First Aid
Wilderness first aid basics every hiker should know. This is not a substitute for formal training.
This page covers general wilderness first aid concepts only. For real preparedness, take a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course. TUBC recommends all trip leaders be WFA certified.
Blisters
Drain with a sterile needle at the blister edge, not the center. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with Moleskin or a blister bandage. Don't remove the skin. Prevention: break in boots before the trip, wear liner socks, use Bodyglide on hot spots.
Dehydration
Symptoms: dark urine, headache, fatigue, irritability. Drink 2–4 liters per day, more at altitude and in heat. Electrolyte tabs help replace what sweat takes. When in doubt, drink more.
Altitude Sickness (AMS)
Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue appearing above 8,000 ft. Prevention: ascend slowly, hydrate, sleep lower than you hike. Treatment: descend if symptoms worsen. Don't push through severe symptoms — this can escalate to HACE or HAPE, which are life-threatening.
Twisted Ankle
RICE: Rest, Ice (use stream water if no ice), Compression (wrap with bandana or ACE bandage), Elevation. If weight-bearing is impossible, evacuate. Trekking poles help stability after a mild sprain.
Hypothermia
Symptoms: shivering, confusion, slurred speech, clumsiness. Prevention: stay dry, layer up before you get cold, eat regularly for fuel. Treatment: get out of wind, remove wet clothes, add dry insulation, share body heat, give warm fluids if conscious.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms: heavy sweating, weakness, cool/pale skin, nausea. Move to shade, rest, hydrate with electrolytes. Hike early morning to avoid midday heat. Different from heat stroke (hot/red/dry skin, confusion) — heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate evacuation.
Bee Stings & Allergies
Remove stinger by scraping (not pinching). Apply cold water. If the person has a known allergy, use their EpiPen and evacuate immediately. Anyone experiencing hives, swelling, or breathing difficulty after a sting needs emergency evacuation.
When to Evacuate
Evacuate immediately if someone: cannot walk out under their own power, has altered mental status, chest pain, severe allergic reaction, signs of HACE/HAPE, or a wound that won't stop bleeding. When uncertain, err toward evacuation. TUBC recommends all trip leaders complete a Wilderness First Aid course.