CONQUER THE WILDERNESS WITH CONFIDENCE
MUST-KNOW FIRST AID FOR WILDERNESS INJURIES AND ILLNESSES
By Mike Johnson, NP
You’re miles up the trail, feeling like Bear Grylls on his best day, when suddenly you trip on a tree root and faceplant into a bush. The good news? You’re still alive, and the birds are still chirping (or maybe they're laughing at you). The bad news? You’ve got a gash on your knee that’s making your trek a little less glamorous than the Instagram stories promised. And your face is starting to itch. That’s the start of an allergic reaction to something in that bush. Welcome to the wild, my friend!
But imagine if, instead of panicking and and trying to figure out how you're going to channel your inner MacGyver, you whip out your supplies and tackle each issue with the confidence of a seasoned adventurer. You clean that gash like a pro, pop an antihistamine, and even take a moment to admire the view while the others in your group look at you like you’re some kind of wilderness wizard. Sound far fetched? It doesn’t have to be. With a few must-know first aid techniques up your sleeve, you’ll be ready to turn any wild mishap into just another great story for the campfire. Your mantra can be, "Trek on!"
1. Cuts, Scrapes, and Gashes
Whether it’s from a slip on a rocky trail or an encounter with a thorny bush, cuts and scrapes are perhaps the most common issue you'll face in the wilderness. These can range from minor to major, with dirt and bacteria ready to turn a simple wound into a serious infection.
First, rinse the wound with clean water—ideally from your water bottle, not the nearest river (who knows what’s in there). Use a sterile cloth or gauze to gently clean the area, removing any dirt or debris. Apply an antiseptic to kill any lurking bacteria, then cover the wound with a sterile bandage. If the cut is deep, keep an eye on it and consider using butterfly closures to help it heal. And remember, change the bandage daily or if it gets wet.
Keep an eye on the wound. If it gets increasingly painful, swells, gets puffy, has red streaks forming, is seeping pus, or if you develop a fever, then you may need to be treated for antibiotics and you should contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
2. Animal and Insect Bites and Stings
From mosquitoes to badgers, biting animals are the uninvited guests at every wilderness party. Bites and stings can range from mildly irritating to seriously dangerous.
For most bug bites, cleaning the area and applying an anti-itch cream is enough to keep things under control. Stings are a bit trickier—if you’re stung by a bee, gently remove the stinger with a swipe of a credit card (not tweezers, which can squeeze more venom into the skin). Apply ice to reduce swelling and take an antihistamine if necessary. If you know you’re allergic, carry an epinephrine injector and don’t hesitate to use it if you start feeling symptoms like swelling or difficulty breathing. Larger animal bites should be treated like cuts and gashes, with an extra emphasis on cleaning out the wound. If you suspect the animal is infected with a serious disease, seek emergency help immediately.
3. Vomiting and Diarrhea
Consuming contaminated water or food in the wilderness can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, which not only dehydrates you quickly but also drains your energy and morale, making it harder to continue your adventure.
Start by rehydrating with small sips of water or an electrolyte solution to replace lost fluids. Avoid eating solid food until the vomiting stops, but consider bland foods like crackers once you feel ready. A anti-nausea medication like Ondansetron could be prescribed. For diarrhea, take an antidiarrheal medication if necessary, but be cautious—sometimes it’s better to let your body flush out the toxins. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
4. Sprains and Strains
One wrong step on an uneven trail and your ankle is suddenly throbbing with pain. Sprains and strains are common, and while they might not be life-threatening, they can put a serious damper on your adventure.
Remember RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Find a safe place to sit, elevate the injured limb, and apply ice (or anything cold) to reduce swelling. Wrap the area with a bandage to provide support, but not so tightly that it cuts off circulation. An anti-inflammatory and/or over-the-counter pain medicine can often do the trick. Take it easy for the rest of the hike, and if the pain persists, it might be worth cutting the adventure short to avoid making things worse.
5. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion
Long hikes under the hot sun can drain your body of fluids faster than you realize, leading to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, and excessive sweating—or, if things get worse, a lack of sweat altogether.
Prevention starts with drinking plenty of water before and during your hike. If you start feeling symptoms of dehydration, stop, find shade, and slowly sip water or an electrolyte solution. Avoid gulping it down all at once, as this can cause stomach cramps. For heat exhaustion, cool the body by dousing yourself with water, removing excess clothing, and fanning yourself to lower your body temperature. If symptoms persist, it’s time to seek medical attention.
Knowing how to tackle these common conditions is one thing, but having the prescription medications before you need them is another. But don't worry, we're here to help you trek on.
I'm Mike, and I've been there!
I know the struggle of not having certain medications and first aid when I need it.
That's why I co-founded Trekon Health. From Jeepin' in the red rocks of Southern Utah to mountain excursions across the globe, I've been on some pretty remote adventures far away from access to a medical professional or pharmacy. My passions for adventure and health come together to help you prepare for your next journey. Purchase a customized medical kit to proceed with your consultation.
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Trekon Health is not a pharmacy or medication retailer. Trekon Health providers will determine if it is medically appropriate for you to receive the prescriptions based on your medical history and other factors. Each kit is customized only with those approved medicines. We partner with a third-party pharmacy to fill the prescriptions. Trekon Health charges a fee for its services, but does not mark-up or sell any fees associated with the medications provided by the pharmacy.
You must complete the medical questionnaire and telehealth visit before any prescriptions may be issued. The items listed on the site may not be available to you. Our providers will determine the medical appropriateness of prescription renewals. Our providers do not prescribe controlled substances.
Information provided about medications and conditions on this website are educational and do not represent a specific regimen. Only use medications as directed by a physician.
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