Quick Answer

Knowing how to prepare for a hike means building fitness before you go, packing the Ten Essentials, carrying at least one litre of water per hour in hot conditions, and having the first aid skills to respond in the first two minutes of a trail emergency. Southern California’s combination of desert heat, high-altitude peaks, and remote terrain makes physical preparation, navigation tools, and certified first aid training essential for any hiker, from day hikers on popular trails to long-distance hikers tackling multi-day routes.

59M+

Americans hike every year

3,000+

Search and rescue incidents in California in 2023

120 sec

Critical response window in trail emergencies

What You Will Learn

How to build the physical fitness and leg strength needed for day hikes and multi-day routes before you reach the trailhead
What the Ten Essentials are and how to build a complete packing list around them
How much water to carry, what footwear to choose, and how the 3-layer clothing system protects against changing weather conditions
Which trail hazards are most common in Southern California and how to respond to heat illness, altitude sickness, and uneven terrain injuries
Why certified first aid training is the most important preparation step for any hiker spending time in remote terrain

Learning how to prepare for a hike is the single most effective thing any hiker can do to stay safe on the trail. Each year, more than 59 million Americans go hiking, and California alone recorded over 3,000 search and rescue incidents in 2023. The majority of those incidents involved hikers who underestimated the demands of their chosen trail, carried insufficient water, or lacked the first aid knowledge to respond when something went wrong. The essential tips in this guide apply equally to day hikes on popular trails and to longer, more demanding hiking adventures across Southern California’s varied terrain.

How Do You Build the Physical Preparation Needed for Hiking?

Physical preparation is the foundation of a safe hiking trip. The cardiovascular fitness and leg strength demands of hiking on uneven terrain, particularly with any pack weight, are significantly higher than those of flat-surface walking. Research from sports medicine indicates it can take the body between three weeks and three months to achieve significant fitness improvements from a new training routine, so starting well ahead of your planned trip matters. Whether you are preparing for short hikes near the city or a multi-day hiking adventure, the training principles are the same.

Building Leg Strength

Leg strength is the most important physical attribute for hikers. The lower legs, quadriceps, and glutes absorb impact on descents and generate power on climbs. Lunges, squats, calf raises, and step-ups onto a raised surface are the most transferable exercises for trail hiking. Adding these to your routine three times per week in the weeks leading up to your trip builds the specific muscle resilience you need to handle a big climb or an extended descent without injury. Single-leg squats improve the balance and proprioception that uneven terrain demands of each foot independently. Jumping jacks and stair climbs add cardiovascular load to leg-strength sessions when you want to combine both qualities in less time.

Cardiovascular Fitness

Cardiovascular fitness determines how efficiently your body delivers oxygen to working muscles during sustained effort. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week for adults, with individual sessions of at least 30 minutes. For hiking preparation, sessions should progressively increase in duration and intensity through the week leading up to the trip. Incorporating high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, improves both aerobic and anaerobic fitness, which translates to the variable effort pattern of trail hiking, where short steep sections alternate with moderate grades. Brisk uphill walking on a treadmill incline is one of the most efficient ways to simulate hiking effort without needing access to trails during the training period.

Core Muscles and Upper Body

A strong core stabilizes the spine and pelvis under a loaded pack, reducing fatigue and lower-back strain on longer hikes. Planks, dead bugs, and single-leg balance holds develop the core muscles most relevant to carrying a heavy backpack on uneven terrain. Upper body conditioning, including push-ups and rows, improves posture under a loaded pack and makes a real difference in trekking pole efficiency on steep or technical sections. Upper body strength becomes especially important on multi-day hikes where cumulative fatigue compounds across consecutive days on the trail.

Practice Hikes

Practice hikes are essential for translating gym fitness into trail-specific readiness. Before a big hike or a multi-day hiking trip, complete at least two to three progressively longer hikes wearing your actual pack, boots, and clothing. Practice hikes accomplish three things: they build trail-specific fitness, they allow you to break in new boots before they cause blisters on a long hike, and they reveal any gear or nutrition gaps while you still have time to address them. Treat each practice hike as a full dress rehearsal of the actual trip, not a casual walk.

What Should Be on Your Hiking Packing List?

