Safety and medical planning addresses the risks, limitations, health needs, and emergency preparations connected to an Appalachian Trail thru-hike.
The goal is not to eliminate every risk. That is impossible. The goal is to understand the risks, prepare for them, and make better decisions before and during the hike.
Safety Planning Goals
A good safety plan should help answer:
- What health issues need to be considered before the trail?
- What physical limitations need to be respected?
- What medications, records, or medical information should be carried?
- What injuries are most likely?
- What emergency contacts should be available?
- What should happen if the hike has to pause or end early?
- What risks are specific to a southbound hike?
Medical Preparation
Medical preparation may include:
- Annual physical exam
- Discussion with doctors before the hike
- Medication planning
- Copies of relevant medical information
- Allergy information
- Emergency contact list
- Insurance information
- Physical therapy or mobility work if needed
Injury Prevention
Common hiking injuries may include:
- Blisters
- Knee pain
- Ankle injuries
- Hip pain
- Back pain
- Overuse injuries
- Falls
- Dehydration
- Heat illness
- Cold exposure
Training should help identify problem areas before the trail.
First Aid
The first aid plan should balance usefulness and weight.
Possible first aid items include:
- Blister care
- Bandages
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory medication, if medically appropriate
- Antihistamine
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Tweezers
- Tick removal tool
- Wound care supplies
- Personal medications
Emergency Information
Important information should be easy to access in an emergency.
This may include:
- Name
- Emergency contacts
- Medical conditions
- Medications
- Allergies
- Insurance information
- Physician contact information
- Satellite communicator information, if used
SOBO Safety Considerations
A southbound hike may begin with difficult terrain, remote sections, and fewer hikers nearby.
Early SOBO safety planning should consider:
- Katahdin weather and access
- Baxter State Park rules
- The 100-Mile Wilderness
- Remote resupply challenges
- Difficult terrain in Maine and New Hampshire
- Slower early mileage
- Conservative pacing
Decision Rules
Good decisions are part of safety.
Possible decision rules include:
- Do not hike injured just to stay on schedule.
- Do not ignore worsening pain.
- Do not skip water planning.
- Do not continue into dangerous weather without a plan.
- Do not let pride override judgment.
- Rest before small problems become large ones.
Safety and Medical Notes
This section will be updated as training, medical planning, and trail research continue.