A few summers ago, a local woman named Jan and her teenage grandson were hiking on a trail outside St. George, Utah. It was just a quick morning walk, so they packed light—just water bottles, sunscreen, a snack, and a few first aid supplies. But a few miles in, Jan slid on some loose gravel, twisting her ankle badly and suffering several deep lacerations. 

Fortunately, her grandson had learned a few basic first aid skills in Scouts. He helped her sit down, elevated her leg, and wrapped her ankle with a shirt and a stick for support. He also treated her lacerations with supplies from their first aid kit. They tried to call for help, but the signal was weak. Still, because they’d told family members where they were going, help arrived within a few hours.

"It wasn’t life or death," Jan said later, "but it could have been a lot worse if we hadn’t taken a few small precautions."

That is the power of being prepared.

Summer in Southern Utah is breathtaking. Towering red rock cliffs, hidden slot canyons, accessible trails, and crystal-clear lakes draw thousands of locals and tourists alike. Whether you're hiking Zion’s Narrows, camping under the stars at Bryce Canyon, backpacking in the remote canyons around Capitol Reef, or fishing at Quail Lake, adventure is everywhere.

But with all its beauty, Utah's wild country demands respect. The extreme heat, remote terrain, and unpredictable elements can turn a relaxing weekend into an emergency if you’re not prepared. Thankfully, with just a little planning and some basic first aid knowledge, you can handle most common outdoor mishaps confidently.

Here’s what to know, what to pack, and what to do when things don’t go as planned.

Prepare Before You Go:

• Check the weather forecast.

• Bring plenty of water (a minimum of one liter per person per hour).

• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.

• Let someone know your route and expected return time.

• Charge your phone and consider carrying a GPS beacon in remote areas. 

If You Get Lost Hiking:

• Stop walking. Stay calm.

• Use your whistle (three blasts signal distress).

• Find shelter from the elements.

• Make yourself visible with bright clothing or a signal mirror.

• Conserve water and energy. Stay in one place unless moving to safety is essential.

• Let someone know your plans before you leave. This is the best prevention.

First Aid: What to Do in Common Emergencies

Heat Exhaustion

• Signs: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea

• Action: Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, damp cloths. Sip water or an electrolyte drink slowly. Rest.

Heat Stroke (Call 911 immediately)

• Signs: High body temp (103 degrees or higher), confusion, dry/hot skin, fainting

• Action: Call emergency services. Move the person to shade. Cool with water, fan, or ice packs on neck, armpits, and groin. Do NOT give fluids if unconscious.

Broken Bone

• Action: Immobilize the injured area with a splint. Do not attempt to straighten. Apply ice wrapped in cloth. Keep the limb elevated, if possible. Seek medical help.

Laceration (Deep Cut)

• Action: Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. Once bleeding slows, clean gently with water. Cover with a sterile bandage. Seek medical attention for deep or gaping wounds.

Profuse Bleeding: How to Apply a Tourniquet

• Use a commercially made tourniquet if available (such as a CAT or SOFT-T). If none is available, use a wide, strong band (at least one inch wide), such as a belt or strip of cloth.

• Place the tourniquet two to three inches above the bleeding site (but not over a joint).

• Tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops. This will likely cause significant discomfort.

• Secure the tourniquet in place.

• Note the time it was applied and write it on the person's skin or on tape.

• Do not remove the tourniquet once applied. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Bites and Stings: What to Do

Snake Bite (Possibly Venomous)

• Stay calm and limit movement.

• Call 911 immediately.

• Keep the bite below the level of the heart.

• Remove tight clothing or jewelry.

• Do not suck venom, cut the wound, or apply ice.

Animal Bite

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.

• Stop bleeding with clean cloth pressure.

• Apply antibiotic ointment and cover.

• Seek medical care due to infection and rabies risk.

Spider Bite

• Wash with soap and water.

• Apply cold compress.

• Take a pain reliever and monitor for symptoms.

• Seek help for worsening pain, blistering, or muscle cramps (especially from black widow or brown recluse spiders).

Insect Sting or Bite

• Remove stinger with a scraping motion.

• Clean with soap and water.

• Apply ice to reduce swelling.

• Take antihistamines for itching or swelling.

• Watch for allergic reactions: difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, dizziness. If these symptoms appear, use an EpiPen and call 911.

Other Common Hazards

Sunburn

• Signs: Red, painful skin; blistering

• Action: Get out of the sun. Apply aloe or burn gel. Hydrate.

Hypothermia (possible when hiking in water or through canyons or camping on wet nights)

• Signs: Shivering, slurred speech, confusion

• Action: Remove wet clothing. Wrap in dry layers or blanket. Give warm (not hot) drinks, if conscious. Get the victim warm as quickly as possible.

Blisters

• Action: Clean area, apply moleskin. Only pop if necessary using a sterile needle. Cover with sterile bandage.

Gastrointestinal Illness

• Signs: Vomiting, diarrhea, cramps

• Action: Hydrate, rest, and avoid solid food until symptoms pass. Watch for dehydration.

Southern Utah’s wild beauty is meant to be enjoyed, not feared. With a well-stocked kit, basic first aid know-how, and smart planning, you can safely explore its incredible landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just starting out, being prepared is the most important thing you can pack.

Small First Aid Kit for Your Backpack

• Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

• Antiseptic wipes

• Antibiotic ointment

• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)

• Tweezers

• Moleskin or blister pads

• Allergy medication

• Electrolyte tablets

• Gauze pads and medical tape

• Emergency blanket

• Whistle and mini flashlight

Comprehensive First Aid Kit for Your Car Includes everything above, plus:

• Cold packs

• Burn ointment or aloe vera gel

• Elastic bandages (Ace wraps)

• Eye wash solution

• CPR mask

• Larger sterile gauze pads

• Scissors and gloves

• Splinting material (SAM splint or rolled newspaper)

• Snake bite kit

• Activated charcoal (with medical guidance)

• Personal medications

• Emergency contact info