Safety Gear Recommendations

The safety gear that you bring on your fieldwork is highly dependent on what your work involves, where you are working, who is working with you, and how close your nearest emergency services will be. The ESPM Field Safety Committee does not have one set of gear that we recommend for your work. However, this page is dedicated to resources about types of work and what other safety groups recommend you bring on those projects. If you are unsure regarding what gear your project needs, please email Mel Baldino (melbaldino@berkeley.edu) to request a consultation. 

Sourcing Safety Gear 

In preparation for your fieldwork, we recommend that you review the resources below, fill out a field safety plan identifying risks and hazards, and make a list of safety gear that you need. When you have decided on what gear is necessary for your project, please check the ESPM Field Safety Gear Sharing Program's website to check whether that gear is available for loan. If it is not, use the feedback form or email Mel Baldino (melbaldino@berkeley.edu) to request additional gear purchases for the program. 

It is always recommended to write safety gear into the budget of grants involving fieldwork to supplement the field safety equipment loaned by ESPM and ensure all of your safety needs are met. 

Any Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Backpacking, Mountaineering, Boating)

According to AdventureSmart (the Canadian governments outdoor safety resource),  there are ten essentials that you should carry with you at all times when you are doing any outdoor activities. This list does NOT include any special safety gear that might be relevant to your type of activity (ex: ice climbing gear for mountaineering, bear canister for backpacking). They recommend always having this gear on your person, even if you only plan on being outdoors for a few hours. The following list of essentials along with their descriptions are taken directly from their website: 

1. Flashlight or headlamp (with spare batteries and bulbs): Often, someone who requires rescue did not start out lost, but simply ran out of daylight and was unable to get back to their car or the trailhead. Once it gets dark, the chances of getting lost are greater. Although we all have some night vision, we are much more vulnerable after dark. Without a source of light, moving at night can be dangerous.

2. Fire-making kit (including waterproof matches, lighters, fire starter, and candles): This can be vital to staying warm enough outdoors during a change in the weather, an injury, or an unplanned overnight. Fire can be used for providing essential warmth, drying clothing,cooking food, signaling, melting snow or boiling unsafe water, keeping animals away. As well, fire can provide an important boost to the morale. The survival benefits of fire are more than just physical. It is important to practice with fire-making items, and not to underestimate the skill necessary to start a fire, especially in wet weather.

3. Signaling device (such as a whistle or a mirror): A whistle or a signaling mirror can increase your chances of being heard or seen. It takes much less energy to blow a whistle than it does to yell, and the sound carries farther. A signaling mirror is the device that is responsible for more Search and Rescue subject sightings by aircraft than any other type of signal. In actual rescues, a signalling mirror has been spotted from a rescue plane over five miles distant.

4. Extra food and water (1 liter per person per day): Sometimes a trip can last much longer than anticipated, and having extra food and water can make the difference between an extended stay and a survival situation. Outdoor activities require energy, and having extra food can give us the boost we need to get out of an unplanned situation. Water is even more important, and is needed by the body even more than food. A loss of 10% of total body fluid will cause extensive disruption of bodily functions; a loss of 20% usually results in death. Under “normal” circumstances, a person can survive for only 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food.

5. Extra clothing (including layers for rain, wind, water):  The importance of bringing extra clothing cannot be underestimated, and yet often people have not brought enough clothing to keep them warm in changing conditions. Even in summer, temperatures can vary dramatically depending on the terrain. People often misjudge the conditions they will encounter because they only look at the weather they see before them. Hypothermia is a serious risk if you do not prepare to survive unexpected deterioration of the weather.

6. Navigation and communication aids (with spare batteries): Carry maps and a compass at minimum. A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, cellular phone, satellite phone, hand held radio or other alerting devices—all with fully charged batteries—are also valuable tools. Know how to use these items, but don’t over-rely on them and carry extra batteries. A lot of gadgets have been found on bodies

7. First aid kit: Outdoor travelers are well advised to take a first aid course. There is no ‘911’ in the wilderness, and self-reliance is important. Courses that teach wilderness first aid teach this self-reliance when far from help.

8. Emergency shelter (such as an orange tarp with paracord or poles): Always bring a orange tarp and/or emergency shelter. These can also be used as signalling devices and can be very useful in creating a makeshift shelter to keep a person dry. It may be the difference between getting hypothermia or not.

