Safety Protocols
Pack Sufficient Snacks and Hydration: Ensure you bring enough water and nutritious snacks like fruits, granola bars, and sandwiches. Make sure to drink water often and to pack enough water for your trip. Those with dietary restrictions should pack appropriate items to avoid adverse health effects. Report any signs of dehydration or physical imbalances immediately.
Dress Comfortably: Wear weather-appropriate clothing and durable, comfortable footwear suitable for extended walking or standing with a back strap or hiking shoes. Always bring layers for fluctuating temperatures.
Apply Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplying every two hours, and use insect repellent to prevent bites.
Communicate Medical Conditions: Inform the trip organizer of any medical conditions or allergies. Carry necessary medications like EpiPens or inhalers and ensure they are easily accessible. Inform the director before the trip if you are taking any medications in an email.
Stay with the Group: Use the buddy system, conduct periodic headcounts, and inform a leader if you need to leave the group, even briefly. If you insist on separating from the group you are responsible for your own safety and well being.
Follow Designated Paths: Stick to marked trails and avoid restricted or hazardous areas to prevent accidents.
Adhere to Guidelines: Listen carefully to trip leaders and guides, as they are familiar with safety procedures and the itinerary.
Exhibit Respectful Behavior: Be courteous to guides, fellow participants, and the environment. Respect local customs, wildlife, and natural surroundings.
Emergency Protocols:
A. Missing Person Protocol:
Immediate Action: Notify the trip leader immediately.
Gather Information: Collect details such as the missing person’s description, last known location, and what they were wearing.
Search Procedure: Conduct a quick, organized search nearby without risking additional safety.
Contact Authorities: If the person isn’t found within 10-15 minutes, call local emergency services with detailed information. This could include 911, rangers, and police.
Communication: Use mobile phones or radios to coordinate with search teams and local authorities.
Documentation: Record the timeline and steps taken for follow-up and reporting purposes in an incident report.
B. Medical Emergencies:
Assess the Situation: Check if the person is conscious, breathing, and safe to move.
Call for Help: If the condition is severe, call emergency services immediately, providing precise location details.
Provide First Aid: Administer first aid if trained. Use protective gear like gloves when handling bodily fluids.
Monitor the Person: Keep them comfortable, stay with them, and monitor vital signs until professional help arrives.
Inform Authorities: Notify the trip leader and document the incident.
C. Natural Disasters:
Earthquakes:
Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Protect yourself from falling debris.
After the Shaking: Move to open spaces away from structures and check for injuries.
Floods:
Evacuate High-Risk Areas: Move to higher ground immediately.
Avoid Floodwaters: Do not walk or drive through moving water.
Flash Floods: Monitor and stay out of flash flooding areas during times of flood alerts
Severe Weather (Lightning, Tornadoes):
Seek Shelter: Move indoors or to a low-lying area away from trees and metal objects.
Wait for Clear Conditions: Remain in shelter until it’s safe to resume activities.
D. Fire Emergencies:
Evacuate Immediately: Leave the area quickly and calmly.
Stop, Drop, and Roll: If clothing catches fire.
Alert Authorities: Call emergency services and provide detailed information.
E. Hostile Situations:
Run, Hide, Fight:
Run: Evacuate if it’s safe.
Hide: Find a secure location, lock doors, and silence devices.
Fight: As a last resort, defend yourself using available objects.
I agree to adhering to these detailed safety protocols, participants can ensure a secure and responsive environment during field trips.