A complete packing list for a hiking adventure is organized around the Ten Essentials, a framework developed through decades of wilderness education to ensure hikers can survive an unplanned overnight and respond to the most common trail emergencies. The Ten Essentials are: navigation tools, illumination, sun protection, first aid, a knife or multi-tool, a fire starter, a shelter layer, extra food, extra water, and extra layers of clothing. Everything else in your pack is built around these ten categories.

Navigation

Knowing where you are is the single most important safety factor on any trail. Carry multiple navigation tools: a downloaded offline trail map on your phone, a physical map of the trail area, and a compass. Cell service is unreliable or absent on most Southern California backcountry routes. A Garmin inReach or comparable satellite communicator provides two-way messaging and SOS capability in areas without cell service, making it a worthwhile addition for any remote hiking trip. Set your phone to airplane mode when not actively needed to preserve battery life. Before leaving, check local park and forest ranger websites for recent trail closures, fire bans, or bear activity on your planned route.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is non-negotiable in Southern California, particularly during the summer months and at higher altitudes where UV exposure increases significantly. Pack sunscreen with at least SPF 30, lip balm with SPF, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. On exposed ridgelines and desert trails, apply sunscreen before leaving the trailhead and reapply every two hours regardless of cloud cover. Spending time above the treeline on sunny days significantly increases burn risk even when temperatures feel cool.

First Aid Kit

A pre-packed or custom first aid kit should include adhesive bandages in multiple sizes, antiseptic wipes, blister tape or moleskin, painkillers, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, medical tape, and a triangular bandage for slings. Add any personal medications, including an epinephrine auto-injector for known allergies. Position the aid kit where you can access it without removing your full pack. Gear without the skills to use it has limited value on the trail. Completing a certified first aid course ensures you can deploy the contents of your kit effectively in the field.

Extra Layers and Rain Gear

California mountain weather changes rapidly. Temperature can drop 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit between the trailhead and a summit. A 3-layer clothing system provides the flexibility to respond: a moisture-wicking base layer worn directly against the skin (avoid cotton, which retains moisture and chills the skin when wet), an insulating mid-layer for warmth, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Rain pants are worth adding for multi-day hikes or routes above the treeline. Always pack extra layers even on sunny days, as forecasts at the trailhead elevation can differ substantially from conditions at higher altitudes.

Water, Food, and Food Storage

Carry at least one litre of water per person per hour of hiking in hot or exposed conditions. For moderate temperatures, the minimum is half a litre per hour. Use water bottles or a hydration bladder in your pack. Bring a portable water filter or purification tablets if your route passes near natural water sources. For food storage on multi-day hikes in bear-active areas, a bear canister or hang system is required in many California wilderness zones. High-energy, non-perishable snacks including trail mix, protein bars, and dried fruit provide sustained energy without significant pack weight. Drink lots of water consistently throughout the hike rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.

Emergency Communication

Carry a fully charged smartphone in a waterproof bag. For remote or backcountry routes where cell service is absent, a Garmin inReach or personal locator beacon provides coverage that cell networks cannot match. Always leave your hiking itinerary, trailhead location, planned route, and an estimated check-in time with a trusted person at home before you leave. This single step ensures someone will alert search and rescue on your behalf if you do not return as planned.

How Do You Choose the Right Footwear to Avoid Blisters and Ankle Injury?

Footwear is the most consequential gear decision any hiker makes. The wrong choice causes blisters, reduces ankle support on uneven terrain, and can end a great hike far earlier than planned. The right choice depends on trail type, pack weight, trip length, and personal foot mechanics.

Hiking Boots vs. Trail Runners vs. Hiking Shoes

Full hiking boots with high ankle support are the most protective option for trails with significant elevation change, loose rock, or technical terrain. They reduce the risk of ankle rolls on uneven terrain and provide the stiffness needed for comfortable footing on a big climb. Hiking shoes are a lower-cut option suited for established day hike trails with moderate terrain, offering lighter weight at some cost to ankle support. Trail runners are lightweight and flexible, preferred by experienced long-distance hikers and thru-hikers who want to move fast and whose developed foot and ankle strength allows them to rely less on boot support. For most Southern California day hikers, a mid-cut hiking boot or supportive hiking shoe provides the best balance of protection and comfort.

