These questions should be discussed from the perspective of first trying to avoid the problem or situation. If that can't be done, then what can be done to repair the damage, solve the problem, or correct the situation. In all cases, it should be determine what actions are needed to keep the problem from getting worse.
A member of the team gets separated while on a trail, far away from the trail head. What does the team do? What does the individual do?
You encounter another group on the trail. They have a problem. What is your response?
One of the team members starts having difficulty on the trail.
Bad weather starts closing in and you are far from base camp.
One team member is obviously trying to carry too much gear on a difficult trail.
You run out of water well before the completion of the planned activities. There is no nearby source of water.
Some equipment was accidentally left behind at the study site and the team has started the hike back to the trail head.
You filed a trip plan that said you would be back to base camp by 6 PM. The fieldwork is taking longer than expected and you are sure that you'll be late if you complete the tasks.
As a camp manager, you expected one of the teams to return by 6 PM. They are late.
A storm makes the return trail dangerous.
There is a short-cut trail which is risky but it will save much-needed time on the return trip from your forest field site.
You meet a group on the trail. They tell you about an alternative trail which they say will be easier and faster. Who decides whether to take this alternative route? Why?
A torrential downpour starts. What is the procedure for handling this situation?
A sudden swelling of the stream blocks the train and there is no obvious safe route across the water.
One member of the team as fallen in the mud, become sunburned, has mosquito bits and has just "given up."
A member of the team has slipped off the edge of a cliff and is now precariously located on a small ledge beyond reach.
You have encountered a large crop of illegal plants (e.g., drug plants).
You are surveying an area of dense vegetation by yourself and you suddenly realize that you have lost your sense of direction.
You've become separated from your team. Fortunately, your emergency kit has a whistle. How do you use it?
What are the conditions which would justify starting a fire?
What precautions are important in handling and packing fragile field equipment?
What would you put on a "departure checklist" so that it promotes safety while not becoming so long that it will hinder efficiency?
Your team is deep in the forest, preparing to make some measurements. You hear a gunshot and realize that it is quite close to where your group is working. You also note that there are abundant signs of very recent pig activity in your study area.
You are working in an urban area and an elderly man approaches you. It is obvious that he is very agitated and he begins yelling at you in a language that you don't understand.
Conceptual Travel Awareness and Risk Assessment
There are a number of questions that need to be understood by everyone before a group goes into the field.
Last Updated: September 24, 2011.