Some of us are super confident venturing out into the wild on our own, and others not so much. People may be dissuaded from going hiking from fears of getting eaten by a bear, getting lost, etc. If you prepare in advance for your trip and educate yourself on some basic safety tips, you will drastically reduce your risk of something terrible happening, and improve your effectiveness in responding to anything that may go wrong. Regardless of one's prior experience and confidence level, there are some safety practices that everyone should use. I am certified as a Wilderness EMT, and there are some basic but big tips that I learned that I think everyone should keep in mind when going on adventures.
1. Know your buddies
If you are going on this adventure with other people, it is imperative that you all get to know each other's pertinent health history before you head out. This doesn't mean you have to share everything, but there are some key conditions that should be made known such as diabetes and any heart conditions. If someone in your group has a condition, you should know their plan if they have any troubles related to the condition. Do they have insulin with them, glucose tablets, aspirin, nitroglycerine? If so, where is it in their pack? This information is crucial to know so that you can identify what someone is going through if they have an onset of any symptoms related to their condition, and how to help them.
2. Hiking alone? Leave breadcrumbs. (metaphorically)
Leaving actual breadcrumbs is probably the worst idea because you might lead a bear right to you. What you do need to leave are * metaphorical * breadcrumbs. Many people like to disappear on a hike in the woods without telling anyone because it is a way to disconnect from the world. You can still have your blissful escape into the wilderness by sending a quick text to an accountability buddy. I visited the Teton Country Search and Rescue Barn (SARS Barn), and this was the most important tip they insisted upon. One thing they told me that is really helpful is leaving a piece of paper in your car stating the time you left, what trail you are taking/what direction, and when you anticipate to be back. This helps any search and rescue team immensely, especially when venturing into expansive wilderness areas such as the Grand Tetons or Yellowstone National Park. One thing I might add is that if you are in a remote area and on a trail that is not heavily trafficked, perhaps fold the paper so that not just anyone can look in and see your travel plans. If you do get lost, the SARS team can open your vehicle. I would use your gut instinct when deciding where to leave this information according to your location. Leaving metaphorical breadcrumbs is a good practice even if you are taking some buddies with you.
3. Familiarize yourself with the terrain
It is imperative to get to know your hiking area before you head out. You should be aware if there are any water sources and where they are, active wildlife threats, potential poisonous plants that grow there (potion ivy, poison sumac, etc.), locations of cell service, predicted weather during your trip, and any current pertinent news in the area. It's best to go into a situation with as much knowledge about what you might encounter as you can so that you are prepared for any obstacles.
4. Pack the essentials
There are a few items to include in your pack that may just save the day. They are small enough that it doesn't really hurt to include them, and the positives outweigh any extra weight they may add. Pack with intention!
Surgical tape - You can buy a roll of this at a drugstore for pretty cheap. This can come in handy for blisters, sprained ankles, knees, fingers, wrists, etc. This stuff is so versatile!
Extra layers - Depending on where you are, weather can change really fast. Especially if you are stranded and have to spend the night. An extra folded jacket or shirt can also be used to make a splint on the fly or be used to stop bleeding.
Bear spray - This depends on where you are hiking, but this should be a given. Bear spray can also be self defense for a variety of other animals that may attack you.
Plastic surgical gloves - These are so lightweight and take up almost no space. If you want to help other people, BSI (body substance isolation) is key. This means wearing the proper gear so that you don't get anyone's bodily fluids on you. Some people may feel like this is a step they can just ignore because they don't think it matters, but you never know a person's health history and what they could be carrying. As an EMT, the first thing we do before entering a scene is check for scene safety and confirm that we are wearing BSI. Spending 10 minutes helping someone's bleed on the trail without BSI could mean contracting HIV, Hepatitis B or C, a SARS infection, or a myriad of other conditions. Do yourself a favor and take a second to put on some gloves. (Plastic gloves can also be used to cover sucking chest wounds... but leave that to the EMTs đ)
Water filter - Having a water filter can be pretty handy when you are on long hikes in the backcountry. It is important to know which one to get. There are many different kinds; UV, iodine or chlorine tablets, filtration, or boiling. All of these options are good, but for different circumstances. Some get rid of physical debris, some get rid of viruses and bacteria, some get rid of more than one, and a combination of methods can get rid of practically everything. In areas such as ponds that are filled with sediment and have been sitting for a while, you will want to filter extensively. With clear water near the top of a mountain, you may just need a water pump filter. Read up on different ways to purify water before you head out on your trip!
Head lamp - Having a head lamp can be a good backup in case you get stranded overnight.
Pocket knife - This can be used for a variety of things and is always good to have.
Aspirin - Good to have for chest pains or an injury you might get on a hike.
Ace bandage - Perfect for wrapping a rolled ankle or compressing an external bleed.
Snacks - Some extra protein bars are great high-calorie options if you stay out longer than expected or run into someone in need.
There are some things that can happen on a hike where you won't know what to do, but taking the steps to having a safe hike can help reduce the chances of something negative happening that was preventable. It just takes a second to text a friend what your plan is, or throw an ace bandage in your pack. To me, being prepared and getting educated on how to help myself or others on the trail is super empowering. It makes me feel self-sufficient! If you are one of those "do it yourself" and independent kinds of people, then properly preparing yourself for a trip is the most important thing you can do. If something happens, you are prepared to try and handle it on your own if you can, or make it 10 times easier for the people who come and rescue you. Go forth and adventure safely!