Breaking In New Boots

Never wear new boots for the first time on a long hike. New boots require at least several practice hikes on progressively longer routes to soften the material and conform to the shape of your feet. Wearing new boots on short hikes first reveals pressure points before they cause serious blisters on a longer route. If hot spots develop during break-in, apply moleskin or blister tape before each subsequent hike to protect the affected area while the boot continues to shape to your foot.

Hiking Socks

Hiking socks are as important as the boots themselves. Choose moisture-wicking wool or synthetic hiking socks with cushioning at the heel and ball of the foot. Avoid cotton socks, which hold moisture and dramatically increase friction on long hikes. For long-distance hiking, carry an extra pair of socks and change mid-hike if your feet feel damp. A thin liner sock worn underneath a heavier hiking sock further reduces friction across the lower legs and toes over extended distances, making a meaningful difference to comfort and blister prevention on a multi-day hike.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are one of the most underused pieces of gear among casual hikers. On descents, poles redistribute load from the knees to the upper body, meaningfully reducing joint stress over a long descent. On muddy conditions, stream crossings, or loose rock, they provide additional balance points that significantly reduce the risk of a fall. For long-distance hikers covering consecutive days of terrain, poles reduce cumulative fatigue in the lower legs and improve overall stability on uneven terrain. Many hikers who are skeptical about poles before a trip become reliable converts after experiencing a big climb down with them.

What Are the Most Common Trail Hazards and How Do You Respond?

Southern California’s climate and terrain create a specific hazard profile that every hiker should understand before leaving the trailhead. The best advice from experienced hikers and wilderness educators is consistent: know how to identify each hazard and know your response before you ever face it in the field.

Heat Illness

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious risks during the summer months on exposed Southern California trails. Heat exhaustion presents with heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, weakness, nausea, and a fast but weak pulse. The person is still sweating, which means their cooling system is working. Move them to shade, loosen clothing, and have them drink lots of cool water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency: the person stops sweating, skin becomes hot and red, and confusion or loss of consciousness may follow. Call 911 immediately and begin active cooling with cold water or ice applied to the neck, armpits, and groin while waiting for emergency services. Plan hike start times to avoid the peak heat window between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. during summer months.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a real risk at higher altitudes, particularly on peaks above 8,000 feet such as Mount Baldy and San Jacinto. It occurs when the body ascends faster than it can adapt to reduced oxygen levels. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. The only reliable immediate treatment is descent. Rest without descending does not resolve altitude sickness. Symptoms should begin improving within 30 to 60 minutes of descending to a lower elevation. If symptoms include loss of coordination or altered consciousness, treat it as a medical emergency and initiate descent and an emergency call immediately. For a high-elevation hiking adventure, spending a night at an intermediate altitude before the summit attempt significantly reduces risk.

Ankle Sprains on Uneven Terrain

Ankle sprains are among the most frequent injuries on Southern California trails, particularly on routes with loose rock, root networks, or muddy conditions after rain. If a sprain occurs, apply the R.I.C.E. protocol: Rest the ankle, apply Ice from your kit if available, apply a Compression wrap from your first aid supplies, and Elevate the limb. Rest for 10 to 15 minutes and then test weight-bearing on one foot. If the hiker cannot bear weight, seek emergency assistance rather than attempting to walk out. Attempting to hike out on a structurally unstable ankle risks converting a sprain into a fracture. Trekking poles can prevent these injuries from occurring by improving balance on uneven terrain before a fall happens.

Getting Lost

If you lose the trail or become disoriented, use the STOP protocol: Stop moving immediately, Think through your last confirmed position, Observe landmarks and topographic features, and Plan your next action based on available information. Continuing to walk when uncertain about your route almost always makes the situation worse. Use your offline map or compass to re-establish position. If you cannot re-orient within a reasonable time, activate your Garmin inReach or personal locator beacon and remain stationary. Emergency services locate stationary subjects far more efficiently than moving ones.

Note for Outdoor Professionals and Group Leaders

Professional outdoor guides, camp counselors, and group trek leaders in California are typically required by their employer or liability insurer to hold a valid Intermediate First Aid and CPR certification. Certifications meeting CSA Z1210:24 standards are accepted for professional outdoor roles. View available first aid courses.

