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Regular readers of this column know that I have stressed safety and preparedness several times. There’s good reason for that. When you’re off-road, especially several hours away from critical care, you have to be able to handle emergencies that may occur. Previously I’ve touched on first aid kits and other gear. This time I’d like to cover another very important item, an emergency packet. As the name suggests, this is a packet of valuable information kept at your fingertips just in case something happens. Emergencies are stressful situations. Common details like home phone numbers can be difficult to recall. An emergency packet becomes your “go to” source during difficult times. If you are within cell range (or have a satellite phone) and have an emergency, by all means call 911. Not all situations are medical emergencies, of course. Your emergency packet contains other vital information that can help get you and your group out of a jam. |
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At a minimum the packet should contain the following information. Please note that certain details will change as you visit different areas.
In addition to the contact information for area hospitals, I suggest developing a map showing possible route(s). Provide clear instructions on the map as well, so drivers don’t have to rely entirely on the lines or highlighter markings you’ve made. Review the area carefully, and note that there may be more than one hospital within range depending on where you are in your route. Make several copies of these maps. The driver transporting someone out gets a copy, of course. But if you need to evac someone, family members can be given a map to help them find the hospital. Speaking of transporting, make sure to send at least two vehicles. The additional vehicles act a backup, to make sure you’ll be able to get the person out (or at least send out a messenger). Not all transports need to get to the highway, either. I tell drivers to continue trying the phone until they make contact with emergency responders. They may be able to meet the driver part way, thereby saving valuable time. As I said, if you’re able to place a call, dial 911. If you’re not, you’ll need to decide whether to transport the person, or send other drivers out to get help. Start with an assessment of the person’s injuries or illness. That’s why I suggest including an assessment checklist or SOAP Note (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) Tear sheets in the emergency packet. Once you understand what you’re dealing with, you can apply necessary first aid, and you’re in a better position to identify the resources you require.
Any of the First Aid booklets from EMS Safety Services contains an assessment form that can be pulled out and copied. Here is the link. http://shop.emssafetyservices.com/First-Aid_c_20.html It would be a good idea to carry one of these booklets in the packet as well as one in your first aid kit. The books are slim (44 pages) and only $4.50. You can order a booklet of Soap Notes Tear Sheets from Wilderness Medical Associates at https://www.wildmed.com/blog/gear-store/soap-notes/ The cost is $5.95 for a book of about 8 sheets. The book can be split up (or order multiple booklets) to put several sheets each in the emergency packet and in your first aid kit. Wilderness Medical Associates also has a great First Aid Field Guide for $21.95. https://www.wildmed.com/blog/gear-store/the-field-guide-of-wilderness-rescue-medicine/ Carry this one in your pocket ! |
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As you can see, a emergency packet is an extremely important part of your “gear.” Spend a few moments developing one before your next off-road excursion. It could prove to be a life-saver. |
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Related Articles at Badlands Off-Road Adventures
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Winching & Recovery on YouTube
Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc. now has its own 4x4 training channel on YouTube. We recently cleaned up 15 chapters on Winching and recovery Techniques plus two bonus chapters to take advantage of new higher quality resolution available on YouTube. I recently received this comment from Floyd L. Jennings of Houston, TX "I had opportunity to review your sequence of brief training videos viz. using a winch and wanted to say the following:
You can access the YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/4x4Training. We have a high quality DVD available for $15.00. Call if you want to purchase one. Enjoy! |
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Tierra Del Sol (TDS)
Come and visit us at TDS this year. The event is the first weekend in March. The main day is Saturday March 6th. We will have a booth in the vendor area. There are more details on the TDS web site and you can sign up for the trail and a raffle ticket. http://www.tds4x4.com/ |
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Death Valley
The Death Valley Adventure Starts March 19th. This is a 4 day trip on the back roads in Death Valley. We will drive the Panamint Mountains, visit Badwater Basin (lowest spot in North America), visit Chloride Ghost town, Titus Canyon, check out Ubehebe Crater, Teakettle junction, The Race Track & Lippencott Mine Road, camp in the Warm Springs and leave via Steal Pass up to the high meadows, then take Dedeckera Canyon down to the Eureka Sand Dunes. We might encounter wild flowers. All four days will see some light to moderate 4-wheeling. Check out the details and sign up on the website: http://www.4x4training.com/Adventures/Deathvalley.html You can register directly at http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Deathvalley |
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Mojave Road Adventure April 17
On April 17th we take off from the Colorado River to follow the Old Mojave Road for 3 days. This was the earliest wagon road into California. Again we might see wild flowers but for sure we will visit tons of history and see some incredible views. More Details You can register directly at http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Mojave |
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Rubicon Trail August 16
Time to sign up and start getting ready for the Rubicon trail. The Rubicon Trails is the stuff of legends. It is considered the Grand Daddy of trails. If your vehicle has a weakness, it will find it. Any serious four-wheeler needs to "Do the Con" at least once. There is no guarantee of avoiding vehicle damage. Even the most skilled driver can succumb to the fatigue of 12 unrelenting miles of rocks. Just bring a good altitude and the best prepared vehicle you can. This could be a once in a lifetime trip but a lifelong of bragging rights. For more details. You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Rubicon |
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