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How to Treat Common Outdoor Injuries (Burns, Cuts, Hypothermia)

How to Treat Common Outdoor Injuries (Burns, Cuts, Hypothermia)

Let’s face it—adventure comes with risks. Whether you're deep in the backcountry or just enjoying a weekend camping trip, injuries can happen.

The good news?

 If you know how to handle them, you can keep yourself and your buddies safe. Below, we’ll go over three of the most common outdoor injuries—burns, cuts, and hypothermia—and exactly what to do when things go sideways.

🔥 Burns: The Campfire’s Fiery Wrath

Nothing ruins a good campfire story like getting too close to the flames. Burns are one of the most common outdoor injuries, whether it’s from cooking mishaps, touching hot metal, or accidental contact with a roaring fire.

How to Treat a Burn in the Wild:

  1. Cool It Down Fast – If it’s a first- or second-degree burn (red, painful, possibly blistering), immediately cool the area with clean water. If you don’t have running water, use a soaked cloth or even a stream (as long as it’s not contaminated). Do this for at least 10-15 minutes to stop the burn from worsening.

  2. Avoid Popping Blisters – Your body forms them for a reason—to protect the raw skin underneath. If a blister breaks on its own, gently clean the area and cover it.

  3. Cover and Protect – Wrap the burn loosely with sterile gauze or a clean bandana to keep dirt out and prevent infection.

  4. Pain Management – If you have ibuprofen or acetaminophen, take it as directed to ease pain and inflammation.

  5. When to Worry – If the burn is larger than your palm, covers a joint (like the knee or elbow), or looks charred/white, you need professional medical help ASAP.

🩸 Cuts & Lacerations: When Nature Fights Back

Whether it’s a slip of the knife, a run-in with a sharp rock, or a surprise attack from thorny brush, cuts are part of outdoor life. The key is stopping infection before it starts.

How to Treat a Cut in the Wild:

  1. Stop the Bleeding – Use direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for a few minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t slow, elevate the wound.

  2. Clean the Wound – This part is crucial. Flush it out with clean water (boiled and cooled if necessary) or saline. Avoid rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can damage healthy tissue.

  3. Disinfect & Cover – Apply antibiotic ointment (if available) and cover with sterile gauze or a clean piece of cloth.

  4. Keep an Eye on It – Change the dressing daily and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, or a foul smell). If the wound gets infected and you’re far from help, seek antibiotics if you have them.

  5. Deep Cuts? – If the cut is gaping open and won’t close with pressure, you may need to butterfly bandage it or, in serious cases, perform field sutures (only if you have the training!).

❄️ Hypothermia: The Silent Threat

Cold weather doesn’t care how tough you are. Hypothermia can creep in faster than you think, and it’s deadly if not treated properly. It happens when your core body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C)—and trust me, you don’t want that.

Signs of Hypothermia:

  • Shivering (early stages)

  • Confusion or slurred speech

  • Clumsiness, fumbling hands

  • Drowsiness or exhaustion

  • Loss of shivering (dangerous late stage!)

How to Treat Hypothermia in the Wild:

  1. Get Them Out of the Cold – Move the person to shelter or block the wind if possible.

  2. Remove Wet Clothing – Wet gear sucks the heat right out of you. Replace it with dry, insulating layers like wool or fleece.

  3. Warm the Core First – Focus on warming the chest, neck, armpits, and groin (not just the hands and feet). Use body heat, blankets, or even warm water bottles (wrapped in cloth) if available.

  4. Give Warm, Sweet Liquids – If they’re alert and able to drink, warm sugary drinks like hot cocoa or electrolyte solutions help provide energy.

  5. No Rubbing or Sudden Heat – Rubbing cold skin or putting someone next to a fire too quickly can cause shock and worsen the situation.

  6. When to Worry – If the person stops shivering, becomes confused, or struggles to stay awake, it’s an emergency. Get them to medical help immediately.

Final Thoughts: Stay Prepared, Stay Alive

Knowing how to handle these common outdoor injuries isn’t just about saving yourself—it’s about protecting your friends, family, or anyone you adventure with. The best approach? Stay prepared. Carry a solid first aid kit, know your surroundings, and always respect the power of nature.

Got any personal stories of treating injuries in the wild? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear them! And if you need quality survival gear, check out what Better Bushcraft has in stock. Stay safe out there! 🔥🏕️

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