[Management of frostbite in and outside of the doctor's surgery].

Frostbite is most likely to happen in combination with accidents, intoxications or psychiatric emergencies and typically affects smaller, more exposed areas of the body, such as fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. The preclinical treatment consists of rapid rewarming of the injured tissue in a water-bath that is held between 38 - 42 °C (hand-hot) in a stable, warm environment. A new clssification allows a faster assessment of the outcome.

[Shoulder dislocations in and outside of the doctor's surgery].

In over 95 % of shoulder dislocations, the humerus is displaced anteriorly, a trauma regularly seen in skiing- and mountainresorts. All physicians should be trained to diagnose and relocate a dislocated shoulder. A variety of techniques exist, but some are preferred due to fewer complications or easier execution.

Resuscitation of avalanche victims: Evidence-based guidelines of the international commission for mountain emergency medicine (ICAR MEDCOM): intended for physicians and other advanced life support personnel.

Background: In North America and Europe ∼150 persons are killed by avalanches every year.

Methods: The International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) systematically developed evidence-based guidelines and an algorithm for the management of avalanche victims using a worksheet of 27 Population Intervention Comparator Outcome questions. Classification of recommendations and level of evidence are ranked using the American Heart Association system.

Spinal and pelvic injuries in airborne sports: a retrospective analysis from a major Swiss trauma centre.

Background: Adrenalin-seeking airborne sports like BASE-jumping, paragliding, parachuting, delta-gliding, speedflying, and skysurfing are now firmly with us as outdoor lifestyle activities and are associated with a high frequency of severe injuries, especially to the spine.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of all airborne sports-associated spinal and pelvic injuries admitted to a Level I trauma centre in the Swiss Alps between 1st March 2000 and 31st October 2009. Spinal injuries were classified by the Magerl system and pelvic injuries by the AO/OTA scheme modified by Isler and Ganz.

Lightning injuries: prevention and on-site treatment in mountains and remote areas. Official guidelines of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine and the Medical Commission of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (ICAR and UIAA MEDCOM).

Lightning is a hazard during outdoor activities, especially for hikers and mountaineers. Specific preventive measures include staying off ridges and summits, and away from single trees. If possible, stay close to a wall but keeping a distance of at least 1m away from the wall.