Where can I learn some basic outdoor or wilderness first aid and safety?

[Simba]

I like to go camping and hiking - often alone. But I didn't do much outdoors stuff growing up, so I'm kind of inexperienced as far as safety and wilderness first aid (other than the obvious.) I have taken 1st aid classes, but they don't often cover things like snake bites or other wilderness 1st aid. I would feel more comfortable if I knew 1) How to prevent being attacked by a snake or other animal. I don't want to step into an area where a snake is hiding for example. Or how should I handle coming up on a bear, while hiking? 2) If I do get bit by a snake, or other animal (hopefully not a bear) what should I do?

[Taino Johnnie]

Check to see if any Wilderness Survival classes are held in your area. you can check with the Police station, any store that sells outdoor gear, your local gun club, your state department of fish and wildlife, do an internet search, or check your local newspapers.You got first aid and that's good thing, because that is applicable to any environment.Next, you need a wilderness survival kit. I have a comprehensive one that I built on my own and I take with me when ever I go camping, hiking, or shooting in the mountains. You should build your own, because it makes you think of what you are putting in there and what the purpose of each item is. There are many sites online that provide lists of what their kits contain and you can use these list to create your own. The American Red Cross has a good one that they sell on their website. Here are some others:http://www.thesurvivalzone.com/store/show_product/?product_id=%2040870141http://www.alltrailgear.com/116/nitro-pak-72-hour-survival-kit-with-solar-radio/You should also go to this site, it is a great resource and one I used a lot when learning about wilderness survival and how to put a kit together:http://www.m4040.com/Survival/Survival%20Kit.htmWal-Mart sells a snake bite kite. Usually, the kit is made by Ozark Trail or Coleman. Get one! In the event you should get bit, you use that then head to a place where you can call 911. Remember that cell service is limited or nonexistent in remote wilderness areas and that even your phone's 911 feature may not work.

[JB]

Do a search on wilderness first aid in your area. You should have no problems finding a class near you.