Taking a group of scouts deep into the backcountry is a tremendous responsibility, and true preparation requires much more than just packing the right gear. For Josh Kimbrough—a Scoutmaster, rock climbing instructor, and recent Wilderness First Aid (WFA) graduate—the backcountry is familiar territory. But as he gears up for his first high-adventure scouting trek, he’s making sure his emergency response skills are as dialed in as his equipment.
A Decade on the Trail
Josh’s connection to the outdoors is a constant, steady thread in his life. He grew up as a scout himself, and for the past ten years, he has been helping the next generation learn the ropes.
“I was a scout as a kid, and my son has been involved since the first grade. I’ve been involved as a leader since the second grade… he’s 16 now.”
Over the years, Josh has watched his local troop evolve. What began as straightforward car camping naturally progressed into longer, backcountry excursions. With that shift came a practical realization: as the trips get bigger, the adult leaders need to level up their safety training to match.
The Philmont Expedition
This summer brings a major milestone. Josh and his son are joining a neighboring troop for a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch. Widely known as the premier high-adventure base for scouting, Philmont spans over 220 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. It is a serious undertaking, and the crew is prepping for a 33-mile backpacking trek spanning six days and five nights.
To tackle these remote environments safely, high-adventure camps require adult leaders on the trek to hold current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications. When a crew is days away from a reliable cell signal or definitive medical care, the initial emergency response simply falls on the group. It’s a standard requirement that makes complete sense.
The Reality of Risk
As a rock climbing instructor, Josh is used to managing risk. He knows how to secure a harness and build an anchor. Yet, his recent WFA course offered an immersive dive into backcountry medicine that highlighted scenarios he hadn’t fully considered.
When asked what stood out most during his training, Josh immediately pointed to the complexities of spinal care.
“The main thing was how important maintaining spinal motion restriction and being aware of potential spine injuries was… I would not have really known what to do, and that I really needed to pay close attention to that.”
Whether navigating a tricky rock scramble or hiking an uneven trail, an awkward fall is always a possibility. Learning how to properly stabilize a patient until an evacuation team arrives was a necessary lesson that simply hadn’t been on his radar prior to the course.
Peace of Mind
At its core, Josh’s approach to his Wilderness First Aid certification comes down to the Scout Motto: Be Prepared. He is remarkably honest about his expectations, noting that he doesn’t view the training as absolute mastery. He isn’t so overconfident that he’d jump into a major emergency without double-checking his documentation first—instead, he views the course as a crucial, sensible foundation.
Josh heads to Philmont hoping he never has to open his medical kit for anything more than a blister. But he steps onto the trail glad to have the training in his back pocket, knowing he has a solid foundation to rely on just in case.