Wilderness Skills I Am Learning

As I began to embark on 2026, my year of adventure to work through the effects of burnout from my helping profession career. I realized I worked hard to gather assemble the essentials I would need for hiking and camping trips with my dogs, but I was not a girl scout. I don't have the wilderness skills that are highly valuable when you have only yourself to count on. No access to quick resources or medical attention. It is important to me that I can handle my own injuries and illnesses I may experience while adventuring. Not only will these support me, I want to ensure any companions I bring along are safe as well.

Most often I intend to travel with my two large dogs, Gypsy and Atlas. As a pet parent, it is not lost on me that I am responsible for their wellbeing at home and away. Therefore, I ensured that I have the supplies I may need and the information necessary to treat them, others, and myself.

The information I have equipped myself with in a small notebook is listed below. My adventure notebook includes a multitude of information. This list has been taped into my notebook for quick access on hikes and while camping.

Situational Awareness & Risk Assessment

• Stop and assess the environment.

• Look for hazards such as falling rocks, wildlife, unstable terrain, or lightning.

• Ensure the scene is safe before helping.

• Check how many people are involved.

• Determine if evacuation is necessary.

Treating Cuts and Lacerations

• Wash hands or sanitize if possible.

• Apply pressure with clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding.

• Rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water.

• Remove visible debris with tweezers if available.

• Apply antiseptic.

• Cover with sterile dressing and secure bandage.

• Monitor for infection.

Severe Bleeding Control

• Apply direct pressure immediately.

• Elevate the limb above heart level if possible.

• Pack wound with gauze.

• Apply pressure bandage.

• If bleeding continues, apply a tourniquet above the wound.

• Note the time the tourniquet was applied.

Sprains and Strains (RICE Method)

• Rest the injured limb.

• Immobilize with splint or wrap.

• Apply cold compress if available.

• Elevate the limb above heart level.

Fractures

• Do not attempt to realign the bone.

• Immobilize the limb with a splint.

• Secure above and below the fracture.

• Pad splint with clothing.

• Monitor circulation in fingers or toes.

Burn Treatment

• Remove the heat source.

• Cool the burn with clean cool water for 10–20 minutes.

• Remove tight jewelry or clothing.

• Cover loosely with sterile dressing.

• Do not pop blisters.

Hypothermia Treatment

• Move person to dry sheltered area.

• Remove wet clothing.

• Add dry insulating layers.

• Wrap in sleeping bag or blanket.

• Provide warm drinks if available.

Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

• Move the person to shade immediately.

• Lay them down and elevate legs slightly.

• Provide water or electrolytes slowly.

• Cool body with wet cloths or airflow.

• Heat stroke requires immediate emergency evacuation.

Dehydration Treatment

• Stop physical activity.

• Drink water slowly.

• Add electrolytes if available.

• Rest in shade.

Blister Care

• Clean the area.

• If blister is intact leave it alone.

• If large or painful, sterilize needle and drain.

• Apply antibiotic ointment.

• Cover with blister pad or moleskin.

Insect Stings

• Remove stinger if present.

• Wash the area.

• Apply cold compress.

• Take antihistamine if available.

Snake Bite Response

• Stay calm and limit movement.

• Keep bitten limb immobilized and below heart level.

• Remove tight clothing or jewelry.

• Clean wound lightly.

• Seek immediate evacuation. Do NOT cut, suck venom, or apply ice.

Water Purification

• Boil water for at least one minute.

• Use water filters if available.

• Use purification tablets or UV purification devices.

Emergency Shelter Priorities

• Protection from wind.

• Protection from rain.

• Insulation from ground.

• Use tarp lean-to, debris hut, vehicle shelter, or natural cover

Emergency Signaling

• Three whistle blasts indicate distress.

• Three fires or three flashes signal emergency.

• Use whistle, mirror, flashlight, or satellite communicator.

Fire Building Basics

• Start with tinder such as dryer lint or cotton.

• Add kindling such as pencil-sized sticks.

• Gradually add larger fuel wood.

Navigation Skills

• Orient map to terrain.

• Identify landmarks.

• Use compass to determine bearing.

• Follow the bearing while checking terrain.

Psychological Survival Rule (STOP)

• Stop

• Think

• Observe

• Plan

Cheers to our safety and hoping we don't ever need to utilize this valuable information.