Most Hikers Unprepared for Wilderness Emergencies, Neglect 1rst Aid Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) February 15, 2012 -- Wilderness 1rst Aid training courses teach Outdoors-bound populations valuable skills yet most hikers appear unprepared to deal with backcountry emergencies, an informal study conducted by Albuquerque-based outfitter New Mexico Enchanted Hikes shows. Also, most hikers do not understand the differences between urban and wilderness rescue trainings.

For instance, when interviewed, 98% of hikers said they were unaware how many rescue personnel are needed to evacuate someone who is located 2 miles out in the backcountry. According to the National Outdoors Leadership School (NOLS), it takes 42 people to carry an injured hiker for 2 miles.

Also, most hikers neglect to carry a 1rst Aid kit and venture in the woods with the bare minimum in terms of rescue equipment yet carry the latest technological gadgets, such as Global Positioning Systems. Although such systems can prove handy to provide exact coordinated to Search and Rescue units in the case of injuries that cannot self-evacuate, a basic wilderness 1rst Aid kit, as well as Wilderness Emergency training can be the difference between life and death when stranded in the backcountry.

When asked about the determining factors in hiring a backcountry hiking guide, 43% of respondents cited Wilderness Emergency Training as being at the top of their concerns.
36% cited cost and 21% guides' scope of knowledge.

When traveling to New Mexico, consider New Mexico Enchanted Hikes for all your hiking needs. All of New Mexico Enchanted Hikes' guides are Wilderness 1rst Aid certified through the National Outdoors Leadership School, as well as "Leave No Trace" certified.

For further information, contact Adelaide McMillan at 505-847-6348 or visit
/www.NewMexicoEnchantedHikes.com

1rst aid     adventure     Emergency Evacuation     Emergency Medicine     hiking tours     New Mexico     trail     wilderness survival