Top 5 Wilderness First Aid Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Picture this: You are out in the wilderness, surrounded by nature’s beauty, and suddenly, a group member gets injured. It’s a situation no one ever wants to find themselves in, but unfortunately, accidents happen. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared for any mishaps or medical emergencies that may come your way. Wilderness first aid is a critical skill. Even the most experienced adventurers can make mistakes when providing medical assistance in remote locations.

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Common Wilderness First Aid Mistakes

While there are so many mistakes in wilderness first aid one can make, this article will highlight the top 5 common first aid errors in the outdoors that you should avoid at all costs. From improper assessment of injuries to using incorrect techniques, these common errors can have serious consequences for both you and the injured party. Learning from these mistakes can save lives and ensure a safer outdoor experience.

Wilderness First Aid Mistake #1:
Misdiagnosing Injuries

The most common mistake people make when providing wilderness first aid is misdiagnosing injuries. Our instinct is to assess the situation quickly and start treating the injured person, which can lead to incorrect or inadequate treatment.

For example, assuming ankle injuries are just sprains when, in fact, it’s a fracture can cause further damage, delay proper treatment or hinder recovery time.

To avoid this first aid mistake beginners make, the best decision is to prioritize a thorough patient assessment of the injured individual before beginning treatment.

Take the time to observe their symptoms/vital signs, ask detailed questions about their pain or discomfort and watch for their reaction. Additionally, pay attention to any changes in their condition over time, as some injuries may worsen or develop complications.

If you are uncertain about the severity of an injury, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Stabilize the injured person and seek professional medical help if available. Remember, a correct diagnosis is crucial for providing appropriate treatment and preventing further harm.

Mistake #2:
Failing to Pack Essential Supplies for Wilderness First Aid

Another common first aid error adventurers make is failing to pack a basic wilderness first aid kit. This is doubly important when exploring remote areas! While your basic kit will aid in minor injuries, we like to add a few trauma essentials just in case. Here is what we recommend you carry in your wilderness first aid kits:

• Bandages (triangular, roller, adhesive)
• Gauze 
• Antiseptics
• Wipes
• Pain Relievers / Antibiotics
• Tourniquet
• Israeli Bandage
• Splinter Pick / Tick Remover
• Safety Pin
• Tape
• Emergency Blanket
• Instant Ice Pack
• First Aid Manual
• Trauma Shears
• Thermometer
• Surgical Gloves
• Flashlight
• Pencil and Waterproof Pad

It’s not enough to intelligently bring these items; you also need to know how to use them effectively. Take the time to learn about proper dosage and application methods to provide the best possible care in backcountry emergencies.

A great way to enhance first aid skills is by taking a NOLS wilderness first aid course. Some courses offer an introduction to wilderness medicine – a rewarding course that greatly enhances your survival skills.

Missing supplies in your first aid kit can lead to improvisation, which is not always the best option. In medical scenarios, improvisation can be dangerous, sometimes even deadly, especially if you do not know what you are doing. Do not rely on makeshift remedies which can make the emergency situation worse.

Emergency Antibiotics: Essentials of Wilderness First Aid

*Antibiotic/medication kits can be tricky to put together, especially if you are not familiar with the consequences of your actions. For example first aid mistakes for hikers include drinking unfiltered water. Without proper water treatment, you can ingest contaminants, which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, fever, etc. 

Or maybe you forged and ate something you shouldn’t have and now have to deal with food poisoning, or it’s something as simple as hiking/climbing too high, and now you’re struggling with high altitude sickness.

Whatever the case, if you’re unsure of what medication is required, Jase Medical can help put together an antibiotic kit for emergency response. They have medical kits for every type of adventure and can customize them to suit your needs. It even comes with a guide to help treat things like, mountain sickness, allergic reactions, UTI’s, infections, etc. And, if that’s not enough, you have on-call access to a medical doctor.

We believe in being prepared! Jase Medical has offered our readers $10 off any Jase product using discount code ‘BUSHLIFE10’. Jase kits are only available in Canada and the US.

Mistake #3:
Not Properly Cleaning and Dressing Wounds

Another overlooked and common wilderness first aid mistake is wound care. In a remote environment, you are more prone to infection due to exposure to dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. Failing to clean and dress wounds correctly can lead to complications and impede the process of healing.