How Do You Choose a Trail That Matches Your Fitness Level?

Selecting a trail that honestly matches your current fitness level is one of the most important decisions you make before a hiking trip. When evaluating any trail, assess three factors: total distance, total elevation gain, and current trail conditions. A useful rule of thumb is to add approximately one hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain to your flat-walking time estimate. A 6-mile trail with 2,000 feet of gain takes substantially longer than a flat 6-mile walk, and significantly more energy.

Check trail conditions the morning of your hike. Muddy conditions after rain can make otherwise moderate routes technically demanding. Some trails, including high-elevation routes in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino ranges, may only be accessible during certain seasons due to snow or fire closures. Always check forecasts specifically at your trail’s elevation, as mountain weather conditions can differ dramatically from the weather in the city below.

For hikers building toward longer distances, the progression from short hikes on popular, well-marked trails to more remote and technically demanding routes should be gradual. Mental preparation is part of this process. Visualizing the route, the terrain, and the effort required before you leave builds confidence and reduces the anxiety that causes poor decision-making when you are tired and far from the trailhead.

Which First Aid Certification Level Is Right for Hikers?

The best advice any experienced hiker will offer a beginner is to complete first aid training before a major hiking trip. Two certification levels are available depending on the type of hiking you do and whether you lead others in the field. Both are valid for two years and recognized by American Red Cross and AHA standards.

Course Level	Skills Covered	Duration	Best For
Basic (Emergency) First Aid	Blisters, stings, minor cuts, sprains, basic CPR	1 day	Day hikers on established trails
Intermediate (Standard) First Aid	Bone and joint injuries, head trauma, environmental emergencies, advanced CPR	2 days	Backcountry hikers, group leaders, long-distance hikers
CPR and AED	Cardiac arrest response, chest compressions, AED use	4-5 hours	All hikers, especially group and multi-day leaders

The Intermediate level is recommended for anyone planning backcountry routes, multi-day hikes, or any hike where fellow hikers may be hours from road access. The additional training in bone and joint injuries, environmental emergencies, and spinal trauma management directly addresses the scenarios most likely to arise far from emergency services. CPR and AED certification is recommended for all hikers regardless of experience level. Find a course location near you before your next hiking trip.

Key Takeaway

Knowing how to prepare for a hike comes down to five things done before the trailhead: building leg strength and cardiovascular fitness, packing the Ten Essentials including a proper first aid kit, choosing footwear that has been broken in through practice hikes, understanding trail conditions and weather forecasts at your specific elevation, and completing certified first aid training. The 120-second response window means that in a trail emergency, the most important responder is standing right there in the group. Training is what makes that person effective.

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Frequently Asked Questions: 2025 Hiking Preparation and Trail Safety

Q1: What are the Ten Essentials every hiker should carry?

A: The Ten Essentials are the minimum safety baseline for any hiking trip: navigation tools (map, compass, offline GPS), illumination (headlamp with spare batteries), sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat), a first aid kit, a knife or multi-tool, a fire starter, an emergency shelter layer, extra food, extra water beyond your planned needs, and extra layers of clothing. These ten categories cover the core risks of any outdoor emergency, from getting lost after dark to an unexpected weather change. They apply equally to short day hikes on popular trails and to long-distance or multi-day hikes in remote terrain.

Q2: How do you prepare physically for a long hike?

A: Physical preparation for a long hike should begin at least four to six weeks before the trip. Build leg strength with lunges, squats, calf raises, and step-ups three times per week. Improve cardiovascular fitness with progressively longer aerobic sessions targeting the 150 minutes per week recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine. Develop core muscles with planks and single-leg balance work to handle pack weight on uneven terrain. In the week leading up to the trip, reduce training intensity while maintaining light activity. Complete at least two to three practice hikes in your actual boots and full pack to build trail-specific fitness and break in footwear before the main hiking trip.

Q3: What is the difference between hiking boots, hiking shoes, and trail runners?

A: Hiking boots provide the most ankle support and foot protection, best suited for rocky terrain, heavy pack weight, and multi-day hikes. Hiking shoes are lighter and lower-cut, offering adequate support for established day hike trails with moderate terrain. Trail runners are lightweight and flexible, preferred by experienced long-distance hikers and thru-hikers who prioritize speed and have built strong ankle and foot stability over time. For most beginners and intermediate hikers on Southern California trails, a mid-cut hiking boot or supportive hiking shoe offers the best balance of ankle support and comfort without requiring the technical experience that trail runners demand.

