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Conor here: Have you noticed that daily life increasingly resembles a survival game on The Oregon Trail?
By Elaine Reno, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine-Wilderness and Environmental Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz. Originally published at The Conversation.
If you grew up in the United States during the 1980s or ’90s, you’re likely familiar with The Oregon Trail. For many of us, it was both our first computer game and our initial introduction to wilderness survival. We hunted buffalo, forded rivers, repaired broken wagon wheels, and learned about dysentery long before the age of Google, all while hoping our party would safely reach Oregon City.
Recently, the game has experienced a revival. Nostalgic posts, memes, and updated versions of the game have introduced The Oregon Trail to a new audience, reminding millennials of the harsh challenges we faced in that pixelated journey.
As a physician specializing in emergency and wilderness medicine, I’ve reflected on how many lessons from the game regarding wilderness survival remain relevant today. Modern hikers and campers now possess tools that early pioneers could only dream of.
Surprisingly, I contend that several teachings from The Oregon Trail are still applicable.
Clean Water Is Essential
The Oregon Trail game famously brought dysentery to the forefront of our minds. Thankfully, improvements in sanitation, hand hygiene, and antibiotics have made widespread outbreaks, which plagued wagon trains and military camps, far less common, at least in the United States.
However, gastrointestinal illnesses have not vanished. Conditions like traveler’s diarrhea and cholera still pose significant risks globally. Untreated water, poor hygiene, and contaminated food can quickly derail any outdoor adventure.
Simple practices, such as purifying drinking water, washing hands before meals and after using the restroom, and maintaining good campsite hygiene, are still critical for staying healthy in nature.
When venturing into the wilderness in the United States or many other regions, water purification remains vital. There are various easy and affordable methods, including boiling, filtration, and using chemical disinfectants. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Boiling is often the most straightforward method. While effective at eliminating bacteria, viruses, and parasites, it does not remove chemical contaminants such as heavy metals or industrial pollutants. Boil water for at least one to three minutes based on elevation for effective purification. Filtration methods are convenient for backpackers but may fall short in virus removal.
If boiling isn’t an option, another way to ensure safety is to filter water and then apply another disinfection method.
Respect All Waterways
While you might not need to ford the river with oxen anymore, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water present unique dangers that outdoor enthusiasts should not underestimate.
Moving water can be more treacherous than you think. Even expert swimmers can find themselves at risk from rip currents.
Cross bodies of water only when absolutely necessary. Steer clear of crossings after heavy rainfall, as this can lead to higher water levels and stronger currents. Hidden hazards like submerged rocks, fallen trees, and other debris can increase the danger.
If possible, don a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when traversing water or using a boat.
Be Prepared for the Long Haul
A broken wagon axle isn’t the only thing that can derail a trip. The Oregon Trail effectively illustrated how distance affects everything. A sprained ankle in an urban setting might require an inconvenient visit to a doctor, but a sprained ankle 5 miles from the trailhead could necessitate being carried out. The same principle applies to other wilderness issues, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, infections, or even blisters.
Preparation involves packing a well-stocked first aid kit and thinking ahead. Consider what you would do if your hike takes twice as long as anticipated or if you unexpectedly have to camp out overnight. Familiarize yourself with your route and carry more food and water than you think you’ll need. Keep an eye on the weather and be ready for changes with extra clothing and rain gear.
No one successfully traversed the Oregon Trail alone; survival demanded teamwork. This serves as a valuable lesson in the context of solo travel or mountaineering.
When venturing alone, even a minor injury like a sprained ankle could mean crawling to seek help or waiting to be reported missing. If you cannot find a companion, ensure you provide a trusted friend with your itinerary and travel details. Inform them of your expected return time and agree on a plan to check in. If you don’t return as scheduled, they can contact authorities for assistance.
Respect Wildlife
Large animals continue to pose risks across the country. While there are fewer bison now than during the Oregon Trail days, all wildlife deserves our respect.
Remember, no selfie is worth provoking a brown bear. If you encounter a dangerous animal, maintain your distance and leave the area promptly.
Venomous snakes are found throughout much of the United States and continue to result in serious injuries and fatalities worldwide. In the event of a snake bite, avoid cutting the wound or attempting to suck out the venom. Keep the victim calm, restrict movement, and prioritize getting them to medical help. Antivenom is available in numerous major hospitals in the U.S.
Even smaller animals like deer and squirrels should never be fed. Allowing wild animals to become accustomed to human food is dangerous for both them and us, as they can carry diseases like rabies and leptospirosis.
Always keep a safe distance from all wildlife, no matter how calm or seemingly harmless they appear.
Technology Is a Tool, Not a Strategy
One of the most significant distinctions between today’s outdoor experiences and those of the Oregon Trail is our ability to communicate.
With cellphones, GPS apps, and emergency beacons, help can now be summoned from previously isolated areas. While these devices are invaluable, they should not lead you to take greater risks; assistance may be distant, slow to arrive, and injuries can still prove fatal in wilderness settings.
Travelers can utilize smartphones with GPS capabilities to avoid getting lost, but it’s wise to download maps for offline use to circumvent service outages that could disrupt your journey.
An unlocked smartphone not limited to a single carrier can also aid in storing vital information, including travel plans and medical history.
Every Environment Presents Its Own Dangers
While Oregon Trail travelers fretted over river crossings, disease, and harsh weather, today’s hikers face a variety of challenges based on their location.
Desert explorers may grapple with extreme heat and dehydration. Mountain hikers must contend with rapidly changing conditions, lightning, and altitude. Coastal adventurers encounter risks such as riptides, cliffs, and uneven rocky surfaces.
Altitude sickness can be unpredictable and catch you unprepared. Most people develop acute mountain sickness symptoms like headache, fatigue, and nausea within 24 hours of ascending. Signs of confusion, trouble walking, shortness of breath, or excessive phlegm should signal an immediate descent.
Prescription medications are available to help prevent and treat altitude illness. Remember, the mountain will be there for your next adventure.
Some Lessons Endure Beyond Software Updates
One memorable aspect of The Oregon Trail game was that every choice mattered. Success often hinged more on preparation than on fate, a principle that still holds true today.
When people inquire about one crucial skill everyone should possess before heading outdoors, my reply is consistently preparation. Thoughtful planning can prevent far more emergencies than any single piece of gear.
For those who spend considerable time outdoors, I suggest enrolling in a wilderness first aid course. These classes equip you with practical skills necessary for providing care in outdoor settings.
Nature remains as formidable and unforgiving today as it was during the Oregon Trail era, making it essential to treat the environment with reverence. By merging modern medical advancements with careful planning, you can increase the likelihood that, as every Oregon Trail player hoped, everyone in your party arrives safely at their destination.
