Outdoor First Aid Myths Busted: What You Really Need to Know for Trails, Camps, and Wilderness Adventures
Myth #1: Snake Bites—“Suck Out the Venom” or Cut the Wound
When people imagine wilderness emergencies, snake bites rank high on the list of fears. Despite what movies might suggest, cutting an X over the bite, attempting to suck out venom, or applying a tourniquet are all outdated and potentially dangerous practices.
The Facts:
Do not cut or suck the wound.
Don’t try to capture the snake—if you safely can, snap a photo, but your priority is the patient.
Immobilize the bitten limb and keep it level with the heart.
Remove jewelry and tight clothing to allow for swelling.
Get the patient to medical care as soon as possible.
Code Blue Safety Skills covers current best practices for wilderness bites in our hands-on classes, so if you’re out with family or a group, everyone can learn to react safely—without the myths.
Myth #2: Tourniquets Are Dangerous (or Useless) in the Wilderness
Some people are afraid to use tourniquets, thinking they always cause more harm than good. Others believe you should improvise one from a shoelace or belt for every deep cut. The truth is somewhere in the middle.
The Facts:
Tourniquets can be lifesaving in cases of heavy, uncontrolled limb bleeding.
They are not for minor cuts or scrapes.
If direct pressure and elevation can’t control severe bleeding, a real, purpose-built tourniquet (like a CAT or SOFT-T) is the best tool.
In a remote setting where help could take hours, using a tourniquet can be the difference between life and death.
Our training breaks down when and how to use a tourniquet, and creates safe, real-life practice scenarios, so you leave with confidence, not just a list of supplies.
Myth #3: Just Carrying a First Aid Kit Makes You Ready
It’s tempting to believe that grabbing a store-bought kit off the shelf means you’re prepared for anything. But too many trail accidents have taught us that gear only takes you so far.
The Facts:
Most kits contain unfamiliar or ineffective items you may never use.
If you don’t know what’s inside—or how to use it—you’re not prepared.
Personalize your kit: Think about who’s coming, where you’re going, and unique risks or health concerns.
Training is more important than what’s in your kit. Knowing how to improvise and prioritize care trumps just having supplies.
We show you how to break open your kit and practice with every item inside. You’ll leave our sessions knowing what you actually need—and how to use it—instead of relying on the false security of a zippered pouch.
Myth #4: Hydrogen Peroxide and Aloe—The Cure-Alls
Old-school first aid wisdom suggests hydrogen peroxide for cleaning and aloe for burning. In reality, both can do more harm than good.
The Facts:
Hydrogen peroxide can damage healthy cells and delay healing.
Use clean, flowing water to rinse wounds instead.
Commercial aloe creams are usually just moisturizers; even pure aloe can vary widely in effectiveness and may not be safe in all cases.
For burns: cool the area with clean, cool water and loosely cover with a nonstick dressing.
In our classes, you’ll get a chance to sort science from myth—and practice real wound and burn care with feedback, not just by reading a list.
Myth #5: Hypothermia Only Happens in Winter
Many campers assume hypothermia is a cold-weather risk only. In fact, people develop hypothermia year-round—especially if wet, tired, and exposed to wind, even in spring or summer.
The Facts:
Wet clothing, wind, fatigue, and lack of food increase hypothermia risk—even above 50°F (10°C).
Children and older adults are especially vulnerable.
“The shakes” can start mild and escalate quickly.
Prevention is best: carry layers, keep clothes dry, and eat high-energy snacks.
If hypothermia is suspected: warm the patient, remove wet clothing, get into shelter, and use shared body heat if needed.
Practical skills like how to recognize early hypothermia and build an improvised shelter are part of our outdoor classes—because this one creeps up when you least expect it.
Myth #6: A GPS or Cell Phone Means Help Is a Tap Away
With modern devices, it’s easy to feel like getting help is simple and quick—until the moment you drop signal, kill your battery, or break your phone.
The Facts:
GPS, cell phones, and satellite messengers can fail due to dead batteries, poor reception, or physical damage.
Not every trail or campsite has cellular coverage.
Always have a backup: carry paper maps and a compass, and know how to use them.
Tell someone your route and expected return.
In our trainings, you’ll see how “old school” navigation is still a vital first aid skill, and you’ll get to practice finding your way when the electronics go dark.
Myth #7: Wilderness First Aid Is All About Wild Animal Attacks
TV and internet stories love dramatic animal encounters, but actual outdoor medical emergencies tend to be much less glamorous.
The Facts:
Most injuries outdoors are sprains, blisters, cuts, or simple illnesses—not bear bites or snake attacks.
Knowing how to prevent, assess, and treat these everyday issues is the heart of effective outdoor first aid.
Real risk reduction comes from awareness and prevention, not bravado or “survival hacks.”
We focus on what’s most likely, working through hands-on scenarios so your family or group can avoid overreacting—or ignoring—the injuries that matter most on the trail.
Hands-On Training: The Ultimate Myth Buster
Watching videos or reading survival blogs might feel helpful, but nothing substitutes the confidence built by practicing on real people, with real gear, in real-life scenarios. Here’s what sets Code Blue Safety Skills apart:
Hands-on learning: Build muscle memory, not just head knowledge.
Scenario-based practice: Respond to “surprises” just like you would on the trail.
Custom kits: Learn to personalize gear for your unique adventures, not just buy off the shelf.
Family and group training: Everyone gets involved—so you’re never the only one who “knows what to do.”
Ready to clear up confusion and be truly prepared for whatever the outdoors throws your way? Check out our available wilderness first aid sessions at Code Blue Safety Skills classes or drop us a line to talk custom training for your group!