9. Pocket knife or multi-tool: A knife is an important survival tool, and can be used to help in shelter building, making a fire and a number of other things.

10. Sun protection (including glasses, sunscreen, and a hat): Sun protection includes glasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Sun exposure can lead to hyperthermia, dehydration, and burns. In bright environments like snowfields, it can also lead to snow blindness. These conditions can be painful, dangerous and debilitating.

Protective Clothing 

When doing any field activity, it is important to wear proper fitting footwear and safety equipment, dress in layers, and prepare for unexpected weather conditions. Advice in this section is partially taken from AdventureSmart CA and  REI (1, 2, 3).

Layering for Comfort in All Weather 

Layering is the act of combining articles of clothing to allow you to regulate your core temperature while in the field. You want to be able to add or take off each layer quickly and easily when you feel discomfort. You should always plan to bring three layers: Base, Thermal, and Protective layers. 

1. BASE LAYER: your base layer is the first layer. You want this clothing to promote warmth AND moisture transfer to keep you dry and warm. Recommended fabrics for this layer include synthetics like polyester and polypropylene. You should avoid wearing cotton base layers, as it holds moisture and can cause your body heat to transfer quickly. 

2. THERMAL LAYER: this layer is important for increasing insulation and moisture movement away from the body. Thermals should fit snug against your body while allowing for range of movement. Fabrics for the thermal layer include wool or synthetic materials that will wick moisture away from the base layer but keep body heat in the small air pockets in the fibers. Thicker layers tend to keep your warmer. Consider fleece which stays warm even when damp and can dry fast.

3. PROTECTIVE LAYER: your protective layer should keep external moisture out of your clothing while allowing moisture that has been wicked away from your body to escape. In wet weather, you should choose waterproof breathable fabrics. In dry weather, windproof jackets and outer shells are appropriate.  Protective layers can be waterproof and breathable, water-resistant and breathable, soft, or waterproof and non-breathable shells. 

Cold-Weather Gear

Thermal layers in the cold can include multiple types of layers. You may want both a wool layer and an insulated jacket to keep you warm. Down insulated jackets are easily compressed for packing, but they can be less insulative when wet. Synthetic insulated jacket don't compress well, but they are appropriate for rainy conditions as they stay insulative when damp. Both options can offer water and wind resistance, but you should still bring a protective layer. 

If you are working in snowy conditions, you should ensure that your protective layer is approriate for snow and rain. Consider a mountaineering jacket rather than just a wind breaker. 

Example of layers to wear/bring in cold weather: Midweight polyester long underwear top and bottom; a jacket with synthetic insulation; midweight fleece pants; waterproof/breathable rain jacket and pants

Rainy-Weather Gear

In rainy and windy conditions, you need to ensure you stay dry and warm. You can choose the following types of protective layers to keep rain and wind out: 

• waterproof and breathable jackets are best for very stormy conditions (although they can be pricey)

• water-resistant and breathable jackets are appropriate for drizzly, breezy conditions (light wind and rain) when you are doing high levels of activity 

• soft shells are very breathable but don't always keep out rain

• waterproof and non-breathable shells are appropriate for rainy conditions when you are NOT doing much activity to keep you from sweating under the layers 

Find more information about the differences between types of weather shells and when to use them here. 

Example of layers to wear/bring in rainy weather: Lightweight polyester long underwear top and bottom; lightweight fleece jacket; synthetic hiking pants; lightweight waterproof/breathable rain jacket and pants (with plenty of vents).

Hot-Weather Gear

In high heats, you may be avoidant of a base layer. However, you can replace long underwear in these conditions with short sleeve shirts with wicking or evaporative cooling properties. In addition, you should prioritize moisture wicking underwear.

When picking clothing for activities in hot and humid weather, REI recommends: 

• wearing clothing that hangs slightly off your body, is lightly colored, and is woven or with textures to prevent clinging

• picking fabrics that will move moisture away from the body and are quick drying

• wearing clothing that has vents that you can open and close to regulate airflow

• prioritizing UPF-rated clothing 

• protecting your neck with a bandana, gaiter, or cloth

• wearing a sunhat and eye protection

Example of layers to wear/bring in hot weather: Polyester briefs and a short-sleeve synthetic Tee; convertible nylon hiking pants; lightweight wind jacket

Sun Protection 

The best way to protect against the sun when outdoors and conducting fieldwork is to stay covered with light-weight clothing.  We recommend prioritizing clothing that has a UPF rating , which enhances protection against UV rays. More information about UPF rated clothing and fabrics can be found here. 

