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Safe Backcountry Hiking
Retired National Park Rangers Offer 5 Tips to Reduce Injuries
"EMT gear is a good idea if you have someone along who knows how to use it," says Tony Bonanno, a CNPSR member and the former chief ranger of the NPS Intermountain Region. "Mine includes extra matches, needle and thread, a flare, mirror and whistle. Remember that splints often can be improvised using what nature or innovation provides, such as branches, pack frames, blankets, coats, sleeping bags, etc."
5. Know in advance what to do if things go bad.
Park rangers typically encourage hikers in genuine distress to "hug a tree," which means staying where you are until help comes to you. You can last a long time with the gear you have with you. Whistles, mirrors, cell phones (when they work) are priceless. A lost person who wanders around aimlessly – especially in inclement weather – can turn a merely bad situation into a truly tragic situation. It is better to be lost and then found (even if a little embarrassed) than to be carried out of the wilderness in a body bag. When traveling in a group, if someone sustains an injury, good judgment is required to determine if it is safe to proceed; better to send someone (two people, if possible) back for help; or "hug a tree" and wait for help.
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