Equipment Requirements for Wilderness First Responder

by Kimberly Rundles

Overview

Wilderness Response Team

8199c36d-8179-4966-adfb-d0d67cf2c232500362

When engaging in outdoor pursuits, accidents and injuries can occur. Wilderness First Responders must possess a calm reassuring manner, positive attitude and the proper equipment if they are to be effective in wilderness emergencies.
Immediate Response Equipment

A minimal first aid kit for Wilderness First Responders must contain adhesive and roller bandages, sterile gauze, cloth tape, alcohol swabs, plastic gloves, moleskin, sugar packets, aspirin, safety pins and plastic bags.

Short-Term Response Equipment

First Responder items that can be used to reduce shock and dehydration and prevent weather related injuries include water, matches, clothing, rain gear, hats, and gloves.

Winter gloves and coat

9a50b1af-bfad-4163-9aa3-f05b72682e33500500
Long-Term Response Equipment

In the event the First Responder must maintain the victim for an extended period of time, long-term emergency equipment includes food, a tarp, blanket, rope, knife, fire starters, water purification tablets and a metal cup.

Tent

9afc06e1-bc7f-4efb-b0b6-6ae38f15242f364500
Traveling Equipment

If a First Responder must move a victim for safety's sake, traveling equipment should contain a compass, a flashlight with extra batteries and a map of the area.

Compass

bb3afea9-f866-4c69-9a87-a167d65ceac2450450
Signaling Equipment

Equipment used for signaling are whistles, mirrors, flares and Global Positioning Systems should the First Responder and victim need to alert rescuers of their position.

References & Resources

"Mountaineering First Aid, Fourth Edition;" Jan D. Carline, Ph.D., Martha J. Lentz, R.N., Ph.D., Steven C. Macdonald, M.P.H., Ph.D.; 2001
"Leadership and Administration of Outdoor Pursuits, Second Edition;" Phyllis Ford, Jim Blanchard; 1993
Wilderness Medicine and First Aid Courses