Frostbite is a well-known occurrence in outdoor winter activity and exploration. We report the first documented case of frostbite associated with kite skiing. Kite skiing is an emerging sport that uses a kite to harness wind power for recreation and to travel long distances on skis. Certain characteristics of this sport may predispose athletes to frostbite injury. The stance required to resist and redirect the force created by the wind and kite puts constant pressure and repetitive trauma on the downwind great toe. This can compromise blood flow and increase risk of cold injury. Future kite skier expeditions should focus on specific prevention methods including properly fitting boots, adequate boot insulation, and frequent rest periods to inspect and warm toes.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring prompt action to prevent death from cardio-respiratory collapse. It can be a biphasic, unpredictable, and challenging reaction to deal with even in a hospital environment. The wilderness environments afforded by expeditions, remote health posts, and military exercises pose additional challenges often involving casualty evacuation. This article identifies and addresses some of these points using a case report from the Costa Rican jungle.
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