Woodland walks reward you with solitude, birdsong and muddy boots. But when a bramble cuts deep or an ankle turns on a root, miles from the car park, a small kit and calm decisions matter. Here is how to treat common injuries and when to call for help.

Build a compact kit that earns its place

For day walks, carry a pouch about the size of a paperback. It should weigh under 500g and include:

• Disposable nitrile gloves (two pairs) and hand sanitiser
• Sterile gauze swabs, adhesive dressings, blister plasters and zinc oxide tape
• A small irrigation syringe or sterile saline pods for wound cleaning
• Antiseptic wipes or cream, fine-tipped tweezers and a tick removal tool
• Elasticated bandage, triangular bandage and self-adhesive wrap
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen, antihistamine tablets and oral rehydration sachets
• Foil blanket, whistle, small torch, notebook and pencil
• Personal medicines, spare inhaler and adrenaline auto-injector if prescribed

Check the kit each season. Replace out-of-date medicines. Add a paper card with emergency contacts, allergies and any prescribed drugs. A small roll of duct tape can repair a boot or secure a dressing.

Cuts and grazes: clean, cover, monitor

Woodland cuts often come from brambles, branches or barbed wire. Wear nitrile gloves. Irrigate the wound with clean water or sterile saline for two minutes to flush grit and bark. Use fine tweezers to remove visible debris; do not dig. Pat dry, apply antiseptic, then a sterile dressing or plaster. If edges gape, use butterfly strips. Check tetanus status: deep, dirty or rusty-metal wounds need medical advice within 48 hours. Change the dressing daily. Spreading redness, heat, pus, throbbing pain or fever suggests infection; see a GP or minor injuries unit. If bleeding will not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure, or blood spurts, call 999. If the wound is on a hand, wear a glove over the dressing to keep it clean.

Blisters and foot care: prevent and treat early

Stop at the first hot spot. Remove boot and sock, dry the skin, and apply a blister plaster or zinc oxide tape extending beyond the sore area. Do not pop a blister; intact skin is sterile. If it bursts, clean with saline, apply antiseptic and cover. A donut of moleskin around the blister can reduce pressure. Prevention: break in boots, wear liner socks, keep feet dry, trim toenails and lace snugly. Air feet at lunch. A large or sole blister may end your day; do not push on.

Sprains and strains: PRICE, not heroics

Ankle sprains are common on roots and wet leaves. Stop. Protect the joint from weight-bearing, using a walking pole as a crutch. Rest. Ice for 15 minutes every two hours, wrapped in cloth. Comfortable support: elasticated bandage, not tight. Elevate above heart level if possible. Avoid HARM for 48 hours: no heat, alcohol, running or massage. Paracetamol or ibuprofen helps. If you cannot take four steps, bear weight, or the foot looks deformed, suspect a fracture and call for help. Do not walk out on a badly sprained ankle. If you must move, use a sturdy stick and take short steps.

Stings, bites and ticks: act calmly

Bee sting: scrape the sting sideways with a fingernail or card; do not squeeze. Wasp sting: clean and use a cold compress. Antihistamine eases itching. For stings in the mouth or throat, or swelling of lips, tongue or breathing, call 999. Tick bites: remove with fine tweezers or a tick tool as close to the skin as possible, pull steadily upwards without twisting, then clean. Remove ticks within 24 hours to reduce risk. Note the date and watch for a spreading rash or flu-like symptoms for up to 30 days; see a GP. If breathing becomes difficult, use a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector, call 999 and lie the casualty flat with legs raised.

When to call for help, and how

Remote woodland often has patchy signal. If symptoms worsen, do not wait. Call 999 for severe bleeding, suspected fracture, head injury with confusion, breathing difficulty, chest pain, shock (pale, clammy, rapid pulse), anaphylaxis, or if you cannot move the casualty safely. Ask for police or ambulance; mountain rescue may be tasked. Give exact location: grid reference, path name, nearest car park, landmarks. Keep the phone on and conserve battery. If there is no signal, send someone for help, use six whistle blasts per minute, and keep the casualty warm with a foil blanket. Do not give food or drink if surgery may be needed. Record times, symptoms and what happened. For non-emergencies, call NHS 111. A calm, early call is not a failure; it is good woodland craft.