Section B. Physical Health & Environmental Conditions

Risks to Consider 

• Poor physical conditioning: may lead to overexertion and severe fatigue that can exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions and contribute to accidents. As detailed in the attached form, participants with certain serious medical conditions must check with their physician or health services department prior to attending this field trip. 

• Expect a wide range (COLD and HOT) of temperatures: Elevations of our field areas is ~9000 ft. Summer lows can dip into 30s with highs in the 70s. Evenings are generally cool, but be prepared for cold nighttime temperatures.

• Precipitation: is common in short bursts in the summer as intense rainstorms are possible. Beware of flash flood potential (especially in our field site) associated with regional precipitation. 

• Vegetation: high-altitude forest (evergreen trees and shrubs) 

• Animals: The site of campus and fieldwork in the natural habitats of bears, elk, moose, and many more. While close encounters with these animals are very rare, we must always be aware and prepared for any wildlife encounters. Please do not approach wildlife.

•  Insects: Venomous spiders are present in portions of Colorado.

Associated Safety Hazards 

• Environmental: Dehydration, heat-related illness (heat exhaustion, & sunstroke), altitude sickness

• Exposure: Sunburn & windburn 

• Fauna/Flora: Allergic reaction to insect bite or plant puncture wound 

Mitigation of Hazards 

• Insurance: Check with your parents and/or spouse to determine the scope of your health coverage before the field trip. You are responsible for all medical and dental expenses during the trip – neither UM nor CSU supplies insurance coverage for students and takes no responsibility for medical expenses incurred by students during field trips, however, we have secured emergency evacuation insurance which will cover you if you experience a trauma and need to evacuated from the field to emergency medical care. Depending on the nature of your coverage, you may have to pay for care in advance and then seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier at a later date.  

• Health: If you haven’t had a check-up with your doctor recently, we suggest that you schedule one before the trip. Minor health issues are amplified during trips like this & should be taken care of in advance. You should have shots for tetanus if not currently protected. 

• Fitness: Participants should determine their ability to handle the short periods (20 - 45 minutes) of low to moderate levels of exertion at high altitudes required to access some of the field localities. Vertical changes in elevation are generally no greater than 50 m.

• Medications: Persons under medical care or taking daily medications are advised to consult with their physician prior to the trip. Make sure all regular medications are fully disclosed in the Personal Medical Assessment form and notify Dr. Clark or Dr. Karantanellis  of any special medications you may be taking before any emergency situation arises. 

• Allergies: Persons with known dangerous allergies to insect bites, foods, etc. should fully disclose this information in the Personal Medical Assessment form and make sure to bring them to the attention of Dr. Karantanellis on the first day of the trip so a face can be associated with the name on the form & that the appropriate care can be taken of you in the event of an emergency. 

• Dehydration: Drink a minimum of 2 liters of water each day in the field. Drink small amounts throughout the day. Remember... we are at 9000 ft altitude. 

• Exposure & altitude: Take special care to protect yourself from the Sun – wear a hat, pants, and light-colored shirts to keep cool and prevent sunburn and general overexposure. It may be cool and/or cloudy out, but you will get burned if you don’t protect yourself. Extreme fatigue, listlessness, and loss of appetite may indicate altitude sickness – report these symptoms to a trip leader immediately.  

• Animals: Your chances of being bitten are remote, and become almost negligible by wearing sturdy, over-ankle boots and by not putting your hands (or any other part of your body) in places you cannot see. The site of campus and fieldwork in the natural habitats of bears, elk, moose, and many more. While close encounters with these animals are very rare, we must always be aware and prepared for any wildlife encounters. Please do not approach wildlife. We will have bear spray with us if needed.