A field survey of the emergency preparedness of wilderness hikers

Abstract

The objective was to describe the health, first aid needs, supplies, and knowledge of wilderness hikers. A cross sectional survey was designed using a structured interview and carried out in Yosemite National Park; July 1991. The subjects were overnight hikers (n = 301) representing 146 groups, spending a minimum of one night at one of nine sites. The average age was 34 years (range 12–84); 63% were male and 37% were female. Of the subjects, 11% had no previous experience and 40% had been on more than ten trips. Over 96% self reported being in excellent or good health; only 10% were smokers. 50% had pre-existing medical conditions requiring additional preparedness; 10% had insect allergies, 6% had asthma. The most common medical problems encountered were insect bites (82%), minor cuts (24%), blisters (24%) and sunburn (22%). Acute mountain sickness (AMS) (6%) and asthma attacks (3%) were the most common serious problems. 6% shortened their current trip due to first aid reasons. Most groups (141 = 99%) had some first aid equipment. On average, groups carried only 48% of the recommended categories of first aid supplies appropriate for their trip duration. The amount of first aid equipment was significantly associated with the maximal score per group on a generalized first aid knowledge test (p < 0.001). 45% had taken at least one first aid course in the last five years; CPR (27%) and basic first aid (20%). 86% desired to learn more wilderness first aid; 85% were willing to take a basic first aid course; 26% felt that proof of first aid knowledge should be required for taking an overnight backpacking trip. Although these wilderness hikers were healthy people, injuries and illnesses requiring first aid attention were common. Current recommendations for minimum first aid supplies were consistent with the medical problems hikers commonly encountered, but groups were not adequately prepared for such situations. Subjects demonstrated considerable knowledge about common first aid topics, while knowledge about injuries with high morbidity and mortality was lacking.