Trail Ready: Wilderness Safety and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to hit the trails — crisp air, colorful leaves, and fewer crowds. But with changing weather, shorter days, and unpredictable trail conditions, safety should always be a top priority. I recently attended a weekend of Wilderness First Aid (WFA), CPR, and AED training with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), and it was a game-changer for my approach to outdoor safety. Here’s what I learned and what I recommend for anyone preparing for fall hikes or any outdoor adventure.
Preparing for the Outdoors
Before you step on the trail, preparation is key:
Check weather forecasts and trail conditions for your area, especially in fall when temperatures can drop quickly or early frost may appear.
Let someone know your route and expected return time, even for short hikes.
Know your limits in terms of distance, elevation, and fitness level.
The Ten Essentials for Every Hiker
Carrying the right gear can make all the difference:
Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
First aid kit (review contents regularly and replace expired items)
Knife or multi-tool
Firestarter (matches, lighter, firestarter sticks)
Extra clothing layers for warmth and rain protection
Extra food
Extra water and purification method
Emergency shelter (bivy sack, tarp, space blanket)
I always check my pack before every hike. In fall, I carry extra layers, socks, and snacks. Even short hikes require hydration and energy, and packing with seasonal needs in mind keeps you safe and comfortable.
CPR and AED in the Wilderness
In a wilderness emergency, teamwork is essential. This is what I learned from the class. Perform 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, but if you’re not comfortable giving breaths, continue compressions only. After five rounds, rotate with another person to prevent fatigue.
It’s also important to delegate tasks: one person can call 911 or hike out to get help, while another retrieves an AED if available. Nature centers, park offices, or nearby facilities may have one on-site. Practicing these roles is crucial — during my WFA training, we worked in teams to respond to realistic scenarios, learning how to communicate and coordinate under pressure. Even a basic understanding of CPR and AED can save lives, especially in remote areas where professional help may be delayed.
Wilderness First Aid Highlights
Assess the scene first to ensure your own safety, then approach the injured.
Use PPE to protect against blood-borne pathogens.
Check vital signs and consciousness, asking simple questions to assess cognitive function.
Prioritize life-threatening injuries first, then move on to secondary assessment.
Learn to use tourniquets, wraps, and slings. Even if you rarely need them, knowing how to treat sprains, lacerations, or fractures is valuable.
Review and refresh your skills regularly. Keep your first aid kit updated, organized, and appropriate for the season and terrain.
Imposter Syndrome on the Trail
Imposter syndrome is the experience of doubting your abilities or feeling like a “fraud” despite evidence of your competence. It can show up in many areas of life — at work, in school, learning a new skill, or even pursuing a hobby — whenever we push ourselves into new or challenging situations.
During my weekend Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and AED training, I felt imposter syndrome firsthand. I’ve done CPR in the past, and I’ve taken first aid classes before, but I had never learned wilderness-specific first aid. As the weekend progressed, the volume of new information was overwhelming. My brain was on fire, processing every acronym, scenario, and technique. I found myself second-guessing: “Am I going to be able to do this in real life? Is this good enough? What’s wrong with me?”
Even with years of experience in crisis and social service fields, the doubt crept in. I questioned whether I had the skills to respond correctly, especially when I made mistakes during scenarios. But then I remembered: this training isn’t about being an expert immediately. It’s about building a foundation of knowledge, practicing skills, and learning to work as a team. Our instructors encouraged us to revisit the materials, refresh our notes, and keep learning — no one expects perfection right out of a certification weekend.
As I allowed myself to release the pressure of needing to “get it all right immediately,” my imposter syndrome began to fade. Confidence started to grow as I focused on practicing, reflecting, and reframing what I had learned. I realized that even if I don’t remember every detail in a crisis, I can rely on my training, my notes, and the resources around me. I know how to call 911, delegate tasks, and act as a problem solver — skills I’ve honed in other high-stakes environments.
If you’ve ever started something new and felt overwhelmed or doubted your abilities, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is common. The key is to notice it, acknowledge your existing skills, reframe the situation, and let go of the self-doubt. Trust that your foundation, preparation, and willingness to ask for help will guide you through the learning process — and eventually, through real-life challenges on the trail.
Fall Hike Considerations
Layer clothing to adjust to fluctuating temperatures.
Plan to finish before dark and carry a reliable light source.
Watch for slippery trails with wet leaves, frost, or mud.
Be aware of wildlife and know how to respond safely.
Stay hydrated and carry extra food for energy.
Bring communication backups, like a charged phone, personal locator beacon, or GPS SOS device, especially in areas with poor reception.
Know who to call in an emergency: Research local emergency numbers before heading out, including park rangers, fire departments, or local EMS. Trailhead signs often display this information — take a photo or write it down.
Even experienced hikers benefit from reviewing wilderness safety skills. Taking courses like Wilderness First Aid or CPR not only prepares you for emergencies but also helps you hike confidently. Preparedness ensures that everyone on the trail stays safe, whether you’re hiking solo, joining a group, or attending a Walk & Talk or mindfulness hike.
Interested in learning CPR, AED, or Wilderness First Aid? Check out your local Red Cross, community centers, firehouses, or outdoor organizations like the Appalachian Mountain Club. These skills can make a critical difference in emergencies and increase your confidence in the wilderness.
Resources & Next Steps:
AMC WFA Training: https://amc-ny.org/wilderness-first-aid/
10 Essentials for Hiking: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
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