SAFETY
SAFETY
BLUE MOUNTAINS
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SOME BACKGROUND
one-day walk
FIVE BASIC PRIORITIES
Before going on a bushwalk, you must cover the five basic priorities in order to be prepared for the unexpected:
- Signaling
- Personal Protection
- Water and Food
- Health
- Navigation
Decide what can be shared and spread the load!
WATER AND FOOD
TBA
HEALTH - HYGIENE
TBA
NAVIGATION - TRAVEL
TBA
HYGIENE
Hand sanitiser
EMPTY BAGS, PACKAGING, CANS AND BOTTLES
Carry them out with you!
SIGNALING
You want to be found if something goes pear-shaped!
MOBILE PHONE
You may have a signal and might be able to dial 000. You will need to provide the emergency services with a location.
Tip: keep your phone on airplane mode to conserve battery. Consider bringing a charger if you use the GPS function of your phone.
Tip: if the network is intermittent, consider sending a short text message to a friend/or family with your location and type of emergency. Text messages have a better chance to go through the network than a call.
Emergency+ App
Available for iphone and android phones. The app uses the GPS functionality of smart phones to enable callers to provide their location to emergency operators.
HEADLAMP - TORCH
PLB - SATELLITE MESSENGER
Satellite Messengers
TBA
WHISTLE
to attract attention; wear it on your person.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
TBA
Check the weather!
CLOTHING
THINGS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER TAKING WITH YOU
Shoes with good ankle support and a good grip: most tracks are uneven with roots and rocks. In wet area, it will be muddy. Rocks, even dry, can be slippery!
Long sleeve shirt and trousers: basic sun and mozzie protection. Bare legs are tempting to leeches.
Hat/Beanie: basic sun protection. A hat will keep you warm if you have an unplanned overnighter.
merino/synthetic base layer: TBA.
Sunscreen, sunglasse, insevt repellent: basic sun protection. A hat will keep you warm if you have an unplanned overnighter.
Gaiters (optional): protection against leeches and if you are unlucky, snakes.
Rainshell or Puffy Jacket: it can be as simple as a windbreaker. Temperatures can drop quickly.
Fleece/down jacket:to keep you warm.
Backpack:
Bandanna: neck warmer, filtering cloth
gaiters: optional
spare wool socks
SHELTER
Local knowledge: are there overhangs or caves in the area?
- › Look for refuges
- › Use lightweight tarp, space blanket, jacket to create a
warm shelter
› Keep a large garbage bag in your pocket in case you are separated from your pack.
Things to consider taking:
• large orange garbage bag
• lightweight tarp or space blanket • lightweight rope
Emergency blanket (1st aid kit) (they are noisy!) › Tyvek – polycro – window shrink film –
dyneema (expensive)
› Lightweight tarps – tent footprints
FIRE
TBA
For warmth, cooking and morale. › emergency signal.
Things you should take:
• waterproof matches or lighter or flint and steel • fire starters (vaseline-soaked cotton balls)
• knife or multitool – issued
Things you might take:
• metal mug for cooking, boiling and purifying water
FOOD AND WATER
WATER
In general water found in the Blue Mountains creeks is not drinkable unless you can treat it. Each person should carry enough water for the day – anywhere between 2 to 4 litres as everybody is different. Remember that you will need to climb out in the afternoon when it is hottest!
On the bright side, your pack is getting lighter as the day goes on!
Understand your fluid needs
Drink 1 to 2 cups of water (or juice) before work.
› Drink small amounts of water regularly, throughout the
day
› Eat more foods high in water (celery, cucumbers, etc)
› Drink before and during lunch
› Monitor your hydration status: urine colour – don’t rely on thirst
› Continue drinking to replace fluid losses after work
WATER PURIFICATION
Pre-Filtering (if required) › Cloth
› Charcoal › Sand
› Boiling
› Chemical Purification
› Filtering
› Purifiers
› UV Filtering
FOOD
A sandwich, nuts, dried fruits and a piece of fruit are usually enough for me. Take enough for the day and a bit more for emergency.
PICK ME UP FOOD
I like to have a piece of dried mango (100% sugar) before climbing those pesky stairs or climbing the steep hill at the end of the day. A bag of Snakes Alive do the same trick!
EMERGENCY FOOD
Beef jerky and a muesli/granola/protein or nut bar. This is just in case I have an unplanned overnighter.
SALT TABLETS - ELECTROLYTES
If you are prone to cramping, salt tablets or electrolytes provide some relief. Electrolytes need to be mixed with water so bring a bottle. Salt tablets are taken with water.
