|
Written by Sue Melus
|
|
Friday, 06 November 2009 17:24 |
 A scary close call was a stark reminder of basic backcountry safety Recently I trekked the slot canyons of the San Rafael Swell in the Utah desert with an experienced group of folks who collectively possessed decades of outdoor experience. Halfway through the narrow backcountry canyon- the same canyon in which hikers recently found the body of 54 year-old Rose Backhaus - we got into trouble.
On a short, but tricky rappel, I flipped over backwards, slammed my head and body into a rock wall and was left hanging upside down by the rope, feet straight up in the air with a nasty cut on my head.
I soon realized I could free my legs from under the rope that pinned them to the rock. With my legs free, I was able to right myself and complete the rappel. Banged up, bruised and bleeding, we completed the long hike out of the canyon and back to the safety of our camp. In the end, I was OK. We were very lucky.
In preparation for our trip, we forgot basic tenets of outdoor safety. We were miles into the backcountry with no first-aid kit and our climbing helmets were back in the truck. We had not properly matched the skill sets of the participants to the skills required for the trip. I didn’t have climbing experience and it put me and everyone else in the group in danger.
Here are some things to remember as you head into the backcountry. Whether it’s a hunting trip, a river float or a long pack trip, make sure that you have thought through all the details in case you find yourself in the way of danger. When things get serious, it’s not the time to be saying, “We should have known better.”
Some basic rules to remember:
- Pack a well-stocked first-aid kit. It’s not that heavy. Don’t leave it in the car.
- Make sure that everyone’s abilities are suited for the trip. When you plan your trip, make sure to either choose an itinerary that is well suited for everyone’s abilities or choose the trip and then pick people who are right for the trip. It’s when you mix the two that you run into trouble.
- Bring proper safety gear and make sure everyone knows how to use it.
- Discuss in advance who in the group has medical training.
- Identify a trip leader and make sure everyone else is briefed on the trip itinerary. It’s important for everyone to know where the group is headed, what to expect, and how to follow the map.
- Tell someone on the outside where you are going and when you’ll return.
- Stick together and stick with the plan.
Despite our best intentions, our past successes, love of the outdoors and familiarity with the backcountry made us complacent. We were quick to assume that we were ready for everything that lay ahead. Even with the most thorough planning, accidents happen. The best you can do is be prepared for the worst and have a plan of action in case things do go awry.
|
Teaching/Tips 
