FAQ: Bushwalk Safety/Medical/Rescue Info

[wildwanderer]

I noticed there is a fair bit of safety/rescue etc info on the forum in various topics. This is an attempt to consolidate some critical info for easy reference especially for people new to bushwalking. Any suggestions/comments welcomed and I’l add/amend the FAQ as needed.

Bushwalk Safety/Medical/Rescue FAQ.
(the following information is general in nature and may not be suitable for your specifc circumstance. Use your own judgement. Use this information at your own risk)

Topics

Before you go
What to take on a bushwalk (absolute essentials)
What to do if unsure of your location in the bush/wilderness
Contact emergency services for rescue if
Emergency numbers in Austraila
Mobile Phones
PLB – Personal Locator Beacon
Snake bite
Spider bite
Allergic reaction leading to anaphylactic shock
Injuries and other medical symptoms
Some common dangers in the bush

Before you go

• Familiarise yourself with the walk route and make sure you can read the map you are carrying. Give a copy of the route to your family or friend. Tell them what time you are expected back.
• Check the weather service and the local fire service (to see if any fires are in the area). Check the park authority for any closures. You don’t want to arrive and find the walk area is closed
• Remember to respect the enviroment by carrying out all rubbish. Do not leave spare food for other walkers. Do not cut down living trees for firewood/bushcrafting

What to take on a bushwalk (absolute essentials)

• Water. On hot days for full day walks you may require more than 3Ls. Even on a cool day for a half day walk 500mls is not enough if you have no other source of water.
• In your backpack carry: Mobile phone, Map and compass, (a PLB is strongly suggested), rainjacket, warm jacket, lightweight first aid kit including blister treatment, food, Heat reflective emergency blanket. Whistle/bright item of clothing/loud voice -to attract attention if lost, needing help etc.
• Wear: Light weight comfortable clothing appropriate for the conditions. Hat! Lightweight comfortable athletic/outdoor shoes you have walked in extensively before (or lightweight outdoor boots if you prefer but generally not needed).

What to do if unsure of your location in the bush/wilderness

1. Stop:As soon as you realize your uncertain of your approximate location: stop, stay calm, stay put. Panic is your greatest enemy.
2. Think:Go over in your mind how you got to where you are. Look at your map. What landmarks should you be able to see? Are you still on the track? Get your compass/map and determine the directions of landmarks based on where you think you are located.
3. Plan: Based on your thinking and observations, come up with an approximate location of your present position and a route to another (safe and known) location that is easy to identify (it could be the carpark or a trail sign) If you are still not sure of your approximate present postion and route to the safe location then you are likely lost.
4. If you determine you are lost you should strongly consider contacting emergency services. If your lost stay in your present location or move to a nearby more easily visible(from the air) location. Use bright clothing/mirror/whistle/voice to attract attention.

Contact emergency services for rescue if

1. You or a member or your walking party is lost
2. Significantly injured to the degree you cannot safely self evacuate
3. are bitten by a snake or venomous spider

Emergency numbers in Austraila

• 000 is the standard emergency number for Australia. 000 can be called from any mobile phone and landline. It may (but is not guaranteed) to work from VOIP internet telephone services such as skype.
• 112 is the international digital mobile phone emergency number. It will connect you to 000 and can be used as an alternative. It is not any faster than calling 000 directly. 112 can only be used from a digital mobile phone.
• Using SMS (text) to contact emergency services. As a last resort if the mobile phone reception is inadequate for a call to connect then its possible to use the SMS service provided by the National Relay Service. A relay operator will receive your sms and then contact emergency service on your behalf. Information on how to use the service is located here -
  -https://relayservice.gov.au/making-a-call/emergency-calls/ They also have a helpful video
  https://youtu.be/QwM2RMRy0dM/
  Keep in mind that this service is designed for hearing/speech impaired people so using it for the alternate purpose of contacting emergency services while bushwalking is not what it was designed for and it should only be used as a last resort.
• In an emergency situation you can use the following App to display your current location co-ordinates on your gps equipped mobile phone. It will work without a data connection however you will not be able to call emergency services and give them the co-ordinates (in an emergency situation) if you do not have a mobile phone signal/reception at that time. A PLB does not have this limitation. (see below section) APP - http://emergencyapp.triplezero.gov.au/

Mobile Phones.

• Be aware you may not have mobile phone coverage in the area you are walking. Especially in valleys (even if close to a town).
• If coverage is weak, your phone battery will be used up much quicker due to the extra power required to maintain a weak signal and/or search for a signal.
• When walking switch your phone off and only use in an emergency. If you must use your phone (to take a picture etc) then keep it on flight mode for the duration of the walk as this will conserve the battery.
• The GPS (and bluetooth) use significant battery, be sure to turn on only when actively using. Then turn off.

PLB – Personal Locator Beacon.

