Trail Safety – Girl Scout Gold Award Project
Navigation
Hiking can be a fun way to get exercise and spend time with friends, but it comes with risks such as getting lost. With proper navigation, you can reduce that risk and increase confidence when hiking. Knowing how to navigate is essential for hiking and will significantly reduce your chances of getting lost, but even if you do end up lost, navigation is how you will find your way back.
How to prevent getting lost and other general tips
First up are some general tips for preventing getting lost in the first place. You should always tell someone where you plan to go beforehand, including the name of the hiking area and, if one exists, the specific trail name. Before you leave for a hike, besides packing the proper gear, plan the route you intend to take. Be sure to take into account your skill level and that it is a good match for the trail’s difficulty. By planning properly, you will not only increase your confidence but also reduce your risk of getting lost. Additionally, when you plan, make yourself aware of the specific trail you will walk and take note of where you intend to turn. This prevents you from making a wrong turn that could cause you to stray from your intended path. Another way to prevent getting lost is to repeatedly check your map while on the trail to determine your location and that you are where you should be. Doing this can help you catch a wrong turn or further increase your confidence that you are on the right path. Finally, always pack the right gear. A map and compass are great tools for staying on track, and bringing them on a hike is always better than not having them.
What to do when lost
Getting lost in the woods is a common fear associated with hiking, and while it is unlikely if you properly prepare, here are some tips for if you do end up lost.
A good approach follows the STOP acronym.
First, stop and remain calm. If you keep walking after realizing you are lost, it can make things worse, so it is best to stay where you are as soon as you realize it. Staying calm is also important, as panicking will only make the situation worse.
The next step is to think. Try to remember any previous turns or intersections you passed, as well as the cardinal direction you were walking in. This information can help you better understand where you are and may be important for finding your way back.
Afterwards, observe your surroundings and your supplies. Look for landmarks and try to determine which direction is north. One way to do this could be through natural occurrences, such as lichen. If multiple trees have moss or lichen on one side, that side usually faces north. Also, you can use a map and compass to try to get a general idea of your location. You should also take note of your supplies and how long they will last you. If you have a phone, try using a map or GPS to determine your location and a potential route back. Another important thing to determine is how long ago you were on the correct path or trail.
The last step is to plan your next moves. If you are on a trail, stay on it and try to backtrack to the last trail marker. Always mark your way with rocks, sticks, or marks on trees to prevent getting lost. Marking the path you take is especially important if you are not on a trail. If that is the case, slowly walk around the area and search for a trail or other signs of human life.
Some other tips include occasionally stopping to listen and see if you can hear things like cars on a road, other people’s voices, or even flowing water. These things can help guide you towards life. Blowing a whistle 3 times can also be a good method to signal to others that you need help. Finally, make sure to drink water when thirsty and rest when tired. Trying to save water can make you even more dehydrated, and continuing to walk around when tired can worsen your situation and fatigue.
The most important thing you can do to avoid getting lost is to plan your entire route before going on a trail, and while on the hike, constantly check that you are following it. Always take note of important decision points, like intersections. When you pass them, turn around and observe what the same intersection will look like on your return. This can help to prevent confusion on the way back, as the intersection might look different. Additionally, you should always carry the right emergency supplies when hiking, including a map, compass, whistle, and enough food and water.
Map and Compass Navigation
Knowing how to use a map and compass properly is essential for hiking. It can help you when lost, therefore increasing confidence and safety when hiking. While phones can provide online maps and GPS, they are not always reliable, and you might not always have service. A map and compass are much more reliable for navigation, and learning to use them will be beneficial.
Parts of a map and compass
Before you can use a map and compass, you need to learn their different components.
Some common features of a map include roads, trails, bodies of water, cardinal directions (North, South, West, East), contour lines (showing elevation), and latitude and longitude lines. Other parts that can vary from map to map are scales and legends. Scales tell you what a distance on a map is equivalent to in the real world; for example, an inch on a map could equal a mile. Legends explain the various symbols a map may contain. Common objects represented by symbols are buildings, trees, campgrounds, rest areas, and bodies of water.
