What is the primary field treatment for increased ICP?

The primary field treatment for increased intracranial pressure (ICP), particularly in a wilderness setting, focuses on maintaining basic life support principles. This approach emphasizes ensuring that the patient's airway is patent, breathing is adequate, and circulation is stable. In situations of increased ICP, managing airway, breathing, and circulation can help prevent further complications and deteriorating conditions.

Basic life support includes measures such as keeping the patient in a position that facilitates venous drainage from the brain, such as elevating the head of the bed (if feasible). Additionally, it involves monitoring vital signs to assess changes in condition, which is a critical part of managing ICP.

Advanced life support and surgical interventions are typically beyond the scope of wilderness first responders, as they require specialized medical training and facilities not available in remote areas. Monitoring vital signs is indeed an essential aspect of the treatment for increased ICP, but as a stand-alone intervention, it does not provide the immediate lifesaving support that is necessary in the field. Therefore, the focus on basic life support techniques as the primary response is crucial in wilderness medicine.