“Cross a River Safely” Mountain Safety Video no. 20

Synopsis: In this video you will learn how to identify whether a river is safe to cross, where to cross, and how to cross safely using the mutual support technique. As much as possible, you should plan to use tracks with bridges during your trip planning phase. Always be prepared to turn around or find another track if the river isn’t safe.

“Communicate in the bush” Mountain Safety Video no. 16

Synopsis: The video covers telling someone your plans and writing in hut books, as well as getting messages out via cell phones, satellite phones, satellite messenger devices, personal locator beacons and mountain radios.

Part B - Survival Kits

1. View survival kit.

Discuss uses of each item.

• Orange Survival Bag (optional):
  • note instructions printed on the bag
  • protection from wind & cold, cut & open out for a shelter
  • Why orange?
• Survival blanket: protection from wind/rain.
  • NOTE: This will not warm up a cold person.
• Whistle: signal to searchers, loud, travels well, less effort than yelling
• Matches or lighter: waterproof, kept dry in canister, separate striker

from matches (optional - with parents agreement)

• Candle stub: fire starter

Note: We no longer encourage the use of a piece of bike tire as the burning of rubber is not environmentally sound or safe!

• First aid kit: plasters, bandage, personal medication such as inhalers
• Cord: tie down shelter, replace laces (or use laces if staying still)
• Notepad/pencil: leave notes for searchers; record details of injury/illness

All items kept together in a waterproof plastic bag.

Should be little enough to carry on every trip.

Every student should have one.

NO KNIFE or MATCHES/LIGHTER (without parent agreement) to be taken on camp.

“Plan To Survive” Mountain Safety Council Pamphlet

Part C - Lost in the Bush

“Do or Die” video - Lost in the Bush

Synopsis: Scenarios show true stories of people lost/injured in NZ outdoors. Each person/group made judgment errors that led to their predicament, and each group made good choices that enabled them to be found alive. By this stage students have been exposed to information that should enable them to collectively assess critically these choices. 4 scenarios, approx. 10 minutes each.