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The Importance of First Aid and Medical Training on the Trail. Author Justin Sturgill is an active outdoors enthusiast and experienced first responder. Follow him and his families adventures at @misplaced_overland. Let’s dive into how important overland first aid is on the trail. LINK TO @misplaced_overland As a medical first responder for years I have taken all kinds of classes on medical scenerios that could or could not happen in the field. Some have proven to be useful and others, thankfully have been filed away in the back of my mind hopfully never to be heard from again. As I found myself preparing for another adventure in the northern part of lower Michigan I decided I should spend a few miniutes going through and restocking my first aid kit, I keep in the Tundra. I’m not going to bore you with a list of all the things I keep in my bag but if you’re interested a quick Google search would reveal lots of information on the subject. What I am going to tell you is that it is in your best interest to spend some time on the subject even if you don’t think its that important because I’m about to tell you how just having the basics helps in a BIG way. My wife and I arrived at camp with the New Holland Overland Group seeming to be the last to arrive for the evining which lately is our anthem. We grabbed a spot among the trees and began the quick task of setting up camp. The moon was bright and the temperature was very mild for February making the job very easy. As I knelt down to pound in the last stake for the tent I felt a trickle down my nose. Before I could react I noticed a dark spot in the snow below me and then another and another and then Niagara! I have fought nose bleeds before but nothing like this. I used every known method from my arsenal, all the gauze, trauma pads and even an ice pack had been used to try and slow it down still nothing. The stream of blood had went from one side to both sides to gaging me on its way down my throat. (Gross I know.) After some discussion and borrowing a jeep from a friend and fellow overlander who just happens to also be an EMT we set out for the nearest hospital which was about 45 minutes away. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER Upon ariving at the, emergency room we were quickly checked in and placed into our own little room awaiting the doctors grand enterence. After some time and our normal hospital interview I was seen and asked to try and expel all of the hard earned clotting I had achieved into the waist basket. After this little task the docter was able to clean me up with a bit of nasal sanitizer that tasted like swamp water and burned like no other, this coupled with a nasal plug brought the whole thing to a screeching hault. Start to finish I had been bleeding for about 2 hours. As we left the emergency room, and began our journey back towards camp I couldn’t help but be thankful for so many things. For starters friendships that had only just started a few months ago, without them the task of making it out of the woods to the hospital would have proved to be difficult. My wife who has the patience and skills to drive and navigate the trail back to civilization with little to no help from her partner in crime, and that little first aid kit so carfully packed just days before the trip. Man I’m glad I had that thing, although not necessarily life threating it did help me realize just how fast our situation can change and having the right tools when we need them can get us healthy and back doing what we love. Make sure to learn from Justin’s advice, have a plan, have some training and be prepared in an overland first aid event. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER CHECK OUT @misplaced_overland ON YOUTUBE Photo courtesy of @luke_brasseaux Expedition Vehicle Outfitters specializes in equipping vehicles for off road and overland use. Email or call Expedition Vehicle Outfitters today to make sure your vehicle is up for the challenge of off road and overland travel. Expedition specializes in Toyota and Jeep platforms. CHECK OUT SOME MORE GREAT ARTICLES THE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO THE ALPINE LOOP HOW TO GET STARTED VEHICLE ADVENTURING IN MICHIGAN

In the fourth installment of our "Offroad 101" series, Scott covers the basics of safety! He'll discuss the basics of tips, techniques, and tools to stay safe with your Jeep while out on the trail. The video begins with how to properly communicate, and then breaks down the different types of straps and shackles, and how to safely use each. View the full article

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and before you know it, you’ll be hitting the trails in your 4×4. Because your vehicle takes much more abuse than a typical car that does strictly highway driving, 4×4 spring maintenance is a must before you head off into the wilderness. Is your 4X4 ready for adventure? Below are the 4X4 spring maintenance tasks you should tackle this season before you head off into a summer of off-roading fun. Change the Oil This tip is great for vehicles of all shapes and sizes, but especially for 4X4s. Off-roading puts a huge amount of stress on the engine when using lower gears increases torque — and wear and tear on your engine. Keeping the oil clean will help the engine perform more smoothly and with more power. The best way to know when to change your oil is by checking the owner’s manual and keeping up with scheduled oil changes as recommended. Check the Tires Balance checks and tire rotations are another part of 4X4 ownership. Front tires wear differently from back tires, so to keep the vehicle running smoothly tires should be rotated frequently. While your mechanic is at it, ask to have the tires balanced as well. Improper wear and tear on tires can lead to suspension issues, which are costly to repair. Perform Alignment How the tires align also impacts wear and tear, along with gas mileage, traction, and tread integrity. If your steering wheel pulls to one side or the other, it’s time to bring in your 4X4 for a realignment. Although misalignment could also be caused by uneven tire pressure, it’s worth it to have a professional take a look at things. Check Fluids and Filters Don’t even think about heading off-roading without checking and refilling fluids in your 4X4. The most important level to check is the oil; the last thing you want is to get stranded in the wide-open outdoors. Coolant levels are also important; top off windshield wiper fluid, too. Air filters that prevent contaminants from entering the engine need to be swapped out as well. Inspect Brakes Take a hose and rinse off your wheels to inspect the brakes/ Take a look at pads, calipers, and brake lines. Is there any damage or rust? Is your 4X4 making strange noises when you come to a stop? Brake failure can be catastrophic when you’re off-roading; if you see anything suspicious, it’s time to call a mechanic. Clean Your 4X4 While you’re hosing off your wheels, why not clean the whole thing? Thoroughly wash and dry your 4X4 and all of your recovery gear, like your winch and tow line. Don’t miss the undercarriage, either. Thoroughly inspect all of the major parts and keep a close eye out for rust, dents, or damage. Try Out the AC After a long winter sitting, either outside or in a garage, the air conditioning in your 4X4 may not be ready to keep up with warm spring and summer weather. When the AC isn’t performing well, it can also cause stress on the engine and speed up wear and tear — not to mention being uncomfortable for drivers and passengers. Invest In Mods While addressing your 4×4 spring maintenance, talk to a mechanic about installing any mods that you’ve had your eye on during the winter or changing out winter-weather tires for a set that’s more appropriate for summer off-roading. The key here is allowing the experts to mod your 4X4 because they have the experience and tools to get it done right, the first time. Our experienced team at Axleboy is always ready to welcome you and your vehicle. We value your business, and we want to share our passion for 4X4s with you. Also, it’s also our promise to provide you with courteous and helpful service. That’s why we provide our clients with trusted custom consulting. One thing we know from our years in business is that every client is different. How you choose to drive your vehicle is different from the next person. And, there’s nothing wrong with that! We feel that’s one reason why it’s so special to own a 4X4. Ready to get your vehicle ready for a fun-filled spring and summer off-roading? Make an appointment today! The post 4X4 Spring Maintenance Tips appeared first on Axleboy Offroad - St Louis . View the full article