Health & Safety

General Availability of Healthcare

Hospitals with 24-hour emergency rooms can be found in most cities and large towns in Montana and Wyoming, as well as Yellowstone National Park, which has three clinics within its borders.

Common Ailments

Giardia -- Lakes and streams in Montana and Wyoming are often host to giardia and other intestinal parasites. When hiking or backpacking, bring plenty of water. Drink from a lake or stream only if you treat the water first by filtering it, boiling it, or adding iodine pills.

Hypothermia -- Hypothermia occurs when your body gets so cold that it can no longer warm itself. It's aggravated by exhaustion, wetness, and wind, and is a leading cause of death among outdoor recreationists. It is not limited to cold weather; you can get hypothermia on a summer day that suddenly turns stormy. Always dress in layers and be prepared for bad weather, especially if you will be away from your car or lodging for an extended amount of time. When a partner gets hypothermia, you should join him or her in a sleeping bag and use your body warmth to assist.

Wildlife Concerns -- Be especially cautious around wildlife, particularly with children. Bison are not big sheepdogs, and bears are not stuffed animals; they are wild animals that can turn on you suddenly if you get too close. Never -- I repeat, never -- get between a mother bear and her cub. If you're exploring during the summer, carry a can of pepper spray (bear mace), an effective deterrent to bears, available at local sporting goods stores.

High-Altitude Hazards -- Peaks in Wyoming and Montana top out over 10,000 feet, and much of both states' terrain is over a mile high. For many visitors, this is a big jump in altitude -- give yourself a few days to acclimate before you embark on strenuous exercise.

Extreme Weather Exposure -- The weather in the Northern Rockies is capricious -- it can snow in July, or give you serious sunburn in February. If your wilderness activity takes you to a body of water, have extra clothes available in case you get wet, preferably wool and fleece fabrics, which wick away moisture. Many Western streams, rivers, and lakes are glacier-fed and run high during spring; they can be difficult to negotiate and are extremely cold. Winter backcountry explorers should always be equipped with a shovel, a sectional probe, and an avalanche transceiver, since avalanches are common.

What to Do if You Get Sick Away From Home

In most cases, your existing health plan will provide the coverage you need. But double-check; you may want to buy travel medical insurance instead. Bring your insurance ID card with you when you travel.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. For conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or heart problems, wear a MedicAlert Identification Tag (tel. 800/825-3785; www.medicalert.org), which will immediately alert doctors to your condition and give them access to your records through MedicAlert's 24-hour hot line.

Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry prescription medications in their original containers, with pharmacy labels -- otherwise they won't make it through airport security. Also bring along copies of your prescriptions in case you lose your pills or run out. Don't forget an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses.