Requirement 1
Requirement
Hiking
Hazards While Hiking
Do the following:
Do the following:
Requirement
Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while hiking, including hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, sunburn, hyperventilation, altitude sickness, sprained ankle, blisters, insect stings, tick bites, and snakebite
Best Practices for Illness and Injuries on the Trail
Minor injuries like scrapes, blisters, and sunburn are common on hikes. Be prepared with a basic first-aid kit—soap, water, bandages, and blister care can handle most issues and keep you moving safely.
Serious injuries require you and your group to rely on your own skills. Learn how to prevent, recognize, and treat health issues before heading out. This overview highlights key risks—consult a first-aid manual or trusted resources like the Scouts BSA Handbook or Fieldbook for full guidance.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is when a person’s body is losing more heat than it can generate. Hypothermia sets in. Cold exposure alone isn’t usually the cause—wind, rain, hunger, exhaustion, and dehydration often contribute. Symptoms can include feeling cold, numb, lethargic, and clumsy, along with shivering, slurred speech, and poor judgment. Severe cases of hypothermia can result in unconsciousness.
To treat hypothermia, focus on warming the person:
- Move them to covered shelter and into dry clothes.
- Wrap them in blankets or a sleeping bag, covering the head.
- Offer warm liquids if they’re alert (no caffeine or alcohol).
- Place warm water bottles or hand warmers in armpits and groin.
To prevent hypothermia, carry extra warm clothing, try to stay dry, and watch for early signs in yourself and others.
Frostbite
Frostbite affects the ears, nose, fingers, and feet, starting with tingling, pain, and numbness. Early signs include pale patches, which can be treated on the trail. To treat frostnip, move the victim into a shelter, then warm the injured area. If an ear or cheek is affected, warm the injury with the palm of your bare hand. Slip a frostnipped hand under your clothing and tuck it beneath an armpit. Treat frostnipped toes by putting the victim’s bare feet against the warm skin of your belly. Help prevent frostbite by wearing layers of clothing, keeping dry, and staying hydrated.
Dehydration
Water is essential for nearly every bodily function. People who lose more water than they take in risk becomingdehydrated. The first sign of dehydration usually is dark urine. Other signs can include weariness, headache, body aches, and confusion. Heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hypothermia might all be caused in part by dehydration. Prevent dehydration and heat reactions by drinking plenty of fluids. That is easy to do on hot summer days when you are thirsty. It is just as important in cold weather when you might not feel thirsty. Drink enough so that your urine stays clear. At Make sure you are getting enough electrolytes, which are easy to get in most hiking foods like GORP or trail snacks.
Shock
Is a dangerous condition in which there is a sudden drop of blood flow. The result is that the person’s organs aren’t getting enough blood or oxygen, which, if left untreated, could lead to organ damage or even death. Shock can result from a variety of causes, such as heatstroke, blood loss, severe burns, an allergic reaction, blood loss, or trauma.Symptoms of shock include cool, clammy, or pale skin, a bluish tinge to lips or fingernails, rapid pulse or breathing, nausea, enlarged pupils, dizziness or incoherence, fainting, anxiousness or agitation, or an inability to get warm. Treat shock by laying the person down and elevating the legs and feet slightly unless it might cause further injury. Keep the person still and warm. Loosen tight clothing, and if needed, cover the person with a blanket or a jacket. Don’t let the person eat or drink anything. Apply other first aid as needed for allergic reactions, bleeding, or nausea. If the symptoms are severe, call 911 immediately.
Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
Heat
Occurs when a person’s core temperature rises to life-threatening levels (above 105 degrees). Dehydration and overexertion in hot environments can be factors. Symptoms include hot, sweaty, red skin; confusion; disorientation; and a rapid pulse. Heatstroke is life-threatening; summon medical help immediately. To treat a heatstroke victim while awaiting help, work to lower the person’s temperature quickly. Move the person to a shady location and loosen tight clothing. Fan the person and apply wet towels. If you have ice packs, wrap them in a thin barrier (such as a thin towel) and place them under the armpits and against the neck and groin. If the person is able to drink, offer small amounts of cool water. Monitor the victim closely to guard against a relapse.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat and dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion. Symptoms can include pale, clammy skin; nausea and headache; dizziness and fainting; muscle cramps; and weakness and lack of energy. If a member of your group is suffering from heat exhaustion, get the person in the shade and encourage the person to drink small amounts of fluids. Cool water is best. Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin and fan the person to hasten the cooling process. Activities can resume when the person feels better, although it can take a day or more for full recovery.
Sunburn
Sunburn is a common but potentially serious result of overexposure to the sun. Long-term exposure can result in an increased risk of skin cancer.
Treat sunburn by getting the person under shade. If no shade is available, have the person wear a brimmed hat, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt for protection from the sun. Treat painful sunburn by applying cool, wet cloths.
Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation occurs when a person breathes too quickly or deeply, often due to anxiety, overexertion, or altitude changes. To prevent it, hikers should pace themselves, stay hydrated, and take regular breaks to avoid physical and emotional stress. Recognizing the signs is key—watch for rapid breathing, dizziness, tingling in the hands or feet, and feelings of panic. If someone begins to hyperventilate, help them stay calm and encourage slow, controlled breathing, ideally through the nose or into cupped hands. Moving the person to a quiet, shaded area and offering reassurance can help restore normal breathing. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness occurs in higher elevations where there is thinner air and less oxygen, which can cause shortness of breath, headaches, or nausea. Give your body time to adjust. Rapid ascents may lead to acute mountain sickness (AMS). Watch for symptoms like fatigue, headache, or trouble breathing, and seek medical help if they worsen.
The following suggestions can make a big difference in how well you are able to function during journeys to high elevations.
- Drink plenty of fluids. As a rule, take in enough water so that your urine remains clear rather than dark yellow.
- Ascend gradually. Spending a few days at 5,000 to 7,000 feet and then a few more at 8,000 to 10,000 feet will permit your body to acclimate before you go higher.
Sprained Ankle
If you suffer a sprained ankle and need to keep walking, it is important to wrap your ankle with a compression bandage. This will limit the amount of swelling and provide support. You can loosen your shoe to put it on over the wrapped ankle. Hiking poles or your hiking buddy can help you limit the amount of weight you have to put on your hurt ankle.
Learn more about how to treat a sprained ankle.
Blisters
Blisters are the most common—and troublesome—injury for hikers. At the first sign of a “hot spot,” stop and cover it with moleskin, foam, or KT Tape® to prevent a blister. Use multiple layers if needed. If a blister forms, avoid breaking it; treat broken ones like minor cuts using products like Compeed® or Second Skin®. To prevent blisters, wear properly fitted shoes and socks, break in boots beforehand, keep feet clean and dry, and toughen your feet with short hikes before longer treks.
Check out to prevent and treat blisters
Check out how hikers use Leukotape (P) for treating blisters on the trail.
Insect Stings
Bee Stings
Gently scrape away the stinger—don’t squeeze it, as that can release more venom. Apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling
Chigger Bites
Chiggers are tiny and hard to see, but their bites cause itchy welts. Avoid scratching and apply hydrocortisone cream for relief.
Tick Bites
In areas where ticks are high in population, wear long sleeves and pants, and tuck in your clothing to reduce exposure. Check yourself daily and remove ticks immediately with tweezers—grasp close to the skin and pull slowly. Clean the area with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and wash your hands thoroughly.
Snakebites
In the U.S., venomous snakes include pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths) and coral snakes. If bitten and unsure whether the snake is venomous, assume it is and seek medical help immediately. For nonvenomous bites, clean the wound and apply antiseptic. Quick action is key—venom effects may be delayed, but early treatment matters.
Bite marks usually leave two distinct marks that can measure .50 to 1.5 cm apart.
Other Common Hazards
Poisonous plants
Watch out for common poinsonous plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and nettles. These plants can cause skin irritation, itching, and rashes. ‘Leaves of three, let them be’ is a helpful rule, but not all three-leaved plants are harmful. When in doubt, avoid contact.
Check out how poison ivy can affects your skin!
Safety Tips:
- Stay on marked trails.
- Wear long pants and sleeves.
- Learn to identify poisonous plants before hiking.
- If exposed, rinse with cold water and wash with soap or Tecnu.
- Avoid touching your face after contact with unknown plants.
Safety Around Dogs
Dogs are common in cities, towns, farms, and on trails. As a stranger, they may bark or snarl. Avoid eye contact, speak calmly, and give them space. Don’t act threatening—use a hiking stick or poles for protection if needed. Cross the road or take another route to avoid their territory.
Now that you know how to carry out first aid for injuries and illnesses while on a hike
Find out how to use proper hiking practices.