Regardless of whether you choose UPF clothing, you should choose light-weight, loose, moisture wicking and quick drying articles of clothing. If you are in the sun for many hours at a time, consider wearing a hat, sunglasses, neck protection (gaiter, bandana), and fishing sun gloves. 

Footwear

To limit injuries and discomfort while doing fieldwork, you want to ensure that your footwear is appropriate for the tasks at hand and fit properly. When you choose your footwear, consider the activities you will be doing, the terrain you are navigating, and the weather conditions you may encounter. You also want to ensure that you buy quality footwear that can withstand long term use on the project. 

AdventureSmart CA recommends buying footwear that is made for your sport or main activity: 

• for trail running and day hiking, prioritize ankle support, aggressive tread, cushioned soles, and water-proofing

• for longer trekking trips,  choose sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, thick lugged soles, and a rating appropriate to the load you are carrying

• for backcountry trips with snow or ice, check that your boot's soles are compatible with crampons and purchase quality ice gear

• for boating, prioritize close-toed shoes with traction to stabilize you on wet decks

• for kayaking or rafting, wear sport sandals or water shoes that will protect from rocks and dry quickly

Head Protection and Helmets

When you are doing activities that may result in brain and spinal cord injuries, it is recommended that you wear a helmet. Helmets should be sport specific and appropriate for the activity you are doing. Activities that could require helmets include (but are not limited to): biking, ATV riding, motorized bike riding, motorcycling, horseback riding, rock or wall climbing, canoeing and kayaking, skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, and spelunking. 

As you choose a helmet, you should also ensure that the helmet properly fits. If possible, ask a professional to help you identify an appropriate size for you. Refrain from putting stickers on your helmet so you can identify any scratches or dents on the helmet. When the helmet is dented, scratched, or has taken an impact, you need to replace the helmet.

For information about what helmets are appropriate for what sports, look at the table in this document. 

Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices

 Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) should be worn whenever you are on the water, even if you are comfortable swimming.  Flotation devices should fit you well, be rated to float your body weight, and be appropriate for your sport or activity.  You should always test a new PFD in shallow water and ensure it does not ride up excessively when in the water.  When choosing a PFD, you should consider purchasing a bright colored PFD to increase visibility while floating in the water. 

The US Coast Guard classifies PFDs into four types which are appropriate for a variety of activities: 

1. TYPE I PFDS / OFF-SHORE LIFE JACKETS: These are best for all waters, open ocean, rough seas, or remote waters where rescue may be slow

2. TYPE II PFDS / NEAR-SHORE BUOYANT VESTS: These are appropriate for general boating activities on calm inland waters or areas where rescue is expected to be fast

3. TYPE III PFDS / FLOTATION AIDS: These vests are appropriate for general boating or whatever specialized sport is marked on the vest (water skiing, hunting, fishing, kayaking, etc)

4. TYPE V PFDS / SPECIAL USE DEVICES: These devices are only for special uses and conditions. Examples include hybrid inflatable PFDs, canoe/kayak vests, boardsailing vests, and deck suits

You can find USA State specific PFD regulations here. 

 Not every PFD has a signaling device attached. If your PFD is missing a signaling device, attach a plastic safety whistle that you can blow in case of emergency to alert rescuers of your location. 

First Aid Kits 

When building, borrowing, or buying first aid kits for fieldwork, we have to consider what kinds of injuries and emergencies we might encounter and how quickly (if at all) emergency services can reach us. We will require different materials for treating a cut in an urban area near a hospital than setting a broken leg in the back country. You also need to plan for the amount of people you will be bringing with you and what activities you will be doing.  Other considerations include the space and weight for medical supplies and the medical expertise and training in the group. 

These lists are not exhaustive, and you should always bring as much safety equipment as you need to feel safe. You can use this first aid kit checklist to build your own first aid kit. If you build your own kit, ensure that all supplies are stored in durable, water-resistant containers, labeled appropriately, and kept in an accessible area.