The parts of a basic compass include a baseplate, direction of travel arrow, dial, declination marks, orienting arrow, orienting lines, needle, and housing. The baseplate is where the compass is placed, and it often includes rulers and straightedges for easy use with maps. The housing is the round section of the compass that contains the needle pointing North. The direction-of-travel arrow is located on the baseplate but is typically outside the compass dial. When using a compass, point it in the direction you intend to travel. The dial is the ring around the housing that rotates it and controls the degree markings. The orienting arrow is on the bottom of the housing, rotates with the dial, and is used for map navigation. Similarly, the orienting lines are at the bottom of the housing and are used for map navigation; they are parallel to the orienting arrow.
One thing to keep in mind when using a compass is declination, which is the difference between magnetic and true North. The needle on a compass points to magnetic North, but not true North. This difference needs to be accounted for when using a compass. You can adjust your compass for declination; instructions are usually provided in the user manual or on the manufacturer’s website. You can look up the declination in the area you will be hiking in and adjust accordingly. The declination will be expressed in degrees and will vary by location.
How to take a bearing
Now that you have the information you need, you can start learning how to navigate properly with a map and compass.
One of the most important skills to know when using a map and compass is taking a bearing. A bearing is a measure of direction using degrees, and it allows you to determine the direction you need to take when walking.
Before you attempt to take a bearing, you need to make sure your map aligns with the world around you in a process called orienting the map. First, place your compass flat on the map. Then turn both the map and the compass together until the red end of the compass’s needle matches north on the map. Finally, make sure the compass’s orienting lines align with the north-south grid lines on the map.
With the map properly oriented, you can now take a bearing. First, align your compass on the map so it points in a straight line from your location to your destination, with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing toward your destination. Next, you turn the dial and move the orienting lines until they are parallel with the North to South grid lines of your map. Then you can remove the compass from the map and hold it level. With the direction of travel arrow pointed away from you, rotate your entire body until the needle’s red side lines up with the position of the orienting arrow. Once the two arrows are in line, you will be facing the direction you need to go to reach your destination on the map. A tip to stay on track is to walk to a nearby object along the bearing, then check that the arrows are still aligned. By repeating this process all the way to your destination, you will increase your accuracy of walking in the correct direction. Overall, knowing how to take and use a bearing is useful if you have a map of the trails you are hiking and get lost. No matter where you are, you will be able to determine the direction you need to walk to either return to the trail or exit.
A map and compass can also be helpful when you are lost or don’t know your position on the trail. Through a technique called triangulation, you can determine your exact location on a map through visible landmarks. First, examine your surroundings and determine 2-3 landmarks that are also identifiable on your map. Some examples of landmarks often found on maps include hills, towers (or other manmade structures), and lakes. Next, point your compass at the landmark and take a bearing. Then, place your compass flat on the map without changing its direction and draw a line from the landmark using the bearing. Repeat the process with the second and third landmarks. The point where the lines intersect is your location on the map. If you had three landmarks, it would be more accurate, and there would be a triangle that shows the area you are in. Once you know your location, you can take a bearing and determine where to go.
Insect Bites
Insect bites can be a major source of concern or fear when hiking, but with a little bit of information on how to identify dangerous bites and prevent them altogether, those fears can be reduced.
Prevention
The first thing you should know about insect bites while hiking is how to prevent them. While no method is 100% effective, there are ways to reduce the overall number of bites you receive. One of the most effective methods is to wear an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved insect repellent. These repellents often contain DEET or picaridin, which are among the most effective. Another simple tip is to wear long sleeves and pants when in areas with large numbers of bugs. By reducing the amount of exposed skin, you reduce the number of places where you could be bitten. However, you shouldn’t apply bug spray to skin that will be covered by clothing. For mosquitoes, you should also try to avoid standing water and the times of day when they are most active, such as dawn and dusk.
Additionally, especially around bees, you should avoid fragrances as they can attract insects. Finally, something you can do both during and after a hike is a tick check. In a tick check, you look for ticks on your arms, legs, and warm parts of your body, which is where they tend to travel. These things can all help to reduce your chances of being bitten and, therefore, improve your overall experience.
