Followers can die.

In encounters with bandits or creatures they can get into trouble and die.

I don't mind this happening as a consequence of our violent lifestlye.

But what steps can be taken to prevent this?

I can get them to equip the best weapons and armor for their class and character type.

I can buff with Courage and support with Healing Hands.

If I give them Healing Potions and Buff Potions will they actually use them?

Usually when followers reach a critical level of damage, they will go to their knee. At that point, most enemies will ignore them as a non-threat and attack you. The few times I've had followers die, it was because I accidentally struck them during combat.

The only time I ever had a follower killed by an enemy, there was a vampire that spawned a gargoyle, and the attacks came so fast that as they were dropping to a knee, they were hit again and killed.

If you're on PC, you could make them essential I believe.

I always equip them with the best armor and weapons I can get. Healing hands should work as well, if you can coordinate that with fighting!

I normally give my followers the best enchanted armour I can craft, as well as healing and magicka potions. They will usually - not always - use healing and restore magicka potions as needed, though not the other types of potions.

Jordis once died beside me in a fight with....its those insane former snow elves, I cannot remember what they are called to save my life.


Yeah, I equip my followers with the best gear possible. And I try to anticipate their stupidity. *sigh*