• These are small and lightweight devices (typically under 300 grams). They can be used in any location worldwide. They do not require a mobile phone signal/reception as they use the global satellite system to track and locate activations. This system provides 24 hour coverage across the globe.
• When a PLB is activated a signal will be sent to the nearest rescue co-ordination centre which will organise a rescue response to the location of the PLB. The PLB Location beacon transmits its location with an accuracy of up to 100 metres.
• PLB signals require a satellite to have line of sight to the PLB device. So be aware that that if the PLB is located in a valley or a forested area it may take more time for the signal to get through (up to several hours). If the PLB device is located at a high point such as a hill or cliff top it has many more opportunities to have line of sight to multiple satellites and therefore the signal can get through much more quickly. (potentially within a few minutes)
• In some geographic locations especially countries with limited Search and Rescue (SAR) resources a SAR response may take a long time(hours/days) to arrive.
• A PLB will not work in a cave or anywhere there is no view or an extremely limited view of the sky. Activate the PLB at a nearby location with clearest view of the sky possible.
• A PLB only works when activated. This is done at the time of the emergency. (not at the start of the walk)
• You can borrow a PLB free of charge from some NSW Police stations (blue mtns) and its possible to hire in other locations around Australia.

Snake bite.

• A snake bite should always be treated as a venomous bite. Several snakes in Australia can cause death in under a few hours if they bite you. (and you fail to receive adequate first aid/seek medical treatment)
  
  If bitten by a snake or strongly suspect you have been bitten.

1. remove yourself/patient several metres from the snakes location/danger
2. Immediately wrap the bitten limb/body part with a compression bandage as this will slow the venom travelling through your system. Suggested bandage – Setopress. This is a specially designed bandage with indicators guiding the correct amount of compression(tightness of wrap). Most chemists can order this in for you. It costs $12-20. A splint can be useful to prevent limb movement.
3. Activate your PLB. (alternatively, if in mobile coverage call 000 and ask for police.)
4. Do not move. Moving will rapidly increase the opportunity for venom to travel through your body and reach critical areas. (which could cause loss of life).

• A snake bite will not always be visible as the tips of some snake fangs are like pin pricks/small. It can be painless.
• If you see a snake lunge for you and the snake head impact your body assume you have bitten even if you cannot see or feel a bite.
• Gaiters may provide some protection against lower leg snake bites however there is limited evidence to support this other than theory.
• Do not wash the bite site. As venom on skin may help identification and appropriate treatment once patient has been transferred to hospital.

Spider bite

• Several spiders in Australia can cause death in under a few hours if they bite you.(and you fail to receive adequate first aid/ seek medical treatment)
• The most dangerous spiders include.
  - Funnel web spider (images: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_funnel-web_spider)
  - Red back spider (images: https://australianmuseum.net.au/redback-spider)
  - Mouse spider (https://australianmuseum.net.au/mouse-spiders)
• If bitten by spiders that look like a funnel web or mouse spider treat as for snake bite. Immediately apply compression bandage, don’t move and contact emergency services for medical evacuation.
  - Red back spider: it is not optimal to use a compression bandage as it increases the pain from the bite and the red back spider venom moves slowly. Source: https://australianmuseum.net.au/redback-spider . If bitten, dont move and contact emergency services for medical evacuation.
• Do not wash the bite site. As venom on skin may help identification and appropriate treatment once patient has been transferred to hospital.

Allergic reaction leading to anaphylactic shock.

If you or a member of your party has a severe allergic reaction. (potentially caused by insect bite/ reaction to pollen or plants, food or other cause)

• The first signs of an anaphylactic reaction may look like typical allergy symptoms: a runny nose or a skin rash. But within about 30 minutes, more serious signs appear.
• There is usually more than one of these serious signs: Coughing ; wheezing; and pain, itching, or tightness in your chest ; Fainting, dizziness, confusion, or weakness ; Hives; a rash; and itchy, swollen, or red skin ; Runny or stuffy nose and sneezing ; Shortness of breath or trouble breathing and rapid heartbeat ; Swollen or itchy lips or tongue ; Swollen or itchy throat, hoarse voice, trouble swallowing, tightness in your throat ; Vomiting, diarrhea, or cramps ; Weak pulse, paleness
• What to do – Keep patient calm and comfortable as possible. Ask if the affected individual has an EpiPen (Epinephrine). People with severe allergies will often carry one. Apply EpiPen on patient’s instruction or on advice from emergency services.
• Consider contacting emergency services depending on severity of symptoms. If a EpiPen is used then definitely contact emergency services.

Source and further information- https://www.webmd.com/allergies/anaphylaxis

Injuries and other medical symptoms.

• Take a first aid course to learn how to respond to various injuries/medical symptoms.
• If you cannot safely self evacuate consider contacting emergency services for evacuation.

Some common dangers in the bush.

