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By Preferred Customer

Outdoor Education At Glengarry

“One life, one chance”

One life One Chance• In the context of your

next 5 months at Glengarry, what does this saying mean to you?

• Take several minutes to discuss this with the person next to you!

• Would any of you like to share your discussions with the group?

The Outdoor Environment

Is a place for us to explore the environment and ourselves

Many say that the Wilderness is a learning place! What do you think we can get out of our experiences in the bush?

• Psychological benefits

• Social benefits

• Physical benefits

• Educational benefitsKangaroo Valley

Possible Benefits Of Attending The Glengarry Outdoor Program

Psychological Sociological Educational Physical

Self Concept

Confidence

Self efficacy

Sensation seeking

Well being

Personal testing

Compassion

Group cooperation

Respect for others

Communication

Friendship

Belonging

Outdoor education

Nature awareness

Conservation Ed

Problem solving

Outdoor technique

Improved academics

Fitness

Skills

Strength

Co-ordination

Catharsis

Balance

As you are about to set out on your Glengarry adventure what kind of attitude are you going to apply to your time?

A positive or a negative attitude?

Give everything your

best

Anything is possible if you

believe in yourself

Whoever you were before Glengarry forget it, here you can change!

What ever you decide to set out to achieve while you are here at Glengarry, the number one theme that must underpin all you do is safety!

Safety!Looking out for each other and coming home safe!

There are many simple things that can harm you in

the bush

Being aware of what they are is an important step in

the safety process!

Let us take you through some of the

things we have learnt!

Hazards in the Bush

Safety Begins With The 5 P’sSafety Begins With The 5 P’s

• Being safe in the outdoors begins before you even set off on your journey.

• Analysis of accidents has shown that many series injuries occur because some key planning questions were taken too lightly.

• What questions should you ask?

Prior Preparation prevents poor performance

RIGHT PEOPLE

Ask yourself the following; Do you have ….

RIGHT PLACE

RIGHT TIME

RIGHT EQUIPMENTCommon goals?

Similar ability &

experience?

The same safety mindset

among all members

Is everyone the same

fitness level?

The same technical skills; is

everyone prepared for this

kind of trip?

RIGHT PEOPLE

Ask yourself the following; Do you have ….

RIGHT PLACE

RIGHT TIME

RIGHT EQUIPMENT

This easy moving river was a good

choice for our first kayak trip

We will be right, lets just go for it, don’t worry about what might

happen

Are you sure you can handle the

terrain and conditions you will encounter? What dangers await?

RIGHT PEOPLE

Ask yourself the following; Do you have ….

RIGHT PLACE

RIGHT TIME

RIGHT EQUIPMENT

What are the conditions like at this time of

year?

Seasonal variations in weather can have serious

consequences for your safety!

No water, snakes, ticks, floods, storms, snow,

cold, heat?

RIGHT PEOPLE

Ask yourself the following; Do you have ….

RIGHT PLACE

RIGHT TIME

RIGHT EQUIPMENT

T he follow ing item s m ust be carried by you in your h ike pack on any overn ight cam ping experience. P lease use th is sheet as a check list to ensure that you have included it in your kit. C loth ing you w ould w ear on h ike m orning: G roup G ear: 1 pair sho rts. O ne T ent betw een 2 1 T shirt. 1 Fuel bo ttle

1 So cks. O ne T rangia betw een 2 1 undies Foo d. O btained AM o f hike day. 1 300 w t pile jacket 1 T arp H ike bo o ts o r go o d w alking sho es. E xtra G ear in a w aterproof bag 1 pair long pants: (T rack suit o r army pants). 1 T shirt. 1 100 w t P ile jacket. 1 undies. 1 So cks. 2 pair thermal underw ear.

