First Aid in the Wilderness

by Dr. Mary Williams, R.N. D.C.

When enjoying the great outdoors, it is always important to be prepared for emergency conditions. This could be poor weather or, worse, an injury. Traveling is a fun and exciting experience, but there are certain dangers that pose threats to travelers. Such dangers include auto, air, or boat accidents, trips and falls, and cuts and bruises. Of course, you could also experience personal health issues like difficulty breathing, particularly if you are not used to participating in activities that the wilderness can inspire. Should you sustain an injury while out in the wild, whether you are hiking a trail in the mountains or exploring the Sahara Desert, preparedness can help you stay safe. Learn more about what you can do if you get hurt during your travels and require first aid in the wilderness.

 

There are several things to consider when administering first aid. Wilderness first aid is very different than regular first aid simply due to the lack of supplies you have available in the wilderness. When you travel, you should always carry a first aid kit that contains basic supplies like bandages, gauze, ointments, and aspirin. Should you have to administer first aid when you are out in the wilderness, be wary of dirt and germs. For instance, if you get cut on something, you will want to use clean water to cleanse the wound and then wrap it up with a sterile bandage from your first aid kit. Remaining calm is another thing to remember when administering first aid. Wilderness environments can be scary, especially when something goes wrong. Keeping yourself composed and aware of the situation at hand will help you get through the incident with ease.

Another important thing to remember if you are injured in the wilderness is that you might need to protect yourself from the elements and wild animals. For instance, if you are severely injured and cannot move from a spot, it is important that you try to find or create shelter until you can obtain help. This is especially important if you are injured and have to stay in the wilderness overnight. Predatory animals can be a threat to you and may prey on you because you are injured. Stay safe by finding an enclosed area to hide in or situating yourself high up on a tree branch so that you can always be aware of your surroundings.

If you are not immediately able to get help for yourself or someone you are with in the wilderness, you will have to be the one to administer first aid. Wilderness-lovers know that before they head out on a journey, it is important to evaluate some vital survival skills. The following wilderness survival skills should be in your arsenal before you set out on your journey. You should know how to treat burns, including burns from the sun and from an open flame. You should also know how to perform CPR, in case whoever you are traveling with suffers from cardiac arrest. When it comes to injuries that break the skin, you should be aware of how to stop bleeding and be able to treat open wounds. As a general rule of thumb, you want to apply pressure to the wound with a sterile dressing and try to keep the sides of the wound pressed close together so that they can heal. To slow bleeding, keep the wound lifted above the heart. Another important first aid skill you should be aware of is how to treat shock. While there is not much you can do to treat shock, what you can do is be sure the person is warm and comfortable and offer support and reassurance.

Finally, you want to be aware of the best way to find help should something go wrong during your time in the wilderness. If you are traveling in a state park, look for call boxes to phone a park ranger. If you cannot find one, keep an eye and ear open for park rangers walking or driving by. They will be able to get you medical attention and further assist you with any injuries you may have experienced. If you are far out in the wild, you might have to resort to other tactics when it comes to finding help, including sending smoke signals, making symbols using what's around you that can be seen from above, or even making loud noises to attract attention.

Nature is a beautiful thing that many people choose to enjoy by immersing themselves into it. While beautiful, the wilderness can also be dangerous. Help keep yourself and the ones you love safe. Heed these wilderness first aid tips!