• Pay attention to foot placement. Slippery/unstable rocks, uneven surfaces and ground level sticks can cause a fall or injury.
• Watch for face level branches – These can injure your eye/face. Don’t walk close behind someone as a branch may spring back and hit you.
• Respect heights. Don’t move quickly around clifftops/high places. Watch out for moss/wet rock which can cause you to slip. Don’t dislodge rocks, you don’t know who is in the valley below you.
• Do not wade across a waterway unless you have experience in doing so or are with someone who has experience and knows the correct safety precautions. Do not wade cross a waterway that is in flood or moving swiftly.
• Be aware of overhanging branches when pitching a tent. There is a chance (though unlikely) they could fall during the night due to wind or temperature fluctuations. Pitch your tent in an area with open sky above you if possible.
• Be careful around fires. Always completely extinguish a fire before leaving. If the dirt in a fireplace or the remaining wood is still hot, the fire is not out. Always obey fire bans.

Its strongly recommended to delve beyond the basic FAQ listed above.

There is alot of great information in various topics in the forum. Information like 'what should you include in a first aid kit', what should you pack for a overnight walk, what are suggested foods to eat while bushwalking , Day and multiday walk suggestions for all areas of Australia etc etc. Forum search box is your friend

There is also a great many additional suggestions and information in the comments below. Well worth a read.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the FAQ!

[Warin]

Some changes?

Not all PLBs have GPS - so those that don't will not transmit there location, the satellites are then used to triangulate the location (though not well).

Mobile phones in poor signal areas loose battery power due to there increases transmitting power required to go from the mobile pone to the tower, very little to do with receiving a weak signal. And you don't need to be using the phone for this to occur, that is why the aeroplane mode is useful - stops the phones transmitter being at max power looking for a tower.

The recommendation for 'doing a first aid course should be both first and last on the list.

Probably the topic 'before you go' should be first on the list?

[Lizzy]

If you need to use an Epipen for anaphylaxis- don’t just consider contacting emergency services- contact them! The patient may initially improve but may then deteriorate and require further doses. They should be monitored in a hospital.

[taipan821]

- In Queensland Water Police are responsible for SAR
- If you carry an epipen carry at least two, they duration can vary from 10 mins to 30 mins
- satellite communication does not work in rainforest, either move to a clearing or have another action plan
- bright clothing

- If you hear, see or think someone is out there shout, wave etc, many a search I've attended has ended because someone heard a faint cry in the distance

[ChrisJHC]

I think the “if lost” section needs a little more than just contacting the emergency services.

For example, the US Forest Service recommends:

Stop:
As soon as you realize you may be lost: stop, stay calm, stay put. Panic is your greatest enemy.

Think:
Go over in your mind how you got to where you are. What landmarks should you be able to see? Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step.

Observe:
Get our your compass and determine the directions based on where you are standing. Do not walk aimlessly.
If you are on a trail, stay on it. All trails are marked with signs (where intersections meet) and diamond blazers or maker. However, signs are sometimes vandalized or stolen.
As a very last resort, follow a drainage or stream downhill. This is often difficult path but could lead to a trail or road. Again, this could be very dangerous.

Plan:
Based on your thinking and observations, come up with some possible plans, think them through then act on one of them.
If you are not very, very confident in the route, then it’s always better to stay put.
If it’s nightfall, you are injured or you are near exhaustion, stay in place.

If all the above fails, then contact the emergency services!

[Warin]

- In Queensland Water Police are responsible for SAR

? Really. So SAR in Birdsville is done by the Water Police... would be quite a journey to get there.

-----------
Agree about the Lost section, I know when I got geographically challenged in the Kings Canyon area that stopping was the best idea. Took a few minutes to relax and get my mind thinking back to what I had done, rather than scampering around the place.

-------
Possibly it should be noted that asking for a rescue can involve some time .. say over 3 hours. And most First Aid courses are designed for help to arrive in 30 minutes.

[Lindsay]

If lost (and requiring rescue) in the bush/wilderness or requiring medical attention (in the bush/wilderness) ask for the Police service. Based on many reports the Police service is best equipped to understand your location and respond the most rapidly. The police will co-ordinate the medical response. It is not recommended to ask for ambulance service as their phone operators/systems are not equiped to understand a wilderness/bush location and the operator may continue to ask you for a street address

Is this confirmed? I know there was a question on the forum recently about this and there was no certainty that this was correct. (great list though)

[wildwanderer]

Thanks all, I’ve amended the list with your suggestions.

Lindsay. Based on the reports on the forum I’ve read this was the consensus. It’s not guaranteed the ambulance service will fail to comprehend your location in the bush (in a timely manner) but based on anecdotal evidence the police service seems best equipped to speedily and efficiently handle lost in the bush calls for help when a GR or other remote location landmark/reference is provided.