These kits should be in addition to each person's personal prescription medications. If you are traveling out of the country, you may want to ask your doctor for prescriptions for traveler's diarrhea, malaria, asthma, allergic reactions, or altitude sickness.  In additon, you need to check with medical professionals to prepare for specific risks you may encounter in your work out of the country.

Urban areas with nearby, accessible emergency medical services 

According to the CDC, basic travel first aid kits should be sufficient to deal with common minor injuries and illnesses, treat recurring problems, and continue to treat chronic conditions.

 Suggested content includes 

1. Bandages and Wound Care

• Adhesive bandages in various sizes

• Adhesive felt or gel pads

• Elastic bandage for sprains

• Gauze pads and non-stick dressings 

• Medical adhesive tape

• Self-adhesive bandage wrap

• Butterfly bandages

2. Topical Medicines 

• Aloe vera gel 

• Anti-itch lotion

• Antifungal cream or powder

• Antisceptic wipes or solution

• Hydrocortisone cream

3. Medicines for Common Problems

• Antacid

• Antihistamines

• Asprin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen

• Decongestant spray

• Loperamide

• Motion sickness or anti-nausea medicine

• Laxative

• Oral electrolyte powder

• Cold and flu medicines 

4. Instruments and Equipment

• Alcohol wipes

• Anti-bacterial hand wipes or hand sanitizer

• Small bandage scissors

• Tweezers

• Headlamp

• Digital thermometer

• Face masks

• Cotton swabs

• Exam gloves

5. Preventative Items (non-essential)

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen

• Water purification tablets or device

• Lip balm with sun protection

• Condoms or contraceptives

6. Documentation

• First aid manual

• Emergency contacts and medical information of the members of your team

Rural areas without rapidly accessible emergency services  

In rural areas without rapidly accessible emergency services, we need to be able to handle emergencies while waiting for long periods (up to hours) for emergency services to arrive.  Depending on your location and the state of the emergency, you may need to stabilize someone and drive them to the nearest hospital, so we require more specific and intensive first aid resources. Depending on how rural you are and how easy it is to purchase medical equipment in your area, you may want to consider the items in the list below. 

Expanded first aid kits are recommended by the CDC to consider including the following in addition to the items listed above

1. Bandage and Wound Care

• Adhesive tape (cloth-type, athletic) 1–2 inch

• Eye pads

• Gauze roll (3–4 inch wide)

• H-shaped adhesive strips (knuckle bandages) or large size (2–3 inch wide) adhesive strips

• Hypoallergenic medical tape (½–1 inch)

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Occlusive dressing

• Splint (padded, flexible aluminum)

• Suture material, non-absorbable and absorbable

• Trauma pad (ABD-abdominal pad)

• Triangle bandage for arm slings

• Wound closure strips or cyanoacrylate skin adhesives

2. Equipment

• Suture set

• Safety pins

• Splinter forceps

• Small syringes and needles

• Scalpel blade (#15)

• Bandage scissors or larger “trauma” scissors

• Emergency space blanket

• Exam gloves (non-sterile)

• Duct tape

• Magnifiying Glass 

• Expandable foam nasal packing or silver nitrate sticks (for nosebleeds that require packing or cautery)

• Foley catheter with lubricant packets

• Knife or multifunction tool

• Nasal, oral, or supraglottic airway

• Note paper and pencil

• Otoscope

• Oxygen saturation fingertip monitor

• Packets of oral rehydration solution (ORS)

• Pocket CPR masks

• Small nasogastric feeding tube (for fluids if severe dehydration)

• Small syringes and needles

• Stethoscope

• Tactical or military-style tourniquet

• Thermometer

• Disposable, instant-activating cold packs

3. Diagnostic Materials

• Blood pressure cuff

• COVID-19 rapid test kits

• Flourescein strips (aid in diagnosis of corneal abrasion, UV keratitis, corneal ulcer)

• Pregnancy test kit

• Urine dipstick

4. Topical Medications

• Antifungal cream (miconazole, tinidazole, clotrimazole)

• Benzoin ampule/swabs

• Glucose or dextrose paste

• Hemorrhoid suppositories or ointment (contain various ingredients: zinc oxide, topical anesthetic, cortisone, phenylephrine)

• Permethrin cream 5%, lotion 1%

• Temporary dental filling or zinc oxide eugenol cements

• Tincture of iodine (2%) or betadine solution (10%)