Wear disposable gloves to treat a wound. Clean it thoroughly with clean water or a mild antiseptic solution. Avoid applying hydrogen peroxide or alcohol – as it can damage healthy tissue and delay healing. Gently remove any debris or foreign objects using sterile tweezers if available. 

Once the wound is clean, apply a sterile gauze and dressing to protect it from further contamination. It’s critical to change the dressing regularly to prevent infections. If the lesion becomes red, swollen, or tender, or if you notice signs of infection, like pus, seek medical attention immediately.

Mistake #4:
Inadequate Hydration and Nutrition

It’s one of the biggest wilderness first aid mistakes that most people make!

Staying hydrated and nourished in the wilderness is often overlooked. Why? Becuase most people ignore what their body is telling them. They are too absorbed in their outdoor activities to notice the warning signs.

Outdoor activities can be physically demanding, and the lack of good hydration and nutrition can exacerbate injuries and delay recovery. 

Every year, we hear tragic stories of hikers dying due to a lack of hydration, which does not have to be the case. Always, and I can not stress this enough – bring enough water, purifying tablets or water filters to stay safe!!! Inadequate hydration and nutrition can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and other health issues that impede your ability to provide first aid effectively. 

Hydration

Dehydration is common in the wilderness due to hot and dry conditions, physical exertion, etc. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, make sure that you drink water or electrolyte-rich fluids regularly. As a precaution, the best practices for outdoor safety is to pack a water filtration system or purification tablets along with energy powder sachets.

Remember to bring enough water for your entire trip and plan extra for emergencies. Not only will this save your life, but it will also buy you time should an unexpected circumstance occur.

Nutrition

As with hydration, proper nutrition is just as important in remote environments. Always bring enough food for your excursion and consider taking extra for emergencies. High-protein snacks such as nuts, jerky, and energy bars can provide quick and easy sustenance. Try to prioritize non-perishable foods that supply a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Avoid consuming too much sugar, as it can lead to a temporary energy boost followed by a crash.

Remember, adequate hydration and nutrition are essential for mental clarity and the body’s natural healing processes, especially when performing wilderness first aid.

Mistake #5:
Lacking Training and Knowledge in Wilderness First Aid

Knowing how to navigate and treat common outdoor injuries such as cuts, burns, bee stings and insect bites, as well as dealing with more severe emergencies such as broken bones, hypothermia, dehydration, head injuries, heat stroke, can make a significant difference in the outcome of a situation.

If you are an avid outdoor enthusiast, acquiring specialized wilderness first aid training and first aid skills for outdoor emergencies should be a priority!

Concentrated first-aid training courses are a worthwhile investment. Not only will you learn the basics, but you will also have the knowledge to handle emergencies properly and mitigate the impact of injuries until help arrives. Visit the Canadian Red Cross for training courses in wilderness first aid.

Additionally, wilderness first aid training teaches you how to improvise with the resources available in the wild, such as using natural materials for splints or understanding how to purify water. These skills can be lifesaving when professional medical assistance is hours away.

Resources for Learning More about Wilderness First Aid

Hesitant to take a course? Here are a few recommended wilderness first aid resources to consider. These resources will further enhance your understanding of wilderness first aid with the latest practices and up-to-date techniques.

1. Books: “Wilderness Medicine” by Paul S. Auerbach and “Medicine for the Outdoors” by Paul S. Auerbach are highly regarded references in wilderness medicine.
2. Online Wilderness First Aid Courses: Websites such as the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) offer online courses and WFA certification.
3. Local Organizations: Check with local outdoor clubs and hiking groups, or search for wilderness first aid workshops and medical training offered in your area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the wilderness can be unpredictable and challenging. You do not need to become a wilderness EMT, however, with adequate preparation and knowledge, you can avoid the top 5 common wilderness first aid mistakes. Remember to carefully assess injuries, pack essential first aid supplies, properly clean and dress wounds, stay hydrated and nourished, and educate yourself on potential dangers. With these first aid safety tips in mind, you can confidently explore the great outdoors and enjoy all the beauty the outdoors has to offer.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy your adventure!

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