[Xplora]

If you are lost then call the Police. If you are hurt call the ambulance. If you are lost and hurt then call the Police and they will (should) co-ordinate the response with the ambos. Unfortunately I can remember a time when the services did not co-ordinate with rescues. They were all fighting for the rights to be the number one contact for rescues. That was NSW and things have changed but of all the rescue units I have ever had contact with then I would say Police rescue are by far the best in NSW. No Australian should ever have the need to call 112 in Australia. I cannot understand why 000 cannot have an SMS function. Sometimes that is the only way any message can get out. Maybe one day. Do not turn your phone onto flight mode in the bush. Turn it off unless you have a spare battery or charging unit. It still uses battery in flight mode and that could make all the difference.

[Warin]

Do not turn your phone onto flight mode in the bush. Turn it off unless you have a spare battery or charging unit. It still uses battery in flight mode and that could make all the difference.

Agreed that the ultimate battery saving is to turn the phone off. However some use their phone as their camera and map, for them the flight mode is the next best to turning it off.

[wildwanderer]

Do not turn your phone onto flight mode in the bush. Turn it off unless you have a spare battery or charging unit. It still uses battery in flight mode and that could make all the difference.

Agreed that the ultimate battery saving is to turn the phone off. However some use their phone as their camera and map, for them the flight mode is the next best to turning it off.

Will Amend the FAQ to say off is best. Or flight mode if your planning to use the phone for photos. (many do)

If you are lost then call the Police. If you are hurt call the ambulance. If you are lost and hurt then call the Police and they will (should) co-ordinate the response with the ambos. Unfortunately I can remember a time when the services did not co-ordinate with rescues. They were all fighting for the rights to be the number one contact for rescues. That was NSW and things have changed but of all the rescue units I have ever had contact with then I would say Police rescue are by far the best in NSW. No Australian should ever have the need to call 112 in Australia. I cannot understand why 000 cannot have an SMS function. Sometimes that is the only way any message can get out. Maybe one day. Do not turn your phone onto flight mode in the bush. Turn it off unless you have a spare battery or charging unit. It still uses battery in flight mode and that could make all the difference.

The reasoning for the 'ask for police' recommendation.

1 - If a person is injured or lost in the bush its likely they are calling from a location where the mobile phone reception is poor. So learning their location quickly before the call drops out or battery fails is paramount. Based on the available reports police seem best able to quickly interpret that the caller is located in a remote bush environment and have the available maps ready to interpret grid references or la/ long co-ordinates etc. The police can then vector the appropriate services to the persons location.

2. If someone is injured but not lost then emergency services still need to get resources asap to the injured parties location. In the scenario that an emergency medical procedure needs to be performed by the injured persons walking party then the police can transfer the call to the appropriate qualified medical personal. Worst case scenario – (and its happened unfortunately) an injured walker calls the ambulance service, they repeatedly ask the walker for a street address and then the call drops out/battery fails before the injured walker can make clear they are not located in the suburbs but in remote bush location.

3. Ive edited the FAQ to state 'If you are lost or have an injury/serious medical problem (in the bush/wilderness) and require rescue/evacuation/onsite medical assistance ask for the Police service' If someone is only requiring medical advice (but not evacuation/onsite assistance) then there are more appropriate numbers to call than 000. There is the afterhours/weekend healthdirect hotline which will put a person in touch with nurse (and then a GP) for example.

Agree that the 000 text message/sms restriction is very unfortunate. Being able to SMS 'Need help, injured on bushwalk, at Co-ords XY. broken leg and bleeding' could make all the difference when the signal is only strong enough for sms. A possible alternative is texting a friend/family member etc as a forum member did recently.

[taipan821]

- In Queensland Water Police are responsible for SAR

? Really. So SAR in Birdsville is done by the Water Police... would be quite a journey to get there.

I imagine the local officer would get the initial search started, but I remember one search out at Pentland where we were waiting 4 hours for water police to arrive

[Lindsay]

Thanks all, I’ve amended the list with your suggestions.

Lindsay. Based on the reports on the forum I’ve read this was the consensus. It’s not guaranteed the ambulance service will fail to comprehend your location in the bush (in a timely manner) but based on anecdotal evidence the police service seems best equipped to speedily and efficiently handle lost in the bush calls for help when a GR or other remote location landmark/reference is provided.

Thanks wildwanderer, good to know.

[Biggles]

Telstra can set up 000 messages as text-to-voice (or voice to text) in special circumstances, e.g. for profoundly deaf people (me!) who cannot use a mobile for dialling 000. I have had this feature for many years (I got my first mobile in 1993 from Telstra Bendigo, and it weighed 5.6kg...), but never had to use the 000 service!

Also, dialing 112 in the absence of a useable nearby or distant tower will bypass the network and connect to satellite comms for emergency. This, too, has been common with mobiles for many years.

I have had a very long-standing personal policy of having my mobile off on walks, and remaining off until such time as I really need to use it, e.g. at the end of the walk for confirming that I have completed the walk and on the way back.

