Trailside 911

Unfortunately, no amount of planning will guarantee safe passage. When you do find yourself in a wilderness emergency, follow these steps:

1. Make sure you are not in danger. Step back from the situation, take several deep breaths, and remind yourself that you are not the victim. Account for everyone and inform the group of the situation. You do not want to create a second victim by acting impulsively. You need to remain safe.

2. Take necessary precautions. Before treating an injured person, protect yourself from potential infection by putting on surgical gloves from your first aid kit and any other protection you may have.

3. Do your ABCs. If you have first aid training, check the victim's ABCs (airway, breathing, and circulation).

4. Assuming the injured person is conscious, ask where it hurts, what happened, and ask permission to help. Keep the victim warm and comfortable. Then develop a plan of action with the rest of the group.

5. If the victim can't walk to safety, you must first decide how to secure help. Since before setting out you should have made certain there were at least three members of your group (three is the minimum number for safety), decide who to send for help. Decide where this person will go and make sure he or she knows which trails to use. Make sure he/she is properly equipped to avoid another incident.

6. Send that person off with a written note explaining the time and location of the accident. Describe the nature of the injury, your plan of action, and where you will be waiting for the cavalry. This is important information that will help the rescue team.

When disaster strikes on the trail, stay calm, protect yourself from danger, assess the situation, and develop a plan. Better yet, plan ahead to minimize the risk and potential impact of any emergency.