When it’s as beautiful outdoors as it has been this summer, it’s a great time of year to enjoy nature. Before you set out for the great outdoors, are you prepared in case of an emergency? Whether you’re hiking, camping or enjoying other backcountry adventures, know what to do in case of emergency when medical care isn’t close by.
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Dave Wooldridge, wilderness first aid instructor trainer and first aid technical advisor for Canadian Red Cross (pictured left), says being prepared is important in dealing with emergencies when in remote places.
"First aid is first aid no matter where you are but preparation and dealing with emergencies is different in the wildnerness," said Dave. "Always take a look at your trip and try to anticipate problems to prepare for those. Make sure you have the appropriate level of training to deal with preparation and handling extended care of someone who needs it."
Working with Ridge Wilderness, a Canadian Red Cross first aid training partner, Dave said simple ailments that would normally not be a concern in urban settings can become emergencies in remote settings.
"In a wilderness setting, common ailments include blisters, temperature related problems such as heat exhaustion or hypothermia, and cuts and scrapes," he explained. "One of the worst things we're seeing is infection as people don't clean wounds properly so a simple problem can become compounded."
To prevent bug bites and stings, Dave said to wear light clothing, use bug sprays and have first aid training to treat them.
"Clean the sting or bite, monitor it, scrape the stinger out with a credit card and keep the area cool to avoid swelling," he added. "I want to see people take the first aid course and never use it, as people are safer when they've taken the course."
Here are some tips and resources to ensure you’re ready to enjoy your outdoor adventure.
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Did you know the Canadian Red Cross offers first aid courses designed to prepare you for outdoor adventures that take you far from medical care? Check our web site for a Wilderness & Remote First Aid course near you.
Be prepared: Ten Essentials
In the backcountry, the “Ten Essentials” are what you need to survive in an emergency situation. This list may differ from person to person and will depend on the environment in which you are travelling or working, the activity in which you are participating, and the season.
Prevention tips for stings
Stings from bugs and insect bites while outdoors can be annoying but also dangerous. Keep safe by preventing stings and bites as much as possible by staying away from tall grass and underbrush. When you are in wooded or grassy areas wear light-coloured, long-sleeve clothing and tuck your pant legs into your socks or use a rubber band so ticks cannot get underneath. Avoid perfumes and cologne. And check yourself for insects or ticks when you get indoors.
First aid for stings and insect bites
Red Cross app
To have a great reference tool at your fingertips, download the Red Cross first aid app. The app is great to have when minor emergencies turn into big emergencies but also step-by-step instructions to aid you in helping someone else.
Dave Wooldridge, wilderness first aid instructor trainer and first aid technical advisor for Canadian Red Cross (pictured left), says being prepared is important in dealing with emergencies when in remote places."First aid is first aid no matter where you are but preparation and dealing with emergencies is different in the wildnerness," said Dave. "Always take a look at your trip and try to anticipate problems to prepare for those. Make sure you have the appropriate level of training to deal with preparation and handling extended care of someone who needs it."
Working with Ridge Wilderness, a Canadian Red Cross first aid training partner, Dave said simple ailments that would normally not be a concern in urban settings can become emergencies in remote settings.
"In a wilderness setting, common ailments include blisters, temperature related problems such as heat exhaustion or hypothermia, and cuts and scrapes," he explained. "One of the worst things we're seeing is infection as people don't clean wounds properly so a simple problem can become compounded."
To prevent bug bites and stings, Dave said to wear light clothing, use bug sprays and have first aid training to treat them.
"Clean the sting or bite, monitor it, scrape the stinger out with a credit card and keep the area cool to avoid swelling," he added. "I want to see people take the first aid course and never use it, as people are safer when they've taken the course."
Here are some tips and resources to ensure you’re ready to enjoy your outdoor adventure.
Did you know the Canadian Red Cross offers first aid courses designed to prepare you for outdoor adventures that take you far from medical care? Check our web site for a Wilderness & Remote First Aid course near you.Be prepared: Ten Essentials
In the backcountry, the “Ten Essentials” are what you need to survive in an emergency situation. This list may differ from person to person and will depend on the environment in which you are travelling or working, the activity in which you are participating, and the season.
- Knife – including a locking blade, corkscrew, saw, screwdriver, and tweezers
- Fire-making supplies – a lighter, fire starter (can be homemade), candle, piece of pitch wood
- Whistle – one that is shrill, works in cold and wet conditions, and will penetrate upwind through a storm
- Navigation aids – a quality compass and map of the area
- Sun protection – sunblock, lip balm, sunglasses, and a hat
- First aid kit – suggested kit contents
- Emergency food and water – energy bars, dried fruit, filtered water
- Emergency clothing – synthetic fabrics (such as pile) or wool, a toque
- Light – a headlamp or flashlight (make sure the batteries are working!)
- Shelter – a space blanket with a rope attached to each corner
Prevention tips for stings
Stings from bugs and insect bites while outdoors can be annoying but also dangerous. Keep safe by preventing stings and bites as much as possible by staying away from tall grass and underbrush. When you are in wooded or grassy areas wear light-coloured, long-sleeve clothing and tuck your pant legs into your socks or use a rubber band so ticks cannot get underneath. Avoid perfumes and cologne. And check yourself for insects or ticks when you get indoors.
First aid for stings and insect bites
- If there is a stinger, remove it by scraping it away from the skin. A driver’s licence or credit card makes a good scraping tool
- Wash the area with soap and water
- Apply a cold pack to help control swelling, putting a cloth between the cold pack and the person’s skin to avoid freezing the skin
Red Cross app
To have a great reference tool at your fingertips, download the Red Cross first aid app. The app is great to have when minor emergencies turn into big emergencies but also step-by-step instructions to aid you in helping someone else.
