Trail Emergency Decisions Hike
Groups of 5 hike a route around campus with a map, and at each checkpoint they open an envelope with a trail emergency (blister, thunderstorm, sprained ankle, lost hiker, heat illness) that they must handle in 2 minutes. Students practice decision-making and outdoor safety.
How to play
- Form 5 groups of 5 with roles that rotate at each checkpoint: leader, navigator with the map, medic with the first-aid kit, timekeeper, and sweep. Each group carries a backpack (2 min).
- Each group hikes a 3/4-mile route with 5 checkpoints, starting at a different one, at a hiking pace.
- Each checkpoint has a scenario card, such as "Laura has a blister on her heel" or "You hear thunder and you're on high ground."
- In 2 minutes the group decides and acts out the response (protect the blister, get off high ground and crouch spread apart, splint the ankle, or call 911) and writes it down.
- The teacher, at a central spot, scores each response 0 to 3 with a checklist (18 min of hiking in total).
- Debrief (5 min): each group explains its best decision and the one it would change.
Rules
- The group always stays together: the sweep may never be more than 10 yards behind the leader.
- Responses are acted out without putting anyone at risk: no carrying classmates and no medications.
- Safety: if a real problem happens, stop the activity and tell the teacher right away.
Variations
Easier
Each card includes three response options, and the group picks the right one.
Standard
The group decides on its own response and acts it out in 2 minutes.
Harder
Stack two emergencies at the same checkpoint, and the group must decide which to handle first.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: accessible route and a fixed navigator or leader role if preferred.
- Autism or shyness: share the list of possible scenarios ahead of time.
- Lower fitness: shorter route; fast groups add a checkpoint.
Learning goals
- Respond to common emergencies and injuries on a hike.
- Apply the check, call, care sequence.
- Make group decisions by sharing responsibilities.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cards: 30
- first-aid kits: 5
- backpacks: 5
- maps: 5
Teacher tip
Write scenarios with concrete details (location, time, the hiker's condition) so the 911 call is realistic. Position yourself where you can see most of the checkpoints.
PatioLab has "Trail Emergency Decisions Hike" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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