As the prime summer months approach, so too can we expect to see an increase in the volume of visitors to British Columbia's pristine backcountry. More and more of us are in search of solitude and adventure, and we're entering the backcountry with varying levels of exposure and experience. Statistics show that each year across Canada there are approximately 5,000 ground Search and Rescue incidents (approx. 1,600 in BC). They involve all types of outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers and skiers to backcountry travellers and boaters. All outdoor activities are assume-risk sports, and when we take these activities into the backcountry, these risks increase. Time spent gaining extra knowledge and skills can help reverse the SAR incident trend.
Cue in the valuable work of Canada's AdventureSmart search and rescue prevention program. Their goal is to give you the tools and knowledge to have a safe and enjoyable outing, regardless of your outdoor adventure passion. By following three easy steps, AdventureSmart believes that outdoor recreationalists will significantly improve their chances of survival should they become hurt or lost.
Cue in the valuable work of Canada's AdventureSmart search and rescue prevention program. Their goal is to give you the tools and knowledge to have a safe and enjoyable outing, regardless of your outdoor adventure passion. By following three easy steps, AdventureSmart believes that outdoor recreationalists will significantly improve their chances of survival should they become hurt or lost.
- Trip Planning (write a trip plan before you go and leave it with a friend or family)
- Training (obtain the skills and knowledge you need before heading out)
- Taking the Essentials (carry the essentials and know how to use them)
The AdventureSmart website (www.adventuresmart.ca) offers a wealth of helpful tips and guidelines on a variety of topics ranging from activity specific information to trip planning* and knowledge based programs such as the Hug a Tree and Survive program developed for Grades K-5, and the Survive Outside program for people aged 12-99. While an excellent launch pad, AdventureSmart information is intended as a guide and cannot be expected to replace approved and appropriate courses in outdoor survival, navigation, first aid, CPR, or emergency procedures. Planning, experience and education are essential for all safe, successful, wilderness trips.
*With the NEW AdventureSmart Trip Plan app you can easily create trip plans and send them to your family and friends.The app is available free in the Apple App Store for iOS devices and on Google Play for Android devices, and can also be accessed from any web browser.
Ideal for beginners and intermediate wilderness recreationalists, Callaghan Country's NEW Summer Backcountry Skills Clinics with local & established ACMG Guide, Dave Sarkany, are dedicated to raising awareness of backcountry safety and building an informed community of wilderness explorers. We've specifically designed these clinics to welcome outdoor enthusiasts to the niche learning curve of backcountry hiking and camping: Navigation Skills for Backcountry Pursuits will be held July 6th, and Competency for Wilderness Backpacking is scheduled for July 13 & 14 (Overnight Program). The clinic Instructor and Guide, Dave, has been active in our mountains and on the ocean since the early 1980’s, and has specialized in guiding for the last 20 years. As an longstanding Whistler SAR member, he can share locally nuanced survival wisdom from years of accumulated, field-tested observations.
Even when you're fully prepared, all it takes is a turn in the weather, mistake in judgment, unexpected injury, equipment failure, or sudden nightfall to quickly change any recreational outing into a crisis. Add to that, bad weather or injuries can lead to further delays and an extended crisis. It's a harsh reality that the deeper you head into the backcountry, the higher your risk that help may not arrive for several days. This is where Wilderness First Aid and Outdoor Emergency Courses can play a critical role. They differ from typical first aid classes which are designed for situations where emergency response professionals can get there quickly — you're trying to keep a person safe, while waiting for professional help to arrive. In additional to medical training and CPR 'C' certification, a Wilderness First Responder curriculum is supplemented with unique approaches required when responding in isolated and extreme environments. Supplementary topics can include leadership, critical thinking for outdoor/low-resource environments, and the wilderness medicine triad: hypothermia, hypoglycemia and hypovolemia.
Even when you're fully prepared, all it takes is a turn in the weather, mistake in judgment, unexpected injury, equipment failure, or sudden nightfall to quickly change any recreational outing into a crisis. Add to that, bad weather or injuries can lead to further delays and an extended crisis. It's a harsh reality that the deeper you head into the backcountry, the higher your risk that help may not arrive for several days. This is where Wilderness First Aid and Outdoor Emergency Courses can play a critical role. They differ from typical first aid classes which are designed for situations where emergency response professionals can get there quickly — you're trying to keep a person safe, while waiting for professional help to arrive. In additional to medical training and CPR 'C' certification, a Wilderness First Responder curriculum is supplemented with unique approaches required when responding in isolated and extreme environments. Supplementary topics can include leadership, critical thinking for outdoor/low-resource environments, and the wilderness medicine triad: hypothermia, hypoglycemia and hypovolemia.
Once you've acquired the appropriate knowledge and skills it's important to apply them regularly. Building your network of outdoor adventure comrades will align with more pursuits on your calendar and exposure to novel locations and environments. The South Coast Touring Facebook Group is an excellent online forum and community of mountain loving explorers. If you're still weary of your capacities there's even a new mentorship programme designed to connect mentors and prospective mentees.
"It is all right to talk about roughing it in the woods. But the real woodsman is the man who can be really comfortable in the bush." ~Ernest Hemingway
"It is all right to talk about roughing it in the woods. But the real woodsman is the man who can be really comfortable in the bush." ~Ernest Hemingway
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