Rattlesnake coiled on desert trail at Hungry Valley SVRA

Chapter 12 of 18

Safety, Emergency & First Aid

Essential safety protocols, emergency contacts, first aid guidance, and survival strategies to keep you safe during your Hungry Valley adventure

Hungry Valley SVRA's remote location, challenging terrain, and extreme temperatures create unique safety considerations that every visitor must understand. At elevations ranging from 3,000 to nearly 6,000 feet, spanning 19,000+ acres with intermittent cell phone coverage, knowing how to respond to emergencies can literally save lives.

This chapter provides critical information for handling the most common OHV emergencies, from traumatic injuries and heat-related illness to getting lost in the backcountry. Whether you're a first-time visitor or experienced rider, proper preparation and knowledge of safety protocols are your most important gear.

Critical Information

Emergency Contacts & Medical Facilities

In any life-threatening emergency, your first action should be to call 911. However, Hungry Valley's remote location and intermittent cell coverage mean you need backup plans and must understand response times.

Primary Emergency Contacts

Emergency

Call 911

Use for: Life-threatening injuries, severe accidents, medical emergencies, fires

Note: Cell coverage is intermittent throughout most of the park. If you cannot get signal, move to higher ground or send someone to the entrance station.

Hungry Valley SVRA Park Office

Phone: (661) 248-7007
Use for: Non-emergency assistance, ranger help, park information

Rangers: State Park Rangers patrol the area and are trained Emergency Medical Responders. Entrance station employees and maintenance personnel can also summon medical help.

Nearest Hospital

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is the closest emergency medical facility, located approximately 30 miles south in Valencia—about a 35-40 minute drive from the park entrance.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

Address: 23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355
Phone: (661) 200-2000
Type: 357-bed trauma center with 24/7 Emergency Department
Services: Advanced Primary Stroke Center, STEMI Receiving Center, full emergency care

Driving Directions from Hungry Valley:

Exit park and head south on Interstate 5
Take the McBean Parkway exit
Turn left (east) onto McBean Parkway
Hospital is approximately 1 mile from I-5 on the left side

Critical Information

Remote Location Realities

No emergency medical facilities exist in Gorman — the nearest care is 30 miles away
Cell phone coverage is intermittent throughout most of the SVRA
Help may take 30-60+ minutes to arrive in remote areas of the park
Satellite phones or GPS emergency beacons are highly recommended for backcountry riding

Prevention & Response

Common OHV Injuries & Prevention

Off-highway vehicle riding carries inherent risks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 100,000 OHV-related injuries are treated in emergency departments annually, with over 800 deaths per year. Understanding the most common injuries and how to prevent them is critical for safe riding.

Most Common OHV Injuries

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries & Concussions

Cause: Head impacts from crashes, ejections, or rollovers

Prevention: ALWAYS wear a DOT-approved helmet. Helmet use reduces fatal head injury risk by 64% and overall injury risk by 42%.

Signs of Concussion: Confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea, balance problems, memory loss, altered mental status

2. Broken Bones & Fractures

Cause: Ejection from vehicle (88% of injuries), impacts, vehicle rollover landing on rider

Most common: Arms, wrists, collarbones, ribs, legs, ankles

Prevention: Wear full protective gear including chest protector, elbow/knee guards, boots, and gloves. Learn proper riding techniques to avoid loss of control.

3. Spinal Cord Injuries

Cause: ATV/UTV rollovers, high-speed crashes, landing incorrectly from jumps

Prevention: Never ride beyond your skill level. Use proper body positioning. Avoid excessive speed on unfamiliar terrain.

CRITICAL: Never move an injured rider who may have spinal injuries unless they are in immediate danger (fire, water, etc.)

4. Internal Injuries & Bleeding

Cause: Blunt force trauma from crashes, vehicle landing on rider

Includes: Internal bleeding, broken ribs, punctured lungs, organ damage

Warning: These injuries may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening. Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or shock symptoms after a crash.

5. Cuts, Abrasions & Road Rash

Cause: Sliding across ground, contact with brush/rocks, equipment failures

Prevention: Wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and boots. No exposed skin. Full protective gear is essential even in hot weather.

Prevention is Your Best Protection

Wear a helmet EVERY TIME — No exceptions, even for "short rides"
Full protective gear: Boots, gloves, goggles, chest protector, elbow/knee guards
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Ride within your skill level — Don't attempt trails beyond your ability
Maintain your vehicle properly — Check brakes, tires, steering before every ride
Never ride alone in remote areas
Obey speed limits — Keep speed under 15 mph near camps and groups
Take a safety course — Wilderness First Aid training is highly valuable

For complete details on required safety equipment and park rules, see our Entrance, Rules & Requirements chapter.