WATER TREATMENT TABLETS
Purifying tablets are a bare minimum. Light and cheap, they have come handy when people have run out of water. There are several types on the market.
HYGIENE
Hand sanitiser
EMPTY BAGS, PACKAGING, CANS AND BOTTLES
Carry them out with you!
HEALTH - HYGIENE
You want to be found if something goes pear-shaped!
TBA
TBA
First Aid kit – issued
› decide among yourselves what you will take. › tourniquet
› Disposal bags – take your trash with you
› Prescription Medicines – personal
› Pain relievers – personal
› Tylenol,
› Anti-inflammatory: aspirin, ibuprofen (advil) › Spare glasses/contact lenses – personal
› Toilet paper
› Hand sanitiser or wipes (carry the wipes back with you)
› Hygiene products
› (biodegradable) soap in small amounts. Use at least 50m from water
› Gaffer tape – issued
TBA
BASIC FIRST AID KIT
If you are in a group, you can divide the supplies among yourself.
My basic first aid weighs XXX g and contains:
• two pressure immobilisation bandage aka snake bandages
• 3-4 bandaids
• antiseptic cream
• gloves
• sterile non-adhesive pads
• emergency blanket
• note pad
• one triangular bandage
• plastic tweezers
• safety pins
It goes without saying that you should know how to use the contents of your first aid.
TOILETING
TBA
toileting (70 metres away from drinking water and camp area)
› dig a 15-20 cm deep hole › bury it!
› used toilet paper should be taken home in a bag and disposed of in a bin (do not bury)
› use hand sanitiser (> 60% alcohol) before handling food and after toileting
NAVIGATION
You want to be found if something goes pear-shaped!
Get maps of the area you are going to
› Topo maps or digital maps from Six Maps, Collector,
Gaia, etc.
› Study your maps before going into the field and identify a “bailout” direction in the area you are going to.
TBA
map
• compass – issued
• GPS + batteries – unit issued • (smartphone + powerpack)
SIX MAPS
TBA
Route planning
› Do you know how to move in the bush?
› Going uphill or downhill › Scrambling up and down › Finding your way out
› Can you pick a path? Are you sure-footed?
Things you should consider:
• handline + 1 carabiner
• hiking pole or stick (pulaskis and rakehoes are great) • gaiters
• insect repellent
• spare socks
• secateurs (coastal areas)
STAYING WARM
BASIC SHELTER
THINK BEFORE YOUR TREK
This a bush safety initiative between the NSW Police and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Take adequate supplies of food, water, navigation and first aid equipment.
Tell your friends and family where you are going and when you expect to return.
You can register your planned trip intention with NSW National Parks:
Keep to your planned route and follow map and walking trails
DRESSING THE PART
Shoes with good ankle support and a good grip: most tracks are uneven with roots and rocks. In wet area, it will be muddy. Rocks, even dry, can be slippery!
Long sleeve shirt and trousers: basic sun and mozzie protection. Bare legs are tempting to leeches.
Hat and sunglasses: basic sun protection. A hat will keep you warm if you have an unplanned overnighter.
Gaiters (optional): protection against leeches and if you are unlucky, snakes.
Raincoat: it can be as simple as a windbreaker. Temperatures can drop quickly.
Fleece/down jacket:to keep you warm.
Backpack:
COLOURS
Do you want to be found if you get lost? Have at least one item of clothing that is high visibility. Colours that can be seen from the air (Polair) or in the bush are bright versions of pink, orange, red, yellow (although not when the wattles are flowering) and blue.
WATER AND FOOD
It all comes down to preparation! You or one of your party may get injured; You may get lost or you may have to spend the night in the bush.
WATER
SIGNALING GEAR
If you want to be found:
• whistle: to attract attention; wear it on your person.
• matches: to light a fire if you are cold or to attract attention.
• torch with spare batteries: if it is getting late.
STAYING WARM
TBA
BASIC SHELTER
TBA
BASIC FIRST AID KIT
If you are in a group, you can divide the supplies among yourself.
My basic first aid weighs XXX g and contains:
• two pressure immobilisation bandage aka snake bandages
• 3-4 bandaids
• antiseptic cream
• gloves
• sterile non-adhesive pads
• emergency blanket
• note pad
• one triangular bandage
• plastic tweezers
• safety pins
It goes without saying that you should know how to use the contents of your first aid.
01 - TBA
. PlanAheadandPrepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. LeaveWhatYouFind
5. Minimise Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Your Hosts and Other Visitors
01 - TBA
TBA
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
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A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.
