Skills
Wilderness First Aid Basics
Learn the differences between wilderness and urban first aid. Also get care tips and find out how to assess a patient in the backcountry.
Tod Schimelpfenig
Latest Articles
Skills
How to Treat Insect Bites and Stings
Learn first aid—both prevention and treatment—for bites or stings from mosquitos, biting flies, ticks, bees, wasps, spiders and scorpions.
Skills
How to Treat Cuts, Scrapes and Gouges in the Backcountry
Cuts, scrapes and gouges are a common occurrence in the outdoors, which makes knowing how to treat them an important skill. Learn how.
Skills
How to Treat a Sprained Ankle
An unfortunate reality of living and playing outdoors is the ample opportunity to twist an ankle. Learn how to treat a sprained ankle.
Skills
What to Do if You Get Sick in the Backcountry
Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of common backcountry illnesses and provide treatment.
Skills
How to Treat Burns
Everything from the sun to camp stoves can cause burn injuries. Learn how to prevent, assess and treat burns, and when evacuation is needed.
Skills
Hot-Weather Hiking Tips
Learn how to have an enjoyable hike in hot weather with our advice on planning, clothing and health tips for hot-weather hiking.
Skills
How to Identify and Treat Altitude Sickness
Learn about altitude sickness, acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
Skills
Blister Prevention and Care
Learn the conditions that cause blisters, how to prevent blisters from happening and how to treat them after they form.
Skills
Cold-Weather Hiking Tips
Cold-weather hiking doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Learn to have a good time with these clothing, gear, food, hydration and health tips.