Stamina potions keep you alive somehow, shock mine when you want to clutch escape attemps (do it before you're cornered, not after), when cornered shield bash like crazy to stun enemies and escape.
Wolf pack never attack you unless traveling alone, keep your dog safe and he'll keep you alive for the entirety of the journey. Dog dies ? Return to Inn asap to get another one.
For all types of enemy ambush, they only spawn near you if they spot you, if not spotted, they will spawn far away from you, allowing some safe time to dash away to the border. I believe the game check SCU for situations like these (maybe Sur as well? not sure...) : Leave --> Escape --> hide --> leave --> escape --> approach and spam shock mines if all else fail.