Flight mode only cuts data and transmission; the phone will continue to have myriad functions draw power. Ideally switch the phone off between uses.

I carry with me on my wanders a PLB, GPS+GLONASS (w/ spare batteries), a Samsung S9 and a space blanket. And lots of malteasers...

[wildwanderer]

Telstra can set up 000 messages as text-to-voice (or voice to text) in special circumstances, e.g. for profoundly deaf people (me!) who cannot use a mobile for dialling 000. I have had this feature for many years (I got my first mobile in 1993 from Telstra Bendigo, and it weighed 5.6kg...), but never had to use the 000 service!

Thats a great service! Its a shame they cant extend it to everyone.

Also, dialing 112 in the absence of a useable nearby or distant tower will bypass the network and connect to satellite comms for emergency. This, too, has been common with mobiles for many years.

Unfortunately this is not correct. Its actually a hoax that apparently started via spam email in London and has then spread further by people retelling. 112 can connect to any mobile phone tower (as can 000) but it can not connect to the satellite system when there is no mobile reception available. To make a phone call via satellite you need a satphone. Details - https://www.hoax-slayer.net/112-no-sign ... lite-hoax/

I have had a very long-standing personal policy of having my mobile off on walks, and remaining off until such time as I really need to use it, e.g. at the end of the walk for confirming that I have completed the walk and on the way back.Flight mode only cuts data and transmission; the phone will continue to have myriad functions draw power. Ideally switch the phone off between uses.

Im also a bit sceptical of this. Powering on a phone draws alot of power. My old phone used to lose about 5% during the power on process. New phone is a bit more efficient. If your turning the phone on and off throughout the day then I suspect it will lose more battery than leaving it in flight mode for the duration.
For a full days walk in flight mode and using the phone to navigate(digital map, not gps) and take 10+ photo’s my battery is still at 85%+ by the end of the day. Just make sure you don’t have apps running in the background.

I carry with me on my wanders a PLB, GPS+GLONASS (w/ spare batteries), a Samsung S9 and a space blanket. And lots of malteasers...

I’m also a big fan of the chocolate powered hill climbing technique! Regularly have a stash of Lindt balls in my hip belt pocket.

[Warin]

Also, dialing 112 in the absence of a useable nearby or distant tower will bypass the network and connect to satellite comms for emergency. This, too, has been common with mobiles for many years.

Fallacy. Very few 'mobile phones' have any satellite capability .. no mater what number you dial they simple cannot communicate with satellites of any type.

Dialling 112 or 000 (here) will select any cell phone network that is avalible, if your provider is out of reach it will try any cell phone network and use it free of charge. But it will not connect to any satellite.

The 112 number is an international number to get in contact with 'emergency services', should work anywhere in the world. Of course you may not speak the same language and might be talking to the police when you want ambulance, that is the nature of international travel. 112 saves trying to remmber 999, 001 991 etc etc .. too many of them .. 112 just makes things simpler.

Flight mode only cuts data and transmission; the phone will continue to have myriad functions draw power. Ideally switch the phone off between uses.

If someone wants to use their mobile phone as a camera .. then using flight mode will extend the battery life.

Flight mode cuts transmission and reception (voice or data).
The 'myriad functions' .. well I don't have that many running, as I like to keep things simple. Yes there are some .. they 'run' in the background drawing little power .. clock for one. You can turn off a lot of things if you really want to extend the last erg out of a battery. But most of the savings will be from turning off transmission and reception.

-------------
I usually take water. Then scrogin. And sometimes, in hope, a waterproof jacket.

[Xplora]

There is no reasoning behind not calling the appropriate emergency service. The evidence ambos cannot deal with remote areas is anecdotal and based on information in a social network forum. It has not basis to be relied upon. When I gave coordinates to the ambos it was accepted but another operator took a call from another person who gave incorrect information. Why was my information less valuable? Who knows. Possibly it was because I had to leave a service area to get back to the scene. They tried to call me back to confirm but were unable so they ran with the idiot they could talk to. Pilots do not follow roads in a helicopter unless it is Rowan Atkinson flying but they will use that information just the same as map coordinates to fix a point. If I were injured then I would not call Police. The best information is that which is most direct. Ambos will also call you back to give updates on the response and check the condition of the patient. I have had this happen when waiting for a helo evac in Vic. Could not fault them. In Vic the helo will also call you. Relying on a transfer of information is in my view redundant and all services are equipped to handle remote area responses. The initial call centre person may not be but it will be upgraded.

[Gadgetgeek]

Re: Phone battery life:
The screen is the biggest power suck, so making sure you don't have any apps that trigger the screen on will help. Android now has a low-power mode that lowers the CPU usage, it makes the phone slower, but can really extend the battery life. When charging off a pack, don't charge above 80%, around there it takes more power to charge the battery, even staying in the bottom half is more efficient, and won't harm the battery at all. If charging via solar, then push as far as you can, whenever you can, but off straight battery, only charge just enough. Flight mode keeps the phone from going to full power broadcast when out of range. Modern phones only use enough power to reach the tower, no more, so they are most efficient in areas with good cover, get out of range and watch the power drop. Make sure you turn off wifi daily if you have an iphone, they like to keep it on.

