First aid is the immediate care given to a sick or injured person during an emergency before help arrives.

Bringing first aid equipment when hiking is especially important since such areas are often remote.

The injuries associated with hiking may be serious in nature. Sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures are potentially serious and require the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) management plan. Snakebites may be life-threatening and require immediate rest, compression, and monitoring.