1 W o o l B eanie Personal O utdoor E quipm ent T ent pegs. Pack. T o o th brush, too th paste. 1st A id Kit. C amp Soap. Sleeping B ag (W ater pro o fed in plastic bag). 1 Po oper Sco o per, T o ilet paper C o mpass, w histle. C amera? (N o t compulso ry). Pen, paper. R ainco at (Keep nearer top o f pack) Sunscreen & Insect repelant A ny m edication you m ay need 2 W ater bo ttles, Full + Filter bo ttle Knife Fo rk Spoo n, M ug, P late. N o W alkm ans M ap. (Y ou w ill receive this on hike mo rning) B ring w ith you your positive Sw iss Army knife. a ttitudes. H eadlamp, to rch. (W ith N ew B atteries). Sleeping mat. Inflatable mats sho uld be inside pack.

Use your gear list to pack, to

ensure you don’t leave things

behind!

Know what your equipment is for and know how to use it. Your life could depend on

it!

Discussion Point

• Based on your present experience level, and your knowledge of the bush of Kangaroo Valley, how difficult should the trips be in catering for your present fitness, experience level?

RIGHT PEOPLE

Once you have ticked off these important things…..

RIGHT PLACE

RIGHT TIME

RIGHT EQUIPMENT

Once you have prepared well, it is time to focus on safety issues in the field. What do we need to be

concerned about?

HAZARDS IN THE BUSH

Can be broken down into several key areas• Endo or subjective hazardsEndo or subjective hazards

– Things within our control like our fitness, experience or skill level.

• Exo or objective hazardsExo or objective hazards– These are things that are always out in the bush and things we

could encounter at any time like cliffs, rock fall, flooded rivers.

• We will now focus on identifying the EXO hazards that you may encounter in the bush while at Glengarry.

• You must be constantly on the look out for these, in order to take appropriate safety precautions.

• Poison plants

• Thick vegetation

• Deadfall, logs

• Whip back branches

• Wind

• Rain

• Cold

• Heat

• Insects

• Snakes

• Spiders

• Ticks

• Rivers

• Cliffs

• Rock fall

• Steeps

• Undercuts

WEATHER

FAUNA

FLORA

TERRAIN

WILDERNESS HAZARDSWILDERNESS HAZARDS

WEATHER

• Increase wind chill; hypothermia• Increase fire hazard• Can cause lake & ocean to get

rough• Possibility of trees falling on

tents or hikers• Can effect communications • Can indicate a change in weather

conditions

Wind

WEATHER

• Increased risk of hypothermia• Makes footing very unstable

increasing risks of falls; be aware of cliff edges & steep terrain in these conditions.

• After heavy rain, creeks and rivers may flood blocking your route. What should you do if this happens to you?

Rain

LightningA threat we must take seriously

Discussion Point

• How many of you have ever been outside playing when you see lightning and hear thunder very close to seeing the lightning?

• Lets have a show of hands!

• Do you know you have been putting your life in danger?

Lightning

Lightning

• Get off high ground• Get off the water• Get out of your sleeping

bag• Stay out of creeks• You MUST insulate

yourself from the ground• Boots on, rubber mats on

ground, crouch on packs.

A risk that you must take very seriously, your life could depend on taking the right action!

Lightning Protection Position

Do not huddle under

tree as lightning may

strike high point

If you are in the open you may become the high point

that gets struck

Insulate yourself from

the ground using your

boots, pack, and rubber mat

Don’t be under the tree, but

not right out in the open. ½ height from

tree.

When Should We Begin To Be Worried About Lightning:

25 / 15 Second Rule!25 / 15 Second Rule!• At 25 seconds between

lightning and thunder, lightning is in striking range. Move to safest ground in case storm is closing in on you.

• At 15 seconds group must be spread out and in insulation position.

Observing Weather Charts

• Check the weather forecast prior to departure. If the forecast is for bad weather modify your plans.

• Learn to read the weather in the field. Wind, clouds, temperature, pressure systems.

• We will do this in the coming lessons

COLD

• Be alert in winter or in bad weather in summer for symptoms of hypothermia in members of your group.

• Low temperatures, wind & rain provide the conditions for hypothermia.

• Tired, fatigued, lack of food and drink, wet, inappropriate clothing along with the right environmental conditions can lead to life threatening conditions.

• What are some symptoms that would tell you someone in your group is hypothermic? Show of hands if you have an answer!

• What would you do?