Mosquito
One of the most common types of bites received on the trail is those from mosquitoes. A bite from a mosquito will typically cause a raised, red, or brown bump and may be harmless, aside from redness and itchiness. It is best not to scratch bites, as it can cause a break in the skin and possibly an infection. Using an effective mosquito repellent can help prevent bites, and hydrocortisone or other anti-itch cream can help reduce itching. Occasionally, mosquitoes can carry a disease, and if you feel feverish after being bitten, seeing a doctor is recommended.
Spiders
Spiders do not tend to bite humans as often as insects do, but it can still happen while hiking. A spider bite typically will have two puncture marks and will turn red or brown in color.
It can be helpful to gently rinse the bite with soap and water, apply ice, and take pain medication if necessary. Many spider bites are harmless, with only pain and swelling, but a dangerous spider bite can cause more severe symptoms. Some concerning symptoms include fever, joint pain, numbness, fatigue, blisters, headaches, and more. If experiencing concerning symptoms after a spider bite, it is best to seek professional medical attention.
Ticks
Ticks are another common insect that often bites humans. They are common in tall grass and in leaves, so by staying on trails, the risk of exposure is largely reduced. If a tick is not attached to the skin when a bite is discovered, there are some other signs that the bite mark is from a tick. If the bite was harmless, there may be a tiny dot at the site of the bite, but a mark doesn’t always appear. In this case, it may be helpful to gently wash the area with soap and water. Bites that are cause for concern might have a bullseye-shaped rash around the bite, along with other possible symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches. These symptoms are signs of a tick-borne disease, and you should talk to a doctor for further action.
A great way to prevent tick bites is to check for ticks often. In a tick check, you examine all parts of your clothing and skin to see if any ticks are attached to you. For clothing, it is smart to tumble dry or wash them with warm water to kill any ticks that were missed. When on the skin, they are commonly found in warmer areas such as behind the knees, elbows, and ears, or in the hair. If one is found, use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible, then slowly pull it up without twisting. Doing this prevents any part of the tick from being left behind. Closely monitor a bite for at least a few days following to make sure no symptoms of a tick-borne disease appear. If possible, try to identify the tick by taking a picture. It is also important to check pets for ticks, as they can easily pick one up and bring it inside without you knowing.
Bees and other stinging insects
Stings are another common insect-related injury that can occur when hiking. The best way to avoid a sting is to leave bees alone, as they only attack when threatened. Other methods of sting prevention include not walking barefoot, avoiding disturbing nests, and avoiding overgrown areas. A sting is often accompanied by a sharp pain and is therefore commonly easy to identify. However, there are a few more signs you should be aware of. A bee’s stinger is often left behind in the skin, and removing it can be helpful. The site of the sting will often also have a white or black dot at the center of the swelling. Typically, bee stings are not dangerous, aside from some pain and swelling. Simple treatments, such as applying an ice pack to the sting or taking an antihistamine, can provide relief. However, stings can be threatening if you have an allergy. If you are aware of a bee allergy, seek medical attention as soon as you can. If you are unsure whether you have an allergy, there are some symptoms to look out for. These include excessive swelling, hives, trouble breathing, fast pulse, nausea, and more. Reactions can occur anywhere from immediately to 6 hours later, with the most common time being around 15 minutes.
Snake
While they are not insects, another type of bite you may receive on the trail is one from a snake. Snake bites are uncommon and often require provoking the snake, but they remain a concern for many when hiking. A good way to prevent them is to stay a good distance away from any snake you might encounter and to watch where you step. If a snake bites you, you will likely notice that sharp pain often accompanies the bite. If you do not discover the bite until later, it can often be identified by two puncture marks. The dangers of snakes are that some carry venom, and while the effects can vary, common symptoms can help distinguish venomous from nonvenomous bites. Nonvenomous bites typically cause bleeding, slight swelling, and redness. For these bites, wash the area, cover it, and monitor it; contact a doctor if necessary. Some signs of a venomous bite include continued pain at the bite site and surrounding areas, vomiting, excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and more. If you experience any of these signs or are unsure whether a bite was venomous, it is best to call 911 and get help as quickly as possible. In the situation of a venomous bite, stay calm, cover the wound, and do not attempt to suck out the venom.