Q4: How much water should I carry on a hike?

A: The standard recommendation is to carry at least half a litre of water per person per hour of hiking in moderate conditions, increasing to one litre per hour in hot weather, on exposed terrain, or at higher altitudes. Pack extra water beyond your calculated need and bring a portable water filter or purification tablets if your route passes near streams. Drink lots of water consistently throughout the hike rather than waiting until you feel thirsty, because thirst signals lag behind actual hydration needs. Dehydration is one of the most common and entirely preventable causes of trail emergencies in Southern California, especially during the summer months.

Q5: Are trekking poles worth using for hiking?

A: Yes. Trekking poles provide meaningful benefits on most hiking terrain, particularly on descents, in muddy conditions, and on stream crossings. On downhill sections, poles reduce the load transferred through the knees by distributing effort to the upper body, which significantly reduces joint fatigue over a long descent. On uneven terrain, they provide additional balance points that reduce fall risk. For long-distance hikers covering consecutive days of terrain, poles reduce cumulative fatigue in the lower legs and improve overall stability. Beginners frequently find that using poles reduces the confidence barrier on technical or exposed sections of a trail where one foot placement error could cause a significant injury.

Q6: What is the STOP protocol and when should I use it while hiking?

A: The STOP protocol is a decision-making framework used when a hiker becomes lost or disoriented on the trail. STOP stands for: Stop moving immediately to avoid traveling further in the wrong direction; Think about your last confirmed position and the route taken; Observe your surroundings for landmarks, trail markers, or topographic features that help re-orient you; and Plan your next action based on available information and resources. The protocol prevents the panic-driven movement that typically worsens a lost-hiker situation. If you cannot determine your location after applying the protocol, activate your personal locator beacon or Garmin inReach and remain stationary while awaiting emergency services.

Q7: How do I avoid blisters on a long hike?

A: To avoid blisters on a long hike, break in new boots through at least three or four practice hikes before the main trip. Wear moisture-wicking wool or synthetic hiking socks and consider a thin liner sock to reduce friction across the lower legs and toes. Change socks mid-hike if your feet feel damp. Before the trailhead, apply moleskin or blister prevention tape to known friction points including the heel, pinky toe, and ball of the foot. Keep toenails trimmed to reduce pressure inside the boot. If a hot spot develops during the hike, stop and apply protective padding immediately rather than waiting for a full blister to form, as prevention is far easier than treatment mid-trail.

Q8: What are the signs of altitude sickness and how is it treated on the trail?

A: Altitude sickness occurs when the body ascends to higher altitudes faster than it can adapt to reduced oxygen levels, typically above 8,000 feet. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The only reliable treatment on the trail is descent to a lower elevation. Rest at the same altitude does not resolve altitude sickness. Symptoms should improve within 30 to 60 minutes of descending. If symptoms include loss of coordination, confusion, or altered consciousness, treat it as a medical emergency and initiate immediate descent and a 911 call. For any hiking adventure at high elevation, spending a night at an intermediate altitude before the summit attempt substantially reduces the risk of a serious episode.

Q9: What should be in a hiking first aid kit?

A: A hiking first aid kit should include adhesive bandages in multiple sizes, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze pads, medical tape, blister tape or moleskin, a triangular bandage for slings, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and tweezers for splinter or tick removal. Add personal medications such as an epinephrine auto-injector or an inhaler. For backcountry and multi-day hikes, consider a SAM splint, a CPR face shield, an irrigation syringe for wound cleaning, and a hypothermia blanket. Store the aid kit where you can access it without removing your full pack. A first aid kit has limited value on the trail unless the carrier knows how to use it, which is why completing a certified first aid course before a major hiking trip is strongly recommended.

Q10: How do I choose a hiking trail that matches my fitness level?

