Smart and Safe Wilderness Travel

HYPOTHERMIA

• A low body temperature can be serious, even fatal.
• Early warning signs are uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, bluish tinge to lips, lack of coordination, and poor concentration.
• To prevent hypothermia, layer clothing and get adequate food and water.
• To treat hypothermia, seek shelter from the wind, replace any wet clothing, and share body heat if necessary.
• Give warm fluids if the person is conscious and have them rest until thoroughly warmed.

FIRST AID/EMERGENCIES

• Each permitted group should carry a well stocked first aid kit and have group members that know how to provide first aid.
• Please note that the campsite number is painted on the latrine of most campsites. Also note the location of the lake, campsite, trail or portage on a map to help emergency people locate any seriously injured party.
• Document the extent of the injury and a basic physical description of the injured person in need.
• Send all of this information with visitors able to exit the BWCAW for help.
• Do not rely on a cell phone. Having a cell phone cannot substitute for knowing how to handle an emergency in wilderness. Many areas of the BWCAW lack cell phone coverage.
• In the event of serious injury or illness, the standard SOS call is a series of three signals of any kind, either audible or visible.
• For summoning help from an aircraft in an emergency, signal them by paddling in small circles or waving a brightly colored cloth tied to the canoe paddle.

TRAVEL

• There are no directional signs in wilderness.
• A compass and accurate map are essential.
• Most visitors prefer using Fisher or McKenzie maps which can be purchased at some Forest Service offices, area businesses and outfitters, or directly from the map companies—see page 8 for details.
• If you get lost, don’t panic. Sit down, relax, and think. Chances are that you will figure out your location in a few minutes.
• If you plan to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigating, be sure you also bring a map and compass as a back up in case your GPS unit fails.

WEATHER

• Canoe close to shore. It lessens the chance of being endangered by sudden changes of weather. If a storm threatens, get off the water.
• Dress in layers and be prepared for every kind of weather situation.
• If in a lightening storm on the water, get to shore. If on land among trees of similar height, put yourself an equivalent distance between two trees. Avoid the tallest trees.
• Avoid being a bridge between an object and the ground. For example, do not lean against tent poles or trees.
• Avoid potential paths of conduction such as wet, lichen-covered rocks, cracks and crevices (wet or dry), and areas subject to the “spark gap” such as overhangs, wet ropes, and tree roots.
• If your skin tingles, or your hair stands on end, stand on a lifejacket or sleeping bag, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet.
• Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible, and minimize your contact with the ground.

DEHYDRATION

• The body becomes dehydrated when more fluids are lost than replaced.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Signs of dehydration include headache, cold and flu symptoms, and infrequent urination.

CAMPING WITH BEARS

• Keep a clean campsite. Never eat or store food in your tent.
• Take all precautions to discourage bears from visiting your site, including hanging your food pack, as well as garbage and anything that has a strong or sweet odor (soap, toothpaste, etc.).
• Some bears overcome their fear of humans and approach campsites looking for food. This includes island sites since bears are good swimmers.
• If you do encounter a bear, most will be scared off if you make noise (shout, bang pots, or throw fist-sized rocks at the bear, etc.).
• A very persistent bear may be discouraged by spraying pepper spray into its eyes.