Preparation

First Aid Kit Essentials for OHV Riding

A comprehensive first aid kit designed specifically for OHV riding addresses the most common treatable injuries: broken bones and life-threatening bleeding. Unlike hiking first aid kits focused on blisters and scrapes, OHV kits must handle blunt trauma injuries.

Essential First Aid Supplies

Bleeding Control

Trauma bandages and hemostatic gauze
Israeli bandages or compression bandages
Multiple gauze pads (4x4 and larger)
Medical tape (waterproof)
Nitrile gloves (multiple pairs)
Tourniquet (CAT or SOFTT-W recommended)

Fracture/Sprain Treatment

SAM splint (moldable aluminum splint)
Elastic bandages (ACE wraps)
Triangular bandages (for slings)
Cold packs (instant activation)
Athletic tape

Medications & Basic Care

Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
Antihistamine (Benadryl for allergic reactions)
Antibiotic ointment
Burn gel or burn dressings
Blister treatment
Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+)

Tools & Equipment

Scissors (trauma shears)
Tweezers
Safety pins
Emergency whistle
Signal mirror
Emergency blanket (space blanket)
Waterproof matches or fire starter
Flashlight or headlamp

Hydration & Nutrition

Extra water (at least 1 gallon per person)
Water purification tablets
High-energy snacks (trail mix, energy bars, jerky)
Electrolyte replacement (sports drinks or tablets)

Pro Tip: Wilderness First Aid Training

Take a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course before riding in remote areas. These courses teach you how to handle emergencies when help is hours away—skills that go far beyond basic first aid and could save a life at Hungry Valley's remote locations.

For complete packing lists including safety gear and emergency supplies, see our Trip Planning & Itineraries chapter.

Critical Safety

Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke Prevention

Hungry Valley's summer temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) with minimal shade and intense sun exposure. Combined with physical exertion and full riding gear, heat-related illness becomes a serious danger. Understanding the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke—and knowing how to prevent both—is critical for summer riding.

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms:

Heavy sweating
Cold, pale, clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Tiredness or weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Fainting

What to Do:

Move to cool place immediately
Loosen clothing
Apply cool, wet cloths to body
Sip water slowly
Get medical help if vomiting or symptoms worsen

Heat Stroke (MEDICAL EMERGENCY)

Symptoms:

Body temp 105°F+ (40.5°C+)
Hot, DRY skin (sweating stops)
Rapid, strong pulse
Confusion/altered mental state
Slurred speech
Loss of consciousness
Seizures possible

What to Do:

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY
Move to shade
Cool body with water or ice
Do NOT give liquids
This is life-threatening—minutes matter

Heat Illness Prevention Strategies

Hydration is Critical

Drink MORE water than you think you need — In desert heat, you may be sweating without realizing it
Use a hydration pack (CamelBak) — Allows drinking while riding without stopping
Bring 2x your estimated water needs — Plan for emergencies and delays
Add electrolytes — Sports drinks or electrolyte tablets replace salts lost through sweat
Avoid caffeine and alcohol — These dehydrate you faster

Time Your Rides

Start EARLY — Begin riding at sunrise when temperatures are coolest
Avoid 12pm-4pm — Peak heat and sun exposure hours
Take frequent breaks — Rest in shade every 30-60 minutes
Consider evening rides — Temperatures drop after 5pm

For detailed temperature ranges by season, see our Weather & Seasonal Considerations chapter.

Dress Smart

Light colors reflect heat — White or light gray gear stays cooler than dark colors
Moisture-wicking materials — Synthetics pull sweat away from skin for evaporative cooling
Cover skin — Long sleeves and pants actually keep you cooler by preventing direct sun exposure and slowing sweat evaporation
Ventilated gear — Mesh jackets with armor provide airflow while protecting you
Wet bandana around neck — Cooling effect on major blood vessels

Warning Signs

Your Body Needs a Break

If you experience ANY of these symptoms, STOP RIDING IMMEDIATELY:

Sudden fatigue or weakness
Headache or dizziness
Feeling nauseous
Muscle cramps
Feeling unusually hot or confused
Decreased sweating despite heat

Move to shade, drink water, cool down. Don't try to "push through" — heat illness can escalate to heat stroke in minutes.