A: When selecting a trail, evaluate three factors: total distance, total elevation gain, and current trail conditions. Use the rule of adding one hour per 1,000 feet of elevation gain to your flat-pace time estimate. For a first big hike, start with well-marked, popular trails under 5 miles with minimal elevation change. Assess your fitness level honestly. A trail that reads as moderate on paper can feel demanding for someone who has not been active recently. Build up gradually over consecutive short hikes before attempting longer or more remote routes. Always check trail conditions and weather forecasts at your specific trail elevation before leaving, as mountain conditions can change significantly from day to day.

Q11: What is the best way to dress for changing weather conditions on a hike?

A: Use a 3-layer clothing system to respond to changing weather conditions on the trail. The base layer should be moisture-wicking synthetic or wool worn directly against the skin. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture and causes dangerous chilling when wet. The mid-layer provides insulation and can be added or removed as temperature changes. The outer layer is a windproof and waterproof shell protecting against rain, wind, and snow. Pack extra layers and rain pants even on sunny days, particularly on routes with significant elevation gain where mountain weather conditions can diverge dramatically from the conditions at the trailhead. Always check forecasts specifically for your trail’s elevation, not just the city forecast.

Q12: How do I manage pack weight on a multi-day hike?

A: Managing pack weight on a multi-day hike begins with choosing the right pack capacity: 10 to 20 litres for short day hikes and 30 to 50 litres for overnight or multi-day routes. Organize your packing list around the Ten Essentials and eliminate duplicates. Use the lightest viable versions of shelter components and a sleeping bag appropriate for the expected overnight temperatures. A heavy backpack increases fatigue, reduces balance on uneven terrain, and raises injury risk cumulatively across consecutive days of hiking. A general guideline is that pack weight should not exceed 20 to 25 percent of your body weight for sustained multi-day hiking. Weigh your fully loaded pack before the trip and reduce where possible.

Q13: What should I do in the week leading up to a big hike?

A: In the week leading up to a big hike, taper training intensity while maintaining light activity to keep muscles primed without adding fatigue. Complete your final gear check and verify your packing list against the Ten Essentials. Test your navigation tools, confirm your Garmin inReach or locator beacon is charged, and check the weather forecast specifically at your trail’s elevation. Review current trail conditions on the relevant park or forest ranger website. Confirm your itinerary, trailhead details, and estimated check-in time with a trusted person at home. Prioritize sleep in the three to four nights before the hike. Cumulative sleep debt significantly impairs physical performance and judgment on the trail.

Q14: Can a bystander legally perform CPR on a trail in California?

A: Yes. California’s Good Samaritan Act protects individuals who voluntarily provide emergency assistance in good faith without expectation of compensation. If you encounter an unresponsive fellow hiker who is not breathing normally, you are legally protected to call 911 and begin CPR chest compressions immediately. Certified first aid and CPR training increases both the quality of the assistance and the rescuer’s confidence in acting. The law is specifically designed to encourage bystander intervention in cardiac emergencies rather than deterring people from acting out of concern for legal liability.

Q15: What first aid certification should hikers and outdoor enthusiasts get?

A: Day hikers on established popular trails should complete Basic (Emergency) First Aid, a one-day course covering wound care, blisters, stings, sprains, and basic CPR. Backcountry hikers, long-distance hikers, thru-hikers, and group leaders should complete Intermediate (Standard) First Aid, a two-day course adding bone and joint injuries, head trauma, spinal injuries, environmental emergencies, and advanced CPR. All hikers benefit from standalone CPR and AED certification, covering cardiac arrest response and AED use in a single 4 to 5-hour session. Both First Aid levels are valid for two years. Renew before expiry to maintain current skills aligned with the latest guidelines. Find a course location to register before your next hiking adventure.

Sources & Regulatory References

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) — Search and Rescue Statistics 2023
California Health & Safety Code Section 1799.102 — Good Samaritan Act (bystander CPR protection)
American Heart Association (AHA) — CPR and ECC Guidelines, current edition
American Red Cross — First Aid, CPR, and AED program standards
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) — Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic fitness
International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) — Evidence Evaluation Process for resuscitation guidelines
CSA Z1210:24 — Standard for First Aid Training in the Workplace (applicable to outdoor professional roles)
National Park Service — Wilderness safety and Ten Essentials recommendations for backcountry travelers

Content reviewed for accuracy and currency by a certified First Aid Instructor Trainer. All course information should be verified with the training provider prior to registration.

Author

Greg