Be Ready for the Unexpected: First Aid Skills Every Hunter Should Know

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/

Why You Should Learn First Aid Before Hunting Season

Be Prepared for the Unexpected in Canada’s Wilderness

Father and son hunting

As the crisp fall air rolls in and leaves begin to turn, thousands of Canadians prepare for one of the most anticipated times of the year—hunting season. For many, it’s more than a pastime. It’s a family tradition, a weekend with friends, or time spent in the backcountry with loved ones—passing down skills, telling stories around the fire, and enjoying the stillness of nature. Hunting is deeply woven into Canadian culture, a proud part of our heritage from coast to coast.

But no matter how experienced or well-prepared you are, the wilderness comes with real risks. And when something goes wrong, you're often far from help, without cell service, and hours from emergency responders.

That’s why first aid training isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Whether you’re a weekend hunter or a guide, learning Red Cross-certified First Aid, Advanced First Aid (AFA), Wilderness First Aid, or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) skills can make all the difference in an emergency. It means being ready—not just for yourself, but for the people who matter most.

At Delta Emergency Support Training, we believe that part of keeping these traditions alive means learning how to protect them.

Hunting Safety in Canada: Know the Risks

Hunting is generally safe when done responsibly, but accidents still occur. According to the Canadian Firearms Program and provincial wildlife agencies:

  • Most firearm-related hunting injuries involve accidental discharges or poor handling technique.

  • Tree stand falls are one of the most common hunting injuries, often resulting in fractures or spinal trauma.

  • Hunters often travel to remote areas with no cell service, delaying access to emergency care.

  • In some provinces, hypothermia is the leading non-injury emergency reported during hunting season.

Each year, hundreds of injuries are reported across the country—many of which are preventable with basic training and better preparation.

🏹 Common Hunting Injuries and Medical Situations

Understanding potential emergencies helps you prepare properly. Here are the most common situations faced in the field:

  • Gunshot wounds or impalement from firearm mishandling or accidents.

  • Knife cuts and lacerations during field dressing or gear use.

  • Falls from tree stands or rocky/uneven ground, resulting in broken bones or head injuries.

  • Cold exposure: frostbite, hypothermia, or trench foot.

  • Heat stress in early season hunts.

  • Allergic reactions to insect stings, animal bites, or plants.

  • Getting lost or separated from your group, increasing the risk of panic, exposure, or dehydration.

🧠 First Aid Skills Every Hunter Should Know

Here’s what every hunter—beginner or seasoned—should know:

  • Bleeding control: How to apply direct pressure, pack a wound, or use a tourniquet.

  • Managing broken bones: Stabilizing with splints and slings.

  • Shock treatment: Recognizing and managing pale, cold, clammy symptoms.

  • CPR and AED use: Cardiac arrest can happen in any setting.

  • Anaphylaxis care: Recognizing severe allergic reactions and administering an EpiPen.

  • Basic wound care: Cleaning and dressing wounds to prevent infection.

  • Spinal motion restriction: Important if someone falls from a height or hits their head.

These lifesaving skills are taught in Red Cross First Aid and Wilderness First Aid programs and are enhanced further in EMR-level training.

🎒 Essential First Aid Items to Pack for the Field

Your hunting first aid kit should be compact, durable, and versatile. Pack:

  • Tourniquet (e.g., CAT or SOFTT models)

  • Gauze pads, trauma dressings, adhesive tape

  • SAM splint and triangular bandage

  • Antiseptic wipes, tweezers, antibiotic ointment

  • Antihistamines and pain relievers

  • CPR mask, gloves, emergency blanket

  • Water purification tablets or filter

  • Whistle, signal mirror, and flashlight

  • Personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator

Pack gear—but more importantly, know how to use it.

🏔️ Why Location Matters: The Reality of Remote Response

In urban areas, EMS might reach you in under 10 minutes. In the wilderness, it could be hours—or days. Even when you can call 911, delays are common due to:

  • No cell service

  • Impassable terrain

  • Poor visibility or weather conditions

  • Long distances from the nearest ambulance or search-and-rescue base

That’s why wilderness preparedness and basic medical self-reliance are key. The Red Cross Wilderness First Aid program focuses specifically on prolonged care and making decisions when help is hours away.

🧭 Preventing Emergencies: Smart Safety Tips for Hunters

Avoiding an emergency is the best-case scenario. Here’s how to minimize risk:

  • Take a buddy—never hunt alone if you can avoid it.

  • File a trip plan: Leave your route and return time with someone you trust.

  • Carry emergency communication (PLB, satellite text device, or two-way radio).

  • Inspect your gear, especially firearms, knives, and tree stands.

  • Dress appropriately in layers, blaze orange, and waterproof gear.

  • Know the weather and avoid risky conditions (fog, snowstorms, extreme cold).

  • Stay hydrated and take regular breaks.

  • Stay sober while handling firearms—alcohol and hunting don’t mix.

📚 Which First Aid Training Is Right for You?

At Delta Emergency Support Training, we help hunters, outdoor workers, and future first responders get the skills they need. We offer:

  • Standard and Advanced First Aid (AFA) – Learn bleeding control, airway management, CPR, and trauma care.

  • Wilderness First Aid – Specialized for remote environments and delayed help.

  • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) – For guides, professionals, or those planning a career in emergency services.

All courses follow Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders guidelines.

Conclusion: Be the One Who’s Ready

Hunting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a cherished Canadian tradition, often passed down through generations. Whether you’re heading into the woods with your father, sister, best friend, or your own kids, you’re not just out for the harvest—you’re making memories. You're sharing laughter around the campfire, waking up at dawn with excitement, and carrying on a way of life that means something deeply personal.

But with that comes responsibility.

If something goes wrong—and it can—you want to be the one who knows what to do. Whether it’s treating a serious injury, spotting early signs of hypothermia, or managing an allergic reaction, your actions can save the life of someone you care about.

At Delta Emergency Support Training, we’re here to make sure you’re ready. Our Red Cross-certified Advanced First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, and Wilderness First Aid programs prepare you not just for emergencies—but for protecting what matters most: your family, your friends, and the memories you’re out there to create.

Let’s keep hunting a safe, proud tradition—for this season, and every season to come.