Snake Bite, Bear Attack or Injury in the GSMNP

What do you do when an emergency strikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

In early June, a couple of North Carolina teens on a hiking, fishing and camping trip in the Pisgah National Forest found themselves facing life and death.

One of the boys stepped over a log and felt a prick on his foot. He turned around to see a large Timber rattlesnake hiding under the log. A quick check revealed that he had, in fact, been bitten.

Luckily, his buddy had cell service, called for help and set into action a rescue effort that reached from Charlotte, N.C. – roughly a two-hour drive away – to the medical center in Johnson City also roughly a two-hour drive away. But thanks to multiple agencies and the NC National Guard with a Black Hawk Helicopter the boy was rescued treated – with 12 vials of anti-venom – and saved.

However, the incident serves as a stark reminder that, while the mountains are beautiful, they are also remote and can be treacherous. When we visit, we need to take the proper precautions.

How to prepare for an emergency in the mountains

The best rule is to know where you are, where you’re going and where you’ve been. If you’re heading to a remote place in the mountains, either on foot or by car, a clear understanding of your location is key. You need to be able to tell first responders your location as exactly as possible. Any delay can make a bad situation worse.

You can either print out paper maps to take with you or download the maps on your phone. But do not rely on a website bookmark or app that requires internet access. There is no guarantee that you’ll have service in the mountains. Frankly, it’s a minor miracle that the boy in North Carolina was able to call for help. For instance, one of them had cell service and the other didn’t. If they’d both been on the wrong carrier, the kid might have died. 

You should also tell someone who is not going on your adventure the general plan. Things like where you plan to go and when you plan to be back can be life-saving information if the wrong situation arises. A simple text to a family member or a buddy can make a big difference. You can also leave a note on your car, explaining where you’re going and how long you expect to be gone.

Also, carrying appropriate supplies like water, a compass and a small first aid kit is always a good idea. A good whistle can also speed up a rescue effort. Wear bright colors when hiking and exploring as they will make you easier to spot. 

Finally, check the weather before heading out. The weather in East Tennessee can be fickle, but you don’t want to be in the high mountains when severe weather arrives.

What to do when emergency strikes?

First of all, keep calm. Unless your emergency is having to fight off a bear, your situation will not improve by panicking. If you do have to fight a bear in self-defense, which is an absolute last resort, by all means go berserker.

The key will be getting as much information to the first responders as possible. Remember things like trail names, markers and any specifics that will help pinpoint your location. “There’s a bunch of trees” isn’t going to be much help. Be specific about the type of emergency. The rescue response may be quite different for a rattlesnake bite than it is a broken ankle.

Hopefully, you will have cell service. If not, use your maps to get to the nearest ranger station, campground, major road, visitor’s center or other location where people are likely to be.

If possible, it is best to leave someone with the injured person but if you must leave them to go for help, clearly mark the location, taking note of landmarks like rock formations, creeks, streams or anything else. Even if you don’t have cell service, you can make a voice memo to help remember the details.

While waiting you can apply basic first aid but don’t try and overstep your capabilities. Try to keep the person warm and as comfortable as possible.

What to do if you’re lost in the mountains?

Hopefully, you shared your trail plan and have your trail map with you. If you get confused or turned around, look for a landmark that can help you get on the right track. However, if you are lost, it may be best to stay in a relatively safe spot. Try to find a landmark or shelter where you can conserve your energy.

Stay calm. Stay in place.

If the situation gets to the last resort, you can follow a creek downstream. They will generally lead you down the mountain and closer to civilization but may carry you away from the trail.

Have you had an emergency in the Smokies? Let us know in the comments!