Shivering

Hands numb

Difficulty using finger because

they are so coldMild confusion,

irrational comments

Lagging behind the group

If any of these symptoms are present you must stop, take

shelter, get in warmer clothing, set up camp, get in sleep bag, warm

drink, food.

Pack For The Worst Conditions

Hot Weather

• Risk of hyperthermia or heatstroke.

• Wear cool clothing, hat.

• Drink lots of H20

• Walk in morning and late afternoons. Pace yourself, don’t sweat excessively.

• Be aware of symptoms• What would these be?

Pale, Clammy

Skin

Nausea, vomiting

Stop, wet, get cool,

drink,

Sweaty, weak, thirsy, dizzy

Flora Hazards• The Australian

Vegetation provides many hidden traps for the uninitiated.

• Gaining an awareness of potential dangers is essential to safe travel in the bush

• Can you think of ways vegetation can be a threat to our safety?

Ouch!This is thick

Dam, that flicked me in the

head

Oh!My eye, I got a

stick in it!

My legs are just getting so scratched

I can’t see where I am supposed to

be navigating

I feel like I have been stung by

something!

A trip on deadfall combined with the weight of a pack

could lead to injury

Packs can get caught on branches

Vegetation type can greatly effect travel time. 500 mts per

hour in areas along the coast

Traversing Deadfall

Slipping between deadfall, then falling

forward or back can result in broken limbs. Tread

carefully!

What are the consequences of

tripping or slipping on a tree root or loose terrain when I am

above a steep slope or cliff?

Cliff Below

A potentially life threatening fall. Travel slowly &

carefully!

Whip BacksIt is my

responsibility to walk far enough

behind the person in front

This allows time for the

branch to flick back into place without hitting

me.

Walking too close could

lead to my eyes being injured

Branches or sticks in the eyesRushing or

running in the bush can be dangerous

Wearing a cap can obscure our view of

branches

Keep your head up, looking

ahead. Walk in a controlled

manner

Poison Vegetation

Allergies from Pollens

Poison Vegetation

Internal. Do not eat strange plants

Dermatitis. Skin contact with plants

Mechanical Spines & prickles

Tree Fall• Be aware of strong winds and

surrounding trees

• Dead or rotten trees are potential concerns

• Also large mature trees

• Select your tents site carefully, your life could depend on it! Don’t set up under trees that could drop branches on you

• Several school girls lost their lives in Sydney in 2001

Prudent tent site selection is always important

The Scratchy Australian Bush

• Can severely cut up your legs if adequate clothing is not worn. Long pants should always be a part of your hike kit.

• Thick vegetation can also limit your visibility and add extra challenge to navigation

What if you become Lost

There may be times when you are unsure of where you are, or you may become separated

from your group

Would you know what to

do?

Know how to use your map & compass• Keep track of where you are.

Maps must be out at all times.

• Trust your compass it never lies

• Ask for help if you are not sure

• Mapping is like putting all the pieces of a jigsaw together. This will need you to be paying constant attention

• Leave a route plan with a responsible person

If I follow 45 degrees for 400 metres we should hit

the road

NavigationNow which way from

here?That way! No this way!

Navigation Training

• Sessions are designed to help you learn navigation skills so you can know where you are in the bush.

• If you don’t understand be sure to ask, staff are out there to help you!

Contours tell us what the ground around us should

look like. Closer together means this next

section will be steep!

What can your group do to prevent becoming lost?

• Maps out at all times• Constantly try and match the

terrain around you with what you see on your map

• Never stop looking at your map when walking along.

• Use your compass• NEVER split your group• Use the group to sound ideas• If in doubt STOP

We passed that creek here, and we have gone up this steep

slope, we now should look out for that small hill.

Lets all do a compass bearing to the hill and make sure we

get the same bearing

I get 360 degrees, so do I; hang on I get 180 degrees. Lets check it again and work out where we

went wrong.

Stop

Think

Observe

Plan

When Lost & Trying to Attract Attention Blow 3 Whistle Blasts

Your rescuers will respond

with 1 whistle blast

Often terrain hazards that near home would

seem of no concern, are potentially places where

serious accidents can occur

When a long way from help always exercise the uttermost caution, as assistance is often a

long way away.