Survival Skills

What to Do If Lost or Stranded

Getting lost or stranded in Hungry Valley's 19,000 acres of remote terrain is a real possibility, especially for riders unfamiliar with the area. The combination of limited cell coverage, similar-looking terrain, and numerous unmarked trails means even experienced riders can become disoriented.

The S.T.O.P. Method

When you realize you might be lost, remember S.T.O.P. — this proven survival acronym can save your life:

S - Stop/Sit

Immediately stop moving. Do not keep riding "just a little farther" hoping to find your way. Sit down, turn off your vehicle, and take a 20-minute break to calm yourself.

T - Think

Take deep breaths. Assess your situation calmly. When did you last know your exact location? Which direction have you been traveling? Do you have a map? How much daylight is left?

O - Observe

Look around for landmarks, water sources, trails, or other clues. Check for cell signal. Inventory your supplies: water, food, fuel, first aid, tools, emergency gear.

P - Plan

Make a logical decision based on your observations. In most cases, STAYING PUT is the best choice. If you told someone your plans, they'll look for you.

Familiarize yourself with currently open trails before riding—see our Open Trails & Riding Areas Guide for maps and trail descriptions.

Stay Put or Move?

STAY PUT If:

You told someone your riding plan and expected return time
You're injured or someone in your group is injured
It's getting dark (DO NOT ride at night)
Weather conditions are deteriorating
You have adequate shelter, water, and supplies
You're unsure which direction to go

Staying put makes you MUCH easier to find. Search and rescue teams can cover ground much faster than you can, especially if you're moving in the wrong direction.

Consider Carefully

Consider Moving Only If:

You know EXACTLY where you are on a map
You're 100% certain which direction leads to safety
You can see a road, building, or known landmark nearby
Your current location is dangerous (flash flood risk, extreme exposure)
NO ONE knows you're out riding (you didn't file a riding plan)

If you do move, mark your route with arrows made from rocks or branches so searchers can track you.

Survival Priorities (Rule of 3s)

The Rule of 3s

3 seconds: Time panic can kill you — Stay calm
3 minutes: Without air or with severe bleeding — Control bleeding immediately
3 hours: Without shelter in extreme conditions — Find/create shade or warmth
3 days: Without water — Conserve your water supply
3 weeks: Without food — Food is the lowest priority

Signaling for Help

Three of anything signals distress: Three whistle blasts, three horn honks, three fires in a triangle
Use a signal mirror: Can be seen from aircraft up to 10+ miles away
Make yourself visible from air: Lay out bright clothing, make large X in open area
Smoke signals: Green vegetation creates white smoke (day), dry material creates sparks (night)
Fire at night: Can be seen for miles — keep a signal fire ready to light when you hear aircraft
Stay near your vehicle: It's much larger and easier to spot than a person

Critical Pre-Ride Action

Always File a Riding Plan

ALWAYS file a riding plan with a responsible person before entering the park. Tell them exactly where you're riding, which trails, and your expected return time. Instruct them to call park rangers (661-248-7007) or 911 if you don't check in by your deadline. This simple step dramatically improves your chances of rescue if something goes wrong.

Natural Hazards

Wildlife Encounters & Safety

Hungry Valley is home to diverse wildlife including rattlesnakes, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, and various smaller animals. Most wildlife will avoid human contact, but encounters can happen—especially in dawn/dusk hours or when riding quietly on trails.

Rattlesnakes

Southern California is home to several rattlesnake species, and they are common throughout Hungry Valley, especially around rocks and during warm weather months (April-October).

Snake Safety

Rattlesnake Safety

Prevention:

Wear boots and long pants (most bites occur on legs/ankles)
Watch where you step, sit, and place your hands
Be especially cautious around rocks and logs
Make noise while walking — vibrations warn snakes of your approach
Keep hands and feet where you can see them

If You Encounter a Rattlesnake:

Stop immediately and back away slowly
Give the snake at least 6 feet of space
Do NOT approach, corner, or try to move the snake
Snakes rattle as a WARNING — respect it
The snake will usually leave if given space

If Bitten by a Rattlesnake:

Call 911 immediately
Stay calm — most bites are not fatal if treated
Keep the bitten limb below heart level
Remove rings, watches, or tight clothing near the bite
Wash the wound if possible
Walk calmly to help — DO NOT RUN (increases venom spread)
DO NOT: Apply tourniquet, cut the wound, try to suck out venom, or apply ice

Mountain Lions

Mountain lion sightings are rare, but these large predators do inhabit the area. Attacks on humans are extremely uncommon—you are far more likely to be injured in a riding accident than by a mountain lion.

Mountain Lion Safety

If You Encounter a Mountain Lion