• Topical ophthalmic anesthetic

• Zinc oxide cream

• Calamine lotion

• Hydrocortisone cream

5. Prescription Drugs

• Bronchodilator inhaler for asthmatic wheezing brought on by exertion, cold, allergy, smoke, or infection

• Diazepam 5 mg for sedation; also consider an antipsychotic (e.g., haloperidol or olanzapine)

• Epinephrine 1 mg/mL self-injecting, ampule, or multi-dose vial for life-threatening allergic reactions; include even if no known history of severe allergy or asthma in the group, since an individual may have a new reaction to bee sting or food allergy

• Hydrocodone 5 mg or codeine 32 mg; both come combined with acetaminophen/paracetamol for moderately severe pain; also effective for cough suppression, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps 

• Injectable diazepam or lorazepam for intractable seizure; intramuscular as effective as intravenous

• Lidocaine 1% injectable for wound closure with sutures, or incision and drainage

• Naloxone for narcotic overdose

• Ondansetron 4–8 mg dissolving tablets for nausea and vomiting

• Prednisone 20 mg for asthma and allergic reactions

6. Antibiotics and Anti-Infection Medications

• Travelers’ diarrhea (see Post-Travel Diarrhea): 1st choice azithromycin; 2nd choice ciprofloxacin

• Urinary tract infections: 1st choice nitrofurantoin or ciprofloxacin; 2nd choice trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

• Respiratory infections (see Post-Travel Respiratory Infections): 1st choice azithromycin, 2nd choice amoxicillin, tetracycline, or amoxicillin/clavulanate

• Skin infections (see Post-Travel Dermatologic Conditions): 1st choice cephalexin, 2nd choice dicloxacillin or flucloxacillin, doxycycline, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

• Sexually transmitted infections (see Sex and Travel): azithromycin, doxycycline, or ceftriaxone

• Fluconazole for vaginal yeast infection; can also use cream (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole)

• Ophthalmic antibiotic ointment or drops: ofloxacin 0.3% or genoptic for bacterial conjunctivitis or corneal ulcer

• Otic (ear) drops: neomycin, polymyxin b and hydrocortisone solution; ciprofloxacin with dexamethasone for otitis externa; could use ophthalmic drops but will not contain steroid

• Tinidazole, metronidazole for Giardia and other protozoa

7. Cardiac Medications

• Aspirin 325 mg for angina, suspected acute cardiac syndrome

• Diltiazem or metoprolol for blood pressure, angina, rhythm control; may need oral and injectable

• Furosemide or bumetanide tablets for diuresis with congestive heart failure; avoid if sulfonamide allergy

• Nitroglycerine tabs, spray, patch or paste for chest pain of presumed cardiac origin

Remote areas without accessible emergency services 

In remote areas without accessible emergency services, small emergencies may require you to stabilize a patient enough for them to hike out of the site themselves or, in extreme situations, you may need to stabilize a patient enough to carry them out yourself. If you are on remote seas, you should bring appropriate equipment for ocean rescues and emergencies as well (discuss this with your boat and dive safety officer). 

The CDC recommends building first aid materials listed above in addition to the items below depending on the activities and location you will be visiting. 

Backcountry

• SAM splints 

• Hydrogel-based pads

• Liquid bandages 

• Hemostatic gauze

• Antifungal foot powder

• Small mirror

• Needle-nose pliers with wire cutter

• Medical waste bag

• Whistle

Jungle and Forest Areas

• Artemether-lumefantrine or atovaquone-proguanil as breakthrough malaria treatment when diagnostics or local care are not available; appropriate malaria chemoprophylaxis is first approach 

• Doxycycline 100 mg for presumptive treatment of tick-borne rickettsial infections; may also be used for prophylaxis of leptospirosis in adults (200 mg orally, weekly) begun 1–2 days before and continuing through the period of exposure

• Insect repellent such as DEET; IR3535; permethrin

• Malaria rapid antigen test kit

High Altitude

• Acetazolamide 125 or 250 mg tablets

• Dexamethasone 2 or 4 mg tablets

• Hyperbaric bag to stabilize serious altitude illness; heavy and bulky, so for major expeditions or larger groups

• Nifedipine, sildenafil, or tadalafil for high altitude pulmonary edema

• Oxygen saturation monitor