Terrain Hazards

Terrain HazardsUnder the right

conditions crossing a log over a stream can

be a safe way of getting across

Under what circumstances would you never cross a stream via a

log?

NEVER EVER think that it is safe to cross a flooded

river via a log. Just because it is out of the water does

not mean it is safe

Ask the question, what if I fall in? Assume the worst that you

will fall in. If in doubtSet up camp and wait for help!Set up camp and wait for help!

Safety Around CliffsWith the right training and safety equipment cliffs can be a place

for adventure

Safety Around Cliffs

Without being tied in to a rope and an anchor point, one slip could be your last

slip.

No one should venture any closer

than 3 body lengths to a cliff

edge

Cliff Edge Safety

• Showing off• Just getting that bit

closer for a look• Clowning around close

to the edge• Rushing• Wet conditions• Rocks & sticks• You just might slip for

the last time.

Safety Around Cliffs

• One slip and…….• Rules for around cliffs

– 3 body lengths from edge.

• If it is higher than a body length then a fall can be life threatening

You guys above be careful you do not knock rocks on us

below

If rocks from above were a threat how could you manage this group

in a safer manner?

Mosquitoes

I will keep you awake, and

drink your blood all night long

Keep your tent done up at all times otherwise it will fill with bugs, spiders, snakes, pack rats.

Precaution against night visitors

Discussion Point

• Has anyone every had a tick? Show of hands?

• What triggered your senses to alert you to the fact that you had a tick?

TicksI usually hide in places that are dark, moist and warm,

like in your hair, under your arms, in between your legs

You will know I am on you as I initially make you

itchy. If left in I can cause numbness and even

paralysis

Does anyone know how to get me out?

Repellant: Ammonia or gasoline

Grease

Gently extract with tweezers

Heat

Don’t sit in long grass or bush in

tick season

Leeches

I’m harmless

I don’t like

insect repellant

Salt, flicking, repellant all get me off

I itch

Insect Stings or Spider BitesIf I bite you, pressure bandage, imobilise & don’t move until help

arrives

If I bite you, put a cold compress over the bite

area

Funnel Web

Red Back

Allergic ReactionsI am friendly to most but I can

cause a life threatening

allergic reaction to some

If you are allergic have your

preventative injection with you on hike

Let your friends and hike group mates

know what to do if you get stung or have a reaction!

Other people can be allergic to vegetation or

food EG: Peanuts.

Snake Bite

• Calm & reassure person• Immobilise bitten

extremity with firm elastic bandage from fingers or toes up

• Do not move casualty, seek help immediately

• Do not allow patient to move or walk around

First Aid If BittenFirst Aid If Bitten

Precautions with SnakesI feel vibrations in the ground and will be long

gone if I hear you coming

Discussion Point1. If you and your hike

group are walking along a track and come across a snake that appears dead (asleep or alive), what should you do?

a. Hit it with a stickb. Jump over itc. Throw a rock on itd. Stamp loudly from a

distance until it moves away, and then give it a wide birth.

Water

We paddle in it

We go camping next to it

It is our water supply

Water Quality

I can cause diarrhea

I can make you

sick

What kind of circumstances

lead to my existence?

Not washing hands after

toileting

Not washing dishes

Drinking untreated

water

Water Quality

Take the time to filter, it could stop you becoming very

ill

Cooking with your Trangia Stove

Metho Fuel

When cooking no one is

allowed inside the circle

Cooking is one of the great activities

you do on hike however there are some safety rules

you need to follow

No washing up in the river.

Clean up before fire

River Crossing Awareness

Water Crossings

• The most likely cause of death in bush walking accidents

• Rivers are dynamic and change rapidly after rain

• What is safe one day could be a death trap the next

• Never cross flooded rivers by any means

• IE) Swimming, across logs, walking, with ropes

Sit and wait for help, you Sit and wait for help, you will be late, but alivewill be late, but alive

Summary

• Safety of students and staff is a joint effort.

• We will train you to the best of our ability.

• In return you MUST ensure all the training, rules and guidelines are followed.

• These are in place for your safety.