Every outdoor activity comes with its own quotient of risks and accidents creating situations that are dangerous and exert pressure on an individual or group to come up with physical endurance, mental toughness and survival skills.
While we are very eager to know more about leisure activities in the outdoors and take great pains to undergo training and gain experience, it is equally important to remember and take precautions so that such activities can be safe and enjoyable.
Safety measures Every sport or leisure activity has its own safety guidelines and measures, just as every illness or ailment has a particular remedy.
Likewise, standard safety protocols govern activities depending on the kind of activity involved - hiking, trekking, racing, mountain climbing, sailing, flying etc.
are high risk activities and are therefore, provided with "essential safety and survival kits" to react better to various emergencies.
There is a labyrinth of volumes and safety guidelines governing each sport, especially in tough competitions that are spread over a period of time, and involve conditions of nature and environment which are unpredictable.
It is common practice to indulge in group activities or travel in numbers of two and more to improve safety aspects and survival in cases of emergency and risk to life.
A group can pool in resources, extra hands and also provide better decisions after analyzing the situation thoroughly against a single person doing all of these.
Some general safety measures include carrying suitable communication equipment, direction finders, dressing in appropriate clothing, packing sufficient nutritional supplements and informing family members or friends about the planned activity, duration and itinerary.
Drawing up a schedule for maintaining contact with scheduled people during the time you will be away is a great life saver.
What constitutes a 'dangerous circumstance?' Any of the following situations can spiral out of control to create a dangerous circumstance or situation.
• Hazardous or unfamiliar terrain or route - seeking professional advice is a must • Losing the way - carrying maps and compasses are a huge safety advantage • Bad weather conditions - getting weather updates beforehand is advisable so that conditions like heavy rains, fog, sandstorm etc.
do not hinder progress • Pre-existing medical conditions like allergies, asthma, breathlessness, diabetes, heart ailments, vertigo etc.
can be accentuated by certain outdoor activities • Topical injuries like bruises, falls, lacerations, frostbite, burns or insect bites can trigger adverse reactions in some people, leading to life threatening situations • Certain activities may involve encounters with and attacks by wild animals which can turn harmful and dangerous, because they can cause rabies • Digestive infections like dysentery and diarrhea which can be caused by consuming water or food from contaminated sources can lead to dehydration, cramps and loss of life The Ten Essentials In the mid 1900s, mountaineers, hikers and trail climbers began carrying the 'ten essentials', a rough safety-survival kit that would be useful in most situations.
The Ten Essentials are: • Compass • Extra clothing • Extra Food • Extra Water • First Aid Kit • Fire starter or Signal Flares • Flashlight or Headlamp • Knife • Map • Sunglasses or eye protection equipment and sunscreen or insect lotions Today, these are widely referred to as "classic essentials" and are still valid and hold good for most outdoor sports and activities.
However, scientific and technological advancements have greatly enhanced safety with improved and more accurate equipment and tools.
Revisions to the essentials list have been made over time and now they have taken on a systematic approach to deal with situations.
The current lists detail the 'systems approach' like this: • Emergency shelter - blankets, tents, bags • Fire starters - waterproof matches, lighters and candles • First aid supplies - bandages, medicines, sterilizing lotions and mini surgery kits • Hydration - water and hydrating solutions • Insulation - suitable body clothing for particular activity • Illumination - high power torches and flashlights, headlamps • Navigation - maps, compass, GPS equipment, satellite phones • Repair Kit and Tools - emergency tools to quickly repair and reassemble • Sun Protection - sunscreen, sunglasses and caps or headgear These basics are supplemented with more specifics like portable water purification kits, ice axe or pick axe, insect repellent clothing and signaling devices.
While we are very eager to know more about leisure activities in the outdoors and take great pains to undergo training and gain experience, it is equally important to remember and take precautions so that such activities can be safe and enjoyable.
Safety measures Every sport or leisure activity has its own safety guidelines and measures, just as every illness or ailment has a particular remedy.
Likewise, standard safety protocols govern activities depending on the kind of activity involved - hiking, trekking, racing, mountain climbing, sailing, flying etc.
are high risk activities and are therefore, provided with "essential safety and survival kits" to react better to various emergencies.
There is a labyrinth of volumes and safety guidelines governing each sport, especially in tough competitions that are spread over a period of time, and involve conditions of nature and environment which are unpredictable.
It is common practice to indulge in group activities or travel in numbers of two and more to improve safety aspects and survival in cases of emergency and risk to life.
A group can pool in resources, extra hands and also provide better decisions after analyzing the situation thoroughly against a single person doing all of these.
Some general safety measures include carrying suitable communication equipment, direction finders, dressing in appropriate clothing, packing sufficient nutritional supplements and informing family members or friends about the planned activity, duration and itinerary.
Drawing up a schedule for maintaining contact with scheduled people during the time you will be away is a great life saver.
What constitutes a 'dangerous circumstance?' Any of the following situations can spiral out of control to create a dangerous circumstance or situation.
• Hazardous or unfamiliar terrain or route - seeking professional advice is a must • Losing the way - carrying maps and compasses are a huge safety advantage • Bad weather conditions - getting weather updates beforehand is advisable so that conditions like heavy rains, fog, sandstorm etc.
do not hinder progress • Pre-existing medical conditions like allergies, asthma, breathlessness, diabetes, heart ailments, vertigo etc.
can be accentuated by certain outdoor activities • Topical injuries like bruises, falls, lacerations, frostbite, burns or insect bites can trigger adverse reactions in some people, leading to life threatening situations • Certain activities may involve encounters with and attacks by wild animals which can turn harmful and dangerous, because they can cause rabies • Digestive infections like dysentery and diarrhea which can be caused by consuming water or food from contaminated sources can lead to dehydration, cramps and loss of life The Ten Essentials In the mid 1900s, mountaineers, hikers and trail climbers began carrying the 'ten essentials', a rough safety-survival kit that would be useful in most situations.
The Ten Essentials are: • Compass • Extra clothing • Extra Food • Extra Water • First Aid Kit • Fire starter or Signal Flares • Flashlight or Headlamp • Knife • Map • Sunglasses or eye protection equipment and sunscreen or insect lotions Today, these are widely referred to as "classic essentials" and are still valid and hold good for most outdoor sports and activities.
However, scientific and technological advancements have greatly enhanced safety with improved and more accurate equipment and tools.
Revisions to the essentials list have been made over time and now they have taken on a systematic approach to deal with situations.
The current lists detail the 'systems approach' like this: • Emergency shelter - blankets, tents, bags • Fire starters - waterproof matches, lighters and candles • First aid supplies - bandages, medicines, sterilizing lotions and mini surgery kits • Hydration - water and hydrating solutions • Insulation - suitable body clothing for particular activity • Illumination - high power torches and flashlights, headlamps • Navigation - maps, compass, GPS equipment, satellite phones • Repair Kit and Tools - emergency tools to quickly repair and reassemble • Sun Protection - sunscreen, sunglasses and caps or headgear These basics are supplemented with more specifics like portable water purification kits, ice axe or pick axe, insect repellent clothing and signaling devices.
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