Eight Essential Advice for Overcoming Wilderness Ordeals: A Must-Know Guide
In the event of a mishap during a summer hike in the Pacific Northwest, being well-prepared can make the difference between a minor setback and a dire situation. To help hikers navigate such predicaments, Dr. David Townes, an emergency medicine physician and wilderness medicine expert, offers essential survival tips for the Pacific Northwest.
Pack for Emergencies
While the destination may only be a few miles into the Cascades, hikers must remember to keep essential emergency supplies in their backpacks, no matter the planned hike's length or ease. These basics include food, water, shelter essentials, and a well-stocked first aid kit. In case of a longer expedition or backcountry hike, purchasing a personal locator beacon or consulting the National Park Service's list of ten essential packing items may prove beneficial.
Inform a Friend or Family Member
Before setting off for the trailhead, it's crucial to inform a trustworthy family member or friend about one's detailed plans, including the destination, expected return time, chosen trail, parking location, and any other relevant details. This ensures someone will alert authorities if the hiker fails to return as planned, making search and rescue efforts more efficient.
Treat Injuries as Necessary
Even with careful planning and precautions, injuries can occur while hiking. Be familiar with your first aid kit's contents and, if possible, attend a wilderness first responder course. In the event of an injury, promptly use the first aid kit to manage wounds and stabilize broken bones or sprains. Basic survival medicine, such as pain relief and digestive aids, may also be helpful.
Assess the Situation
Should one become lost or injured, making informed decisions is crucial. The hiker's specific circumstances, such as the injury's severity, the hiker's resilience, the trail's type, and the season, must all be considered. Choosing between staying put or seeking help depends on these factors and the composition of the hiking party. In general, stay together if injured, and if the hiker is alone, split up and seek help if possible.
Find or Build Shelter
In unfavorable weather conditions, shelter becomes essential to survive. Rain and wind can cause hypothermia, even in relatively warm temperatures. If the weather worsens and night falls, find shelter immediately, whether it's a large rock or tree, or a makeshift structure constructed from branches. Adapt to individual circumstances, as sheltering may not be a priority in warm, dry conditions.
Identify Clean Water
Water is essential for survival, but it must be clean and safe to drink. Carry a water filter, purifying tablets, or drops to treat water from any natural source. In the Pacific Northwest, this is often not an issue, as streams, rivers, and springs are abundant, especially during summer. However, water can still contain harmful bacteria or microscopic parasites, so it's best to purify it whenever possible.
React Safely to Wildlife
Pacific Northwest wildlife may pose a risk to hikers. To avoid unwanted encounters, make noise while hiking, especially in heavily forested areas or near animal habitats. In case of an aggressive face-to-face encounter with a bear or cougar, respond accordingly.
- Grizzly bears may be identified by their shoulder hump, long claws, and short, round ears. Calmly identify oneself as a human and back away slowly. If attacked, play dead and wait for the animal to leave.
- Black bears can be identified by their lack of a shoulder hump and short claws. Approach the bear calmly while waving arms and making oneself appear larger. Back away slowly, but do not turn one's back to the bear. If attacked, fight back with whatever means are available.
- In case of a cougar attack, behave as one would with a black bear—fight back and be aggressive.
By following these essential wilderness survival tips, hikers in the Pacific Northwest can mitigate risks and increase their chances of a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure.
In the midst of outdoor-living and exploring the beauty of the home-and-garden that is the Pacific Northwest’s wilderness, it’s crucial to remember life’s unexpected twists when embarking on a hiking expedition. With the right lifestyle choices and preparations, such as packing essential supplies, staying informed, and understanding local wildlife, one can turn an incident from a dire situation into an unforgettable adventure.