Cell service tends to get better once the sun goes down, so in an area with limited service, if needed save battery for a communication attempt after nightfall. Won't help if the tower is below the horizon, but in those cases where you have it hopping in and out, you might get better signal after dark.

Re: Trees, avoid tenting near gums, if you are unsure, avoid all trees. Gums are hateful and will try to kill you (no disrespect intended to those who have died camping under gums)

As for gear. My rule is 24 hours. I should expect to handle myself for 24 hours. I'm only ever in normal touristy places, but weather and other conditions could mean rescue is delayed even if urgent.

[GPSGuided]

On essential carries, I'd suggest one add the following,
- Towel - Small face towel sized for wiping down sweat or a quick face wash on a hot day. In injuries, it can come in handy as an absorbent compress and wound cover. Don't worry about contamination as the wound would be a dirty wound anyway, just get it as clean as practical. Can be properly treated on return to civilisation.
- Paracord - Just a short section for various emergency or non-emergency uses.
- Folding knife - Small and light, never know when it's needed at meal time, recreation or emergency.
- Sunglasses - Choice of tint options pending sunniness or photochromatic, both for UV protection out there as well as eye protection when pushing through scrubs.

[wildwanderer]

There is no reasoning behind not calling the appropriate emergency service. The evidence ambos cannot deal with remote areas is anecdotal and based on information in a social network forum. It has not basis to be relied upon. When I gave coordinates to the ambos it was accepted but another operator took a call from another person who gave incorrect information. Why was my information less valuable? Who knows. Possibly it was because I had to leave a service area to get back to the scene. They tried to call me back to confirm but were unable so they ran with the idiot they could talk to. Pilots do not follow roads in a helicopter unless it is Rowan Atkinson flying but they will use that information just the same as map coordinates to fix a point. If I were injured then I would not call Police. The best information is that which is most direct. Ambos will also call you back to give updates on the response and check the condition of the patient. I have had this happen when waiting for a helo evac in Vic. Could not fault them. In Vic the helo will also call you. Relying on a transfer of information is in my view redundant and all services are equipped to handle remote area responses. The initial call centre person may not be but it will be upgraded.

We must agree to disagree on this one

The David Iredale case https://www.smh.com.au/national/triple0 ... -aw1a.html
is a documented and coroner certified example of how the ambulance service Standard Operating Procedure was (is?) to ask for a street address and they continued to ask the lad for one even though he indicated he was in the bush. That was 2009 and I’m sure things have improved but we also have several forum members state they have had communication difficulties with the ambulance service call centre when they needed them to come to a remote address.

Bushwalking NSW (the coordinating body for all NSW bushwalking clubs) recommends contacting the Police if your injured or lost in the bush.

I’m sure the specialist rescue officers of the ambulance service are top notch. The challenge appears to be the Ambulance call centre before you get to stage of a helicopter or other rescue resource being called.

However, you are correct the current info is largely anecdotal and for a FAQ and where there is controversy on the most correct information I guess we should just regurgitate the official info. I’ll update it in the morning.

Personally, however If I’m ever in the situation where I need to call for assistance in the bush (if I’m injured or lost) I will be asking for the police whose (as you said yourself in an earlier topic) call centres are equipped with maps and can take GR and lat/long.) I don’t know if the ambulance service call centre can take GR/lat long? (not a rhetorical question, I’m interested to know)

If I’m injured in a town or a location where there is mapped road access I would ask for the ambulance.

[Warin]

We must agree to disagree on this one

Is the problem the same in the other states?

NSW ambo document for 000 calls
http://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/media/d ... 464c-0.pdf

Says
"The call taker will ask you a standard set of
questions to help us organise the most appropriate
service as quickly as possible.

Questions asked by the call taker

What is the exact address of the emergency?"

That is a fail in my book ... there needs to be provision for a non exact position - "10 km west of Burke on the road to Wannaring" should be accepted! As should Lat/Lon.
I'll be ring them tomorrow to ask. No, not on 000 but on the number given on that web page (02) 9320 7777.

The 000 web page is much better
https://www.triplezero.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
"Tell us exactly where to come. Give an address or location."

[wildwanderer]

We must agree to disagree on this one

Is the problem the same in the other states?

NSW ambo document for 000 calls
http://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/media/d ... 464c-0.pdf

Says
"The call taker will ask you a standard set of
questions to help us organise the most appropriate
service as quickly as possible.

Questions asked by the call taker

What is the exact address of the emergency?"

That is a fail in my book ... there needs to be provision for a non exact position - "10 km west of Burke on the road to Wannaring" should be accepted! As should Lat/Lon.
I'll be ring them tomorrow to ask. No, not on 000 but on the number given on that web page (02) 9320 7777.

