As turkey hunters and anglers head to woods and streams in the upcoming weeks, they need to take one essential component with them — common sense. No one expects to become lost in the woods, or fall into cold rushing creeks, but it can happen. How does an outdoors man or woman prepare for such an outdoor accident?

Larry Wolfe, of Catawissa, an American Red Cross volunteer, will address outdoor survival techniques through a course called “Wilderness First Aid — When Help is Delayed” at the Montour Preserve’s Environmental Education Center on Saturday, April 19, and Saturday, April 26

“This is the first time this course has been taught in our area,” said Jon Beam, Montour Preserve’s senior naturalist. “These are skills that anyone can use in an emergency situation when help is more than five minutes away.”

Wolfe, now retired from the Army, has had his share of thrilling outdoor experiences. “I served in Southeast Asia, and I know jungle terrain,” he said.

He has also been involved with QUEST at Bloomsburg University and has traveled with other members to Ecuador. “I spent a month of high altitude climbing. We went down the Amazon on rubber rafts, and the natives stole our food. It was quite an adventure,” he said.

He was willing to share a small portion of what he will present at the Wilderness First Aid course.

Lost! Now what do I do?

“The biggest problem is you must admit you’re lost. Usually people keep walking, thinking they’ll find a way out. The only thing they are doing is using up energy and becoming dehydrated,” Wolfe commented.

“Find shelter before dark and never move around after darkness sets in.”

According to Wolfe, the problem with continual walking is that rescuers will go to the location where the victim is thought to be. The more movement away from that area, the more difficult it could be to relocate him.

“Keep blowing the whistle remembering that three is the international message for help,” he further advised, “and wait for help.”

One of the misconceptions about being outdoors alone is that people often rely on cell phones in case of emergencies. “You can’t always rely on cell phones. Oftentimes, there is no signal, and they are of no

use.”

Oops, I fell into icy cold water!