Jeff Walker
- Feb 4
- 5 min read

How to Help an Injured Hiker

Let's go over something that's as important as your trusty hiking boots when it comes to hitting the trails... helping an injured hiker.

As someone who's spent countless hours treading through various terrains and also dabbles in the healthcare field, I've seen my fair share of scrapes, sprains, and the not-so-fun stuff that can happen out in the wild.

1. Assessing the Situation

First things first, when you come across an injured hiker, it's like being the detective of the trails. You need to assess the situation without jumping into action like a superhero. Check if the area is safe for you to approach. If it's not (like if there’s a bear snacking on berries nearby), it’s better to call for help than to play hero.

If it's safe, approach calmly and introduce yourself. Remember, your demeanor can be as soothing as a cool breeze after a steep climb.

Now, it’s time to play a bit of 20 questions – well, maybe not that many. Ask the injured person about what happened, how they're feeling, and if they have any known allergies or medical conditions. This is crucial because sometimes the issue isn't what you see (like a twisted ankle) but something underlying (like a heart condition). Keep your questions clear and your ears open – listening is a skill that's as important as any first aid technique.

Assessment Checklist:

Ensure the area is safe for approach.
Introduce yourself calmly to the injured person.
Ask about the nature of the injury, any allergies, or medical conditions.
Listen carefully to the injured person's responses.

2. First Aid Basics

Every hiker should carry a basic first aid kit – it's like the Swiss Army knife of health care. If the injury is minor, like a cut or scrape, clean it gently with water (if available) and apply an antiseptic. Bandages or gauze can be your best friends here.

For sprains, remember R.I.C.E – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. It’s like a spa treatment for injuries.

Now, if there's a more serious injury, like a suspected fracture or something that makes your stomach do somersaults, it's time to stabilize and wait for professional help. Use splints or bandages to immobilize the affected area. And here’s a pro tip: always be gentle and talk through what you're doing – no one likes surprises when they're hurt.

First Aid Checklist:

Clean and bandage minor wounds.
Apply R.I.C.E method for sprains.
Stabilize serious injuries without causing additional pain.
Keep your first aid kit stocked and within reach.

3. Keeping the Injured Person Comfortable

Comfort is key, and not just in your hiking boots. If someone is injured, keeping them warm and dry is essential. Think of it as creating a cozy campsite right there. If they're in shock, they may feel colder than that one time you forgot your sleeping bag on a mountain summit.

Use extra clothing or a blanket to keep them warm. If it's sunny, find a shady spot or use a jacket to create some makeshift shade – think of it as your own little oasis.

Hydration is also crucial. If they can drink, offer small sips of water. Avoid giving food or medication unless you're certain it won't cause more harm than good. And while you're at it, keep them calm with some light conversation – maybe share your funniest hiking story or that time you mistook a squirrel for Bigfoot.

Comfort Checklist:

Use clothing or blankets to maintain body warmth.
Provide shade if necessary.
Offer water in small sips if the person is conscious and able to drink.
Engage in light conversation to keep their spirits up.

4. Navigating the Rescue

Alright, so you’ve done the first aid magic, now what? It’s time to think about getting professional help. If you're in an area with cell service, call emergency services immediately. Be clear about your location (those trail markers are there for a reason) and the nature of the injury. If you’re out of service range, use a whistle or an emergency beacon if you have one.

Three blasts or flashes are the universal signal for help – it’s like sending an SOS, but more outdoorsy.

If you need to move the injured person (like if there’s a flood coming or you accidentally set up camp on an ant hill), do so carefully. Support their head and neck, and avoid any jerky movements. It's like transporting a delicate, one-of-a-kind vase – steady and secure.

Rescue Navigation Checklist:

Call emergency services if possible.
Use trail markers to describe your location.
Utilize a whistle or emergency beacon if out of cell range.
Move the injured person carefully if absolutely necessary.

5. Mental Support

Never underestimate the power of mental support. Being injured on a trail can be scary, like hearing strange noises outside your tent at night. Keep the injured person engaged and calm. Talk to them, reassure them that help is on the way, and remind them that they're not alone.

Sometimes a good pep talk can be as powerful as any painkiller.

Avoid showing panic or discomfort yourself. Remember, you're the rock in this situation – solid, dependable, not the one who crumbles under pressure. Share positive thoughts, maybe talk about future hiking plans, or how they're going to have quite the story to tell.

Mental Support Checklist:

Engage in reassuring conversation.
Remain calm and positive.
Avoid showing any signs of panic.
Share optimistic thoughts or future plans.

6. Post-Rescue Follow-Up

Once the injured hiker is safely on their way to professional help, your job isn't quite done. If you can, follow up with them or their emergency contacts. It shows you care beyond just the trails. And, it can provide closure to an intense experience.

Also, take some time to reflect on what happened. What did you learn? What could you have done differently? This isn’t just about patting yourself on the back – it’s about growing as a hiker and a helper. Remember, every experience, good or bad, is a step forward on the trail of life.

Post-Rescue Checklist:

Follow up with the injured person or their contacts.
Reflect on the incident and your response.
Consider what was learned and what could be improved.
Restock and prepare your first aid kit for future hikes.