Conclusion
Encountering insects on the trail is inevitable, but with proper knowledge of how to deal with them, your experience will improve. Bites from insects and other creatures can be a scary part of hiking, but they don’t have to be. If you take the proper steps to prevent bites and prepare for the possibility of one, you can be more confident in your safety and have a more enjoyable hiking experience.
Dangerous vs Harmless Plant Identification
One thing people often worry about before hiking is the risk of getting poison ivy, but they do not always consider other dangerous plants. While poison ivy is a plant that is likely to give you trouble, others could present issues, too. This danger is especially relevant when you are with young children. Fortunately, with the proper knowledge and preparation, poison ivy and other dangerous plants can be easily avoided.
Prevention/tips
There are some steps you can take to prevent issues caused by harmful plant life. One is to be aware of which local harmful plants exist and to learn how to identify them. Some common harmful plants will be discussed later on. Another way to reduce risk is never to eat plants you find in the woods, even if you think they’re safe, because many harmful plants look similar to harmless edible plants. It is especially important to teach children the dangers of eating plants and discourage them from doing so. You can also wear longer pants and sleeves to reduce the amount of exposed skin that a plant like poison ivy, which is harmful when touched, could contact. Finally, learning first aid for contact or consumption of harmful plants is a great way to increase safety.
Poison Ivy
The first harmful plant that likely comes to mind is poison ivy. The plant is known for its signature three leaves and noticeable leaf veins. The middle leaf often has a longer stem, and the edges of the leaves can be smooth or slightly jagged. The color of the leaves changes throughout the seasons, making it commonly mistaken for harmless tree leaves or other plants. In the spring, the leaves are reddish, green in the summer, and red, orange, or yellow in the fall. Poison ivy also has many forms, such as a low plant, bush, or climbing vine with hairy roots.
Every part of the plant can be irritating, including the roots, stems, and leaves. The irritant in the plant is an oily substance called Urushiol, which can stick to clothes, shoes, pets, and other gear, meaning you don’t have to touch the plant directly to be exposed and irritated by it. Urushiol causes symptoms such as redness, swelling, inflammation, itchiness, and blistering. You should avoid scratching your skin after contact with poison ivy, as it can move the oil to different parts of the skin, making the rash worse.
If you think you came in contact with poison ivy, quickly wash your hands, including under fingernails, ideally within 10-15 minutes. Also, wash any clothes that could have touched the plant, as they can spread the irritant. Avoid scratching the rash if it develops, as it can cause infection. The symptoms can usually be managed at home without seeing a doctor by using calamine lotion, cool compresses, or oatmeal baths. However, if the rash is severe, covers a large area, or is in a sensitive area such as the face, medical attention might be needed.
Mushroom
Another plant that is widely known for its potential harm is the mushroom. Mushrooms come in various sizes and colors, and not all of them are harmful. Unfortunately, there is no single way to tell whether a mushroom is poisonous, but there are common features that can help identify poisonous mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms commonly have a bad smell, a ring around their stem, white gills (underside of the cap), bruising/color change around any damage, and red stems or caps. Do note that while harmful mushrooms commonly have these features, certain types of harmless mushrooms may also have them; therefore, these features are not a definitive way to identify a poisonous mushroom. In case one is ingested, some common symptoms of mushroom poisoning include digestive or breathing issues, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations, and a dry throat, mouth, or nose. The best way to avoid poisoning by a mushroom is not to eat any found in the woods or outside in nature. If you experience any of these symptoms or other physical irregularities, get medical help as soon as possible.
Many lesser-known plants can also cause harm; those to be covered include poison hemlock and giant hogweed, which are among the most dangerous in the northeast.
Many more plants can harm someone when out on a trail, so it is best to take steps to reduce the risk. If you do consume a harmful plant, call an emergency number immediately for help. You should also attempt to remove any part of the plant that could be left in your mouth, and drink a small amount of water. Additionally, try to identify the type of plant and, if possible, safely gather a sample of all its parts. The intensity of effects can vary based on age, weight, metabolism, diet, and any medications you might be taking.
