RAMS - Multi-day Bushwalking
RAMS - Multi-day Bushwalking
COVID19 - There have been changes to Outdoor Education Trip Dates.
Hazards caused by people
Risks not known
Instructions not followed
Personal medical conditions/special needs
Students too far out of their comfort zone
Lack of skill - instructors/teachers
Mucking around
Lack of skill (students)
Not eating enough
Fatigue
Falling in rivers/submersion
Not putting sunscreen on
Some people burn easier than others
Unfit (lack of fitness)
Wearing too much clothing
Not staying hydrated
Not alerting others when you’re feeling well/thirsty
Drug and/or alcohol abuse
Can’t read a map
Separated from the group
Lack of communication with the rest of the group
Lack of local knowledge
Camping in unsafe places (eg dead trees above,
widow makers above)
Hunters
Lack of swimming ability
Lack of safe river crossing ability
Lack of warm up exercises
Hazards caused by equipment
Lack of wet weather gear
Lack of correct clothing
No having enough water
No hat
No sunblock
Cotton clothing
Lack of emergency shelter
No fire lighting equipment
Lack of food
Lack of water purifying tablets
No compass
No map
Lack of lighting
Expired medications
Incorrect footwear/lack of ankle support
Hazards caused by the environment
Cold weather, rain, hail, sunny weather
Poor visibility
Navigation in the dark
Tree-fall covering the track
Cliffs
Rivers
Deep water pools
Slips
Slippery ground
Roots
Uneven ground
Flash flooding
Parasite infected water
Hazard management strategies
Brief students on risks
Students to follow all instructions
Medical information obtained and understood by trip leader. Students to have their medications on hand
Encourage challenge by choice
Instructors/teachers to have sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience to lead the trip
Explain behaviour expectations
Teach students vital skills before
Have regular breaks, create an environment where students feel comfortable to voice their concerns
As above
Use caution around rivers and streams. Cross rivers as taught - no rock hopping
Apply sunscreen when needed
Clearly communicate the walk profile to the students, remind students to train and be fit for the walk
Educate students about hyperthermia
Stop for regular drink breaks
Everyone to share if they are not feeling well
No alcohol or illegal drugs permitted on any OED trip
Go through map reading in class prior to trip
Use buddy system, use the group number off system. Let others know if you need to stop or deviate from the path
As above
See local knowledge where possible
Teach students about camp site selection. Check camp sites are safe before setting up.
Don't attempt to make deer noises while tramping
Check that all participants can swim. Gather information about student swimming ability.
Teach river crossing skills at school prior to leaving for the trip
Students to warm up and stretch before strenuous exertion
Hazard management strategies
Issue students with a gear list to ensure that they know what they need to bring
Reiterate the importance of avoiding cotton clothing and to bring clothing made from other materials
Create and share a group gear list with students, pack this gear at school
Check all medications before departing on the trip to ensure that they are all in date
Use care when walking. Lend tramping boots to students where needed and possible
Hazard management strategies
Bring sufficient clothing for all weather extremes
Follow orange markers, use map and compass to check location
Issue all students with headlights. Avoid walking during the night where possible
The group stays where the tree blocks the track, one pair goes to find the track, then calls group over
Avoid getting too close to cliff edges if not attached to a safety line
Treat rivers with respect. Students to use their training to cross rivers safely
Avoid if possible, pack float across if safe and necessary
Navigate slips with caution. If unsafe, find another way around
Wear footwear with ankle support and good grip. Walk to caution. Be aware of your surroundings
Stay up to date with weather forecasts, keep an eye on water levels
Boil or treat stream water to kill giardia parasites
Risk
1. Neck/spinal injury
2. Break/sprain
3. Death
4.. Medical emergency
5. Loss of confidence
6. Lost students
7. Hypothermia
8. Giardia poisoning
Procedures to deal with emergency
Stabilise patient, call for an ambulance, apply first aid
Stabilise effected area, call for an ambulance, apply first aid
Cover body, remove students from area, contact school and emergency services
Give medication, call for an ambulance
Coach and support student, remind them about "challenge by choice" to empower them
Student to stay where they are and call for help, activity lead to assess situation and take actions to
find the student; whistle blasts, call out, send for help, notify police/search and rescue
Remove student from cold environment (bothy bag), feed them, stabilise them, evacuate if needed
Hydrate the patient, give Imodium to combat dehydration, evacuate if needed
Emergency gear required
Cell phone
First aid kit, cell phone
Nil
Personal medications, antihistamines,
adrenaline
Nil
Cell phone, whistle
Tarpaulin
Imodium