The 000 web page is much better
https://www.triplezero.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
"Tell us exactly where to come. Give an address or location."

There is some good info in this thread viewtopic.php?f=5&t=27902 by capable bushwalkers from different states and their experience with contacting the call centres of police or ambulance. Most had a negative experience with the ambulance call centre but positive with Police call centre.

That said I’ve temporally removed the suggestion to call the Police for all lost and serious injury situations in the bush from the FAQ as Xplora is correct its anecdotal and shouldn’t really be relied upon as evidence to support a conclusion.

I’m quite interested in what the ambulance service says when you call them about non-exact addresses and lat long. If they say all ambulance call centres can take all the following
- lat/long
- Grid references
- non exact address
then I will put ambulance service in the FAQ as the best contact for injury in remote bush locations. Police will be the recommendation for lost and rescue situations.

[andrewa]

Some good suggestions....

but...

My thoughts are that if you go bush, you need to accept a degree of self-reliance, and accept fatalism if things go *&%$#! up...

I'm 55, so most of my early outdoor time was in my 20s when there was no ability to get emergency services. We just dealt with stuff as it happened, and mostly seemed to survive.

I have to admit that I am also a GP, which may change my approach to medical issues - some bandaids are the most important part of my first aid kit, as they were before I became a doctor. I don't carry much more, except a suture kit,

Re Anaphylaxis....anyone who has the issue should carry enough stuff to deal with it...btw....it is adrenaline in Epipens. I have a daughter who has had probably 15 anaphylactic reactions to unknown allergen in the last 14 months, including 2 days in ICU on an adrenaline infusion. Fortunately she's s paramedic, but she always carries her own Epipens, etc to manage her anaphylaxis, should it occur.

I suppose my point is that if you suffer from a medical condition, then take stuff with you to deal with it. Travel with whatever you would take if you were going solo. Same in a group situation...if someone carks it from a VF arrest, that's no good, but no reason for anyone else in the group to feel guilty that they didn't carry a defibrillator.

And from a statistical point of view, as a GP for 30 yrs, I've had less than 10 "scary" life threatening issues at work , and in 35 yrs in the bush - mostly 10 day remote NZ fly fishing trips, or weekend bushwalking/ski touring, the worst I've had to deal with was a lacerated foot, which I sewed up, coz I could.

Having said all this, Your post is v relevant. Thx.

A

[crollsurf]

This a great post. Maybe a "How to avoid needing to be rescued in the first place" (sic) would be a good follow up post.
Nitnicking but...

Mobile phone/PLB

Probably should read.

Mobile phone, PLB

A mobile phone is no substitute for a PLB as a PLB will work where there is no reception

[GPSGuided]

I have to admit that I am also a GP, which may change my approach to medical issues - some bandaids are the most important part of my first aid kit, as they were before I became a doctor. I don't carry much more, except a suture kit,

And from a statistical point of view, as a GP for 30 yrs, I've had less than 10 "scary" life threatening issues at work , and in 35 yrs in the bush - mostly 10 day remote NZ fly fishing trips, or weekend bushwalking/ski touring, the worst I've had to deal with was a lacerated foot, which I sewed up, coz I could.

Nice points there Andrew. However, I’d say that a difference in risk priorities and work experiences may lead to a different approach. With a surgical background going through to complex trauma management, I’m far less worried about bandaid level wounds and injuries on walks as they tend to be minor and bandaids tend to make little difference for the duration before one gets back. A quick rinse with clean drinking water +/- pressure haemostasis and then a bit of Betadine ointment (or other antiseptic) are more than enough. I see a greater need to prepare for a medium level injury eg. A 5-10cm laceration where it’s blood everywhere and messy but not bad enough to request SAR. This is where a pack dressing (or adapt with clean towel/handkerchief) held down by some Elastoplast tapes (also used for blister protection) is all that’s required to get back to civilisation without assistance, before formal treatment. I wouldn’t bother with suturing these contaminated wounds in the bush either unless one cares to increase the infection risk and other wound complications. Better to just maintain sufficient dressing pressure to arrest bleeding, get out and leave further assessment and management in proper facilities. Tapes properly applied can also temporarily take the place of sutures if really needed.

Otherwise for ‘*&%$#! hits the fan’ events eg. Heart attacks, I’d just accept them and fingers crossed on SAR response after basic management. If it’s bad enough to genuinely need CPR in the wild (even in the city), virtually none survives, no point worrying about it. So I agree with you, apart with those with a specific condition eg. Allergy, asthmatic or insulin dependent diabetics, there’s not much point in over preparing. It’s just an accepted risk of going bush, typically very very very low.

I think a big part of medical management in the bush is to be able to adapt ie. Multi-use various gears for the situation to allow one to extricate self back to civilisation, that’s all.

