“No, no, no!” I screamed frantically, lying on the ski patrol examination table as a paramedic prepared to remove my boot. “This is going to hurt,” she warned, “but we have to do it.” I had broken my leg and was in for a long, lonely night. Soon I would be transferred from the mountain to the local emergency room, then to a larger hospital where I would undergo immediate surgery for a tibial plateau fracture.
Before this accident in the Kootenays of British Columbia, I had always found wilderness travel to be both exciting and rewarding, and I admire those who push their limits. In fact, I seriously considered joining a trip with OceanGate Expeditions in June 2023 to see the wreck of the TitanicThis trip, which I refused, ended with the loss of five lives, as well as the Titan submersible.
My near miss and injury have forced me to become more aware of the risks. Things like evacuation plans and travel insurance are now top of mind for me, no matter where I go. Yet I’m not giving up on my adrenaline-fueled trips. I’m simply approaching them with a new mindset and accepting this advice.
Dig for more details.
Don't be afraid to ask questions before you book, says Shannon Stowell, CEO of Professional Association of Adventure Travel“Good operators will have a risk and crisis management plan,” he says. “Ask them, ‘What’s your plan for getting someone out?’”
Take cover.
Standard travel insurance policies don't cover every scenario. An enhanced Explorer plan from Nomads of the worldon the other hand, is broadly inclusive, even if you do things like paragliding, rock climbing, heli-skiing or shark cage diving.
Be your own backup.
Obtaining a wilderness first aid certification can give adventurers peace of mind. Organizations such as NOLS And International Wilderness Medical Association provide multi-day practical training on the basics of life support as well as more advanced first aid techniques.
Carry essential communications equipment.
Most off-network carriers include a satellite phone in their emergency kit. Individuals can also carry their own SOS beacons, such as Garmin inReach Mini 2.
Know who to call.
In some parts of the world, it may be difficult to reach emergency services. The U.S. Department of State has a list of 911-specific emergency numbers available on its website. In Chile, for example, the number to call for emergency medical assistance is 131; in Australia, the number to call is 000, or 112 if you are calling from a mobile phone.
Keep your contacts informed.
Share your emergency response plans and search and rescue phone numbers for the area you’re visiting. “Keep everyone informed of all the phone numbers and details,” advises Matt Mosteller, one of Canada’s top adventure and outdoor experts. And don’t forget to check if your emergency contact will be available during your travel dates.
Rethink your goals.
“Things go wrong when people venture out on their own, beyond their experience level,” says Saveria Tilden, founder and CEO of Women of AventurUs“People focus too much on their goal,” she says, whether it’s reaching a summit or making a difficult sea crossing. “The goal should always be to get home.”
A version of this story first appeared in the July 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the title “7 Ways to Prepare for Your Next Big Outing.”