SAFETY IN THE BACKCOUNTY

1. SAFETY IN THE BACKCOUNTY Herb Haake University of Scouting 2010

2. Safety in the Backcountry COURSE PRESENTATION • Primary Considerations – BSA Policies and Procedures – Backcountry Considerations • Overview of on-line Resources • A Trip Scenario and Evaluation • Discussion / Sharing of Experiences

3. Safety in the Backcountry BSA Policies and Procedures THE SANDWICH PRINCIPLE QUALIFIED SUPERVISION and DISCIPLINE Leadership and Discipline are the keys that make Scouting Safety a reality.

4. Safety in the Backcountry BSA Policies and Procedures • WILDERNESS USE POLICY – Contact the “landowner” – Obtain tour permit – Review appropriate BSA safety literature – Conduct Pre-trip training – Leave No Trace

5. Safety in the Backcountry BSA Policies and Procedures • AGE APPROPRIATE GUIDELINES • THE SWEET 16 of BSA SAFETY • THE RISK ZONES – Drowsiness causes 50% of accidents – The Drivers Pledge – Leadership Fitness Awareness – Insurance Coverage for Volunteers

6. Safety in the Backcountry BSA Policies and Procedures KEY ASPECTS of DISCIPLINE • HAVE A CODE OF CONDUCT – Build a code of consensus – Need to have everyone “Buy In” – All recognize the discipline / safety correlation – Minimum horseplay – Start early and extend daylight – Maintain a buddy system – Keep the group together / No stragglers

7. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations KEEPING THE GROUP TOGETHER • Use appropriate use of power • Share responsibility and leadership • Equalize participation • Proper pairing of buddy system • Maintain tolerance and sensitivity • Build trust/Avoid conflict • Manage conflict/Do not avoid it

8. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations Understand Group Character and Needs • Individual capabilities/personalities • Keep within known skill levels • Assure adequate training/endurance capability

9. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations Getting Information • GET trail conditions and potential hazards • GET all appropriate weather data • GET government land use regulations • GET landowner permission as required • GET participant parental consent forms • GET participant medical record forms • GET emergency contact data for all participants

10. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations GIVING INFORMATION • GIVE Council timely tour permits • GIVE all participants route plan and schedule • GIVE parents your written emergency plan • GIVE everyone equipment and duty responsibilities • GIVE schedule / contact data on parked cars

11. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations “RULE OF BEFORES” • Know weather • Tell where • Drink • Add layer • Remove layer • Make camp • Find protection • Think ahead • Be prepared before Leaving before Going before before before before before before before Thirsty Cold Hot Dark Storm Trouble Problem

12. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations BACKCOUNTRY CLOTHING • LAYERING – When to add – When to remove • COMPOSITION – Close: Thin and porous – Outer: Thick to prevent heat loss

13. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations Heat Loss – 5 ways Conduction Convection Evaporation Radiation Respiration Cold surface/Wet clothing Effect of wind 540 Cal/Gram Uncovered head effect Breathing in cold weather Exhaling warm air Up to 1/3 of body heat loss

14. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations MOUNTAIN RESCUE - TEN EQUIPMENT ESSENTIALS 1) Topographic map and compass 2) Flashlight and whistle 3) Extra clothing 4) Sunglasses 5) Extra food and water 6) Waterproof matches and container 7) Candle/fire starter 8) Pocket knife 9) First Aid Kit 10) Space blanket

15. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations GROUP SHAKEDOWN PLAN • Evaluate participants’ endurance levels • Evaluate their knowledge of equipment • Are sleeping bags adequate ? • Waste disposal plan • Water treatment plan • Personal sanitation responsibilities

16. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations LOST PROCEDURES • STOP S T O P Sit Think Observe Plan • Yell ! • Stay put, Stay visible

17. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations Lost – And Really Blew It ? Use your brain, not your feet The first 10 minutes are critical Build fire Leave clues Go downhill

18. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations HAZARDS of NATURE • LIGHTNING – Stay away from isolated trees – Choose dense short trees – In Open - Stay near smalls rocks – Seek a low place – Stay away from water – Use a crouched position …Never lay flat • HYPOTHERMIA – The most common killer

19. Safety in the Backcountry Backcountry Considerations HAZARDS of NATURE (con’t) • DEHYDRATION / SUN or SNOW BLINDNESS • HEAT CRAMPS / HEAT EXHAUSTION / HEAT STROKE • ALTITUDE SICKNESS • HAPE – HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA

20. Safety in the Backcountry On-line Resources USEFUL BACKCOUNTRY WEBSITES • US FOREST SERVICE www.fs.fed.us • NEW YORK DEC • Baden Powell Council • BSA National Council www.scouting.org • Trail Info • Mountain Rescue • Tacoma Mtn Rescue www.dec.ny.gov www.bpcouncil,org www.viewsfromthetop.com www.mra.org www.tmru.org

21. Safety in the Backcountry On-line Resources USEFUL BACKCOUNTRY WEBSITES (con’t) WEATHER INFO: WEATHER.GOV www.weather.gov WEATHER.COM www.weather.com NOAA www.noaa.gov NOAA Eastern Region www.erh.noaa.gov

22. Safety in the Backcountry Summary • Become familiar with scouting.org and scouting safely • Utilize all available training to prepare yourself for outdoor experiences • Ensure all participants are adequately prepared • Document trip plans – medical records, emergency contacts

23. Safety in the Backcountry A Trip Scenario An April climb in the Adirondacks • Group size = 16 • Deep snow / wet feet • Change of plans results, moves to Catskills Evaluation • Local regulations met ? • Adequate planning ? • Unit preparation ?

24. Safety in the Backcountry Discussion • Feedback – What have you learned that you can take back to your units ? – Have you gained a better understanding on the importance of backcountry safety ? • Experiences to share ?