[Xplora]

I'll be ring them tomorrow to ask. No, not on 000 but on the number given on that web page (02) 9320 7777.

This is a much better option - discuss protocols with the organisation. I would support factual information if it can be shown one way was better than the other. The coroner has a significant influence on emergency service protocols and flaws in the system get picked up, often by mishap. 2009 was long enough ago for many things to change and the cited example of David Ireland would be enough to trigger that. When I was on a road, but more like a bush track, and had no idea of the name of track or the intersecting track or how far back that was, I explained all that to the ambo call centre and it was accepted. They got away from the nearest cross street stuff but it was first on their list. I told her I could provide coordinates and that was accepted. Air Ambulance was dispatched but also a ground crew so road names would have been handy for them. Pilots fly to coordinates and when there is no road then you can expect a helicopter for a medical evac. Now if you call Police for a medical emergency then you may have the information passed on correctly but it will be the helicopter getting to you first and if you have phone service these guys will call you back as will a qualified ambo at the call centre. Until there is evidence to the contrary then I see no reason to involve Police in a medical emergency. The Ambos will advise Police if they are needed. Police and the SES will generally coordinate any ground response rescue. Ambos will also dispatch special teams (ground crews) to remote areas to assist the helicopter crew if needed. If you do not know where you are and are injured then Police are better equipped to find you.

I could also give you plenty of anecdotal evidence that will make you doubt the police call centre operators. They are people and some are smarter or more switched on than others. Some may have dealt with more difficult situations before also. Protocols should be similar throughout the country but that could also be worth a check.

Re Anaphylaxis....anyone who has the issue should carry enough stuff to deal with it...btw....it is adrenaline in Epipens. I have a daughter who has had probably 15 anaphylactic reactions to unknown allergen in the last 14 months, including 2 days in ICU on an adrenaline infusion. Fortunately she's s paramedic, but she always carries her own Epipens, etc to manage her anaphylaxis, should it occur.

Red meat allergy is becoming more common, possibly due to ticks and I know one person who now has severe reaction to jumping jack bites and it appears the effect increases with each bite. Hope they can sort out the problem with the daughter but as you say, if you have history of anaphylatic responses then you need to take responsibility for it yourself but also tell others where it is and how to use it.

[Eremophila]

In addition to advising someone when you are expected back - when they should initiate a search/rescue if you fail to return.

Things to take:

Matches/lighter - a small fire can be used to signal rescuers, or to keep you warm if you're lost overnight.

Personal information in a ziplock bag or laminated - in an obvious place, e.g. in the front or top pocket of your backpack:
Name, address, phone, emergency contacts, known allergies/conditions and the required treatment, doctor's details, blood group, organ donor status, any medications and whether or not they are carried with you.

A marking pen and small notebook can be handy. Can be used to mark the location of a bite/injury which may not be obvious. If you are at risk of losing consciousness from injury/illness you can write a note for anyone who finds you.

[Warin]

On the NSW 000 Ambulance call centre question.
Well I could not get a good answer. They were unable to provide any information on what their 000 call centre would do if you could not give an address. They did say that the operator was human and would accept that in the bush you may not be able to give a street but had no idea what the operator would do. They suggested I contact my local member....
So they don't know.
Looks like the minister for Health is in charge of Ambulance services .. Brad Hazzard
https://www.nsw.gov.au/your-government/ ... -research/

[wildwanderer]

On the NSW 000 Ambulance call centre question.
Well I could not get a good answer. They were unable to provide any information on what their 000 call centre would do if you could not give an address. They did say that the operator was human and would accept that in the bush you may not be able to give a street but had no idea what the operator would do. They suggested I contact my local member....
So they don't know.
Looks like the minister for Health is in charge of Ambulance services .. Brad Hazzard
https://www.nsw.gov.au/your-government/ ... -research/

That’s a very disappointing response.
I’ve also contacted them but not yet had a reply. Will see what they say the second time round and then go from there.

@Andrewa and GPSGuided.
I agree with a lot of what you say. My purpose for the FAQ was to provide a basic guide of some common bushwalking dangers and the minimum gear/thought required before a person heads out into the bush. And provide some elementary info on what to do if the sh%t does hit the fan.
My first Aid kit weighs less than 100 grams. Mostly band aids, snake bite bandage, Elastoplast tape and Meds so im a firm believer in the idea that the bush is not a hospital and if your seriously sick or hurt the best thing to do is evacuate to a medical facility as quickly as possible. Which is why the emphasis is on the quickest way to get help/evacuate and lists the main dangers ie snakes/spiders that can kill you before help can get there if you don’t take some preventative first aid steps. And of course some tips on how not to get hurt or lost in the first place.

[andrewp]

On the NSW 000 Ambulance call centre question.

If you are in a remote area like NP or State Forest you do not want the Ambulance Service. Police are responsible for organising/coordinating search and rescue operations.