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While The Revenant reels in acclaim, getting nods from the Academy Awards and Golden Globes, moviegoers have been riveted by the film and the real story behind it. As Leonardo DiCaprio portrays the life of fur trapper Hugh Glass, mauled by a bear, suffering from the effects of the winter elements and left for dead, the film often leaves the viewer wondering, could someone really survive all that?

With that question in mind, Memorial Hospital of Converse County wanted to shed some light on the realities of the cold and remind everyone to take real precautions when partaking in winter outdoor activities.

"The outdoors has become so much more popular in general," said Dr. Pat Yost, a physician at Memorial Hospital of Converse County's Physician Clinic. "I tell my kids, 'we live in Wyoming, you better bring a coat no matter what.'"

Also an outdoor enthusiast himself, Yost encourages dressing in layers is an easy way to protect yourself when you're out in the elements. With layers, you're able to easily remove clothing when you get warm while participating in outdoor activities like cross country skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. Then, as you cool down, those layers can easily be put back on.

The biggest concern for folks outdoors in the winter time is keeping dry. Once clothing gets wet, it becomes difficult to maintain body heat and puts you more at risk of frost bite, hypothermia and even potentially death. Every year a handful of people in Wyoming die due to exposure to the harsh winter elements.

"If you get wet, then you're going to have all sorts of problems," Yost said Dr. Pat Yost. "You'll lose heat and energy quickly."

Another thing to consider is being prepared for the possibility that something could go wrong, Yost said. By packing extra food or an emergency space blanket in the vehicle, people are more likely to survive if they should get stuck, run out of gas or have engine problems.

"Be prepared that it might not go how you want it to," Yost said. "Be smart."

There are tale-tell signs that the cold is starting to overcome you, the first being uncontrollable shivering. Surprisingly, as the cold affects your body more, you're actually less aware of what's happening, Yost said.

"It affects your brain and your thinking," Yost said. "As it drops further, you become less and less aware of the cold."

Every year, Converse County Search and Rescue is called out a number of times to rescue stranded motorists, lost hunters and injured hikers. Converse County Search and Rescue Coordinator Justin Scott had a number of tips for folks traveling or participating in winter outdoor activities.

1. Plan ahead. Make sure someone knows where you're going and when you plan to return.
2. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and proper clothes with you.
3. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle as it's the best source of protection from the elements. (If you run the engine to stay warm, make sure you crack the window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.)
4. Be prepared with chains and a shovel, especially if you're traveling to the mountains where roads often are not maintained in the winter.

One task. Survive. Wyoming Winters. Memorial Hospital of Converse County wanted to shed some light on the realities of the cold and remind everyone to take some very real precautions when partaking in winter outdoor activities in and around Wyoming. 1. Plan ahead. Make sure someone knows where you're going, some geographic idea of location and when you plan to return. 2. Fuel up first. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before heading out and you maintain that as much as possible throughout your adventures. 3. Pack extra. If clothing gets wet, it becomes difficult to maintain body heat and puts you more at risk of frost bite, hypothermia and even potentially death. So bring a proper change of clothes with you. 4. Stay close. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle as it's the best source of protection from the elements. (If you run the engine to stay warm, make sure you crack the window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.) 5. Be prepared. In addition to extra clothes, pack extra food, water jugs, chains and a shovel, especially if you're traveling to the mountains where roads often are not maintained in the winter.