much pain you're in.
If you say a one, she leaves. If you say a two, she might show concern. If you want to take something to relieve the pain, other than some ibuprophen you got stashed in your purse or jean pocket, you'll say five or more, and please.
Pain is no laughing matter. If it gets out of control, its hard to catch up to it. Panic is the enemy pain management. Tense muscles and fear do nothing to encourage slow steady breathing.
But, if you're trying to get the doctor's attention, you really got to let it out, respectfully,of course.
Check out her rendition of facial pain markers. Her corresponding text is hilarious, too.
New Pain Chart
Wilderness Survival Home
I've been introduced to one of the best Wilderness Survival sites. Check it out at:
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/
The forums are down to earth, but there are a few rules you have to follow at first, like a limit on direct clickable links. No doubt this is to prevent spammers from clogging up real information with junk.
I just posted a messaged on Fuels for The Soda Can stove. This new guy just made one, and several people made comments on it. Having a lot of experience with one, I suggested they check out my page here, where I even have a video demo-ing how to make your own fuel tablets, complete with burn time test.
http://thefemalesurvivalist.blogspot.com/p/fuels-for-ultralight-soda-can-stove.html
These little stoves are handy for several reasons, and are especially efficent if you use a 2 pint cooking pot and windscreen. Most trail meals or pots of hot water require just one ounce of fuel. Of course, you need a pot support for this stove. Use hardware cloth, tent stakes, or a modified tin can.
Best of all, the stove is free. Make it yourself with plans gleaned off the Internet...
http://www.thesodacanstove.com/alcohol-stove/how-to-build.html
May all your trails be lighter.