Overall, plants can be a source of concern and risk when out hiking, but with proper knowledge of how to deal with and avoid them, the danger is significantly reduced.
First Aid
Some essentials for safety on the trails include knowing proper first aid and what supplies to bring on a hike.
First Aid Kit
The first step to being prepared for trail injuries is to pack a first-aid kit with the right supplies. You also want to have a variety of supplies, from treating smaller injuries, like a cut, to larger injuries like a broken bone. The supplies in a first aid kit can vary depending on the difficulty of a trail and one’s personal needs, but some common supplies can be helpful. These include bandages, gauze, alcohol wipes, tweezers, ice packs, gloves, and more. You also need to consider the size of your first aid kit. You want it to be compact so it doesn’t take up much space in your bag or add unnecessary weight. To save space, bring multipurpose items like tape and vaseline.
Common Injuries
There are many possible injuries that, while uncommon if you take steps to ensure safety, could occur on a hike. Some minor ones that will be addressed are cuts, scrapes, and blisters. The more severe injuries covered will be broken bones, dehydration, and any occasion when CPR might be necessary. The first aid items that would be helpful in these situations will also be discussed.
Cuts and Scrapes
One of the most common injuries on the trail is a minor cut or scrape. They can be dealt with quickly and easily if you know how. The first thing you should do is gently clean the area of any dirt and try to stop any minor bleeding. To clean an injury, use a skin-safe wipe, and to stop minor bleeding, light pressure should be sufficient. Afterwards, you should cover the injury to avoid further dirt from getting on it and possibly causing an infection. Be sure to change the covering as needed and to call a doctor if the injury worsens or seems infected.
Blisters
Another common injury is a blister, which is especially common on the feet due to the walking involved in a hike. The best way to deal with a blister is to prevent further friction on the site, so avoid rubbing against the inside of the shoe. You can help prevent a worse blister by putting tape, a band-aid, or another adhesive on the blister. Do remember that walking can worsen a blister, so it is best to treat it before continuing.
Broken bones/sprains
A less common but still possible injury is a broken bone. You likely will not know the severity of the broken bone; for example, it could be broken or just sprained. In either case, it is best to assume the injury is worse to prevent further damage. The first thing you should do to treat a broken bone is stop any bleeding that is occurring. Then you should prevent the limb from moving. This can be done with a splint for either a leg or an arm. For a splint to be successful, it should extend beyond the joint that moves the limb to stop movement completely. This is also best done with padding to improve support. A broken bone needs professional medical attention, so it is best to go to a hospital following an injury, and also consider calling 911 depending on the severity.
Dehydration
While it is not a physical injury, dehydration can also pose a danger to the body when hiking. The severity of dehydration can vary and will worsen with time. Dehydration occurs due to insufficient water and is more common during exercise because of increased sweating. Common symptoms include dry mouth, headache, dizziness, small appetite, and more. Disorientation is also a common symptom that can contribute to getting lost while hiking, so it is important to drink water throughout the hike. More severe symptoms that might require professional medical attention include fainting, nausea, little sweating, hallucinations, and a high fever. The best treatment is to rest, stop any intense activity, and drink water.
CPR
Knowing how to use CPR is incredibly helpful in emergencies, and it can save a life. Therefore, it is important to learn as part of first aid training. While emergencies that require CPR are rare, they can happen, so it is important to know the signs to look for and how to act. Someone who needs CPR is not breathing normally (or not breathing at all) and is not responsive. They will often have no pulse, have collapsed, and won’t respond if you tap them or call their name. If this happens, the first thing to do is to make sure you are in a safe area to help and move to one if not. Then call 911 immediately or have someone else call before. Next, make sure to check for breathing and check in their mouth for a blocked airway if they aren’t. If the person is not breathing and you know CPR, start right away. Do not stop until emergency responders take over, the person becomes responsive, or you are too tired to continue. If you are not trained in CPR, the 911 operator can guide you step by step to help the person.