We refer to FTA as a family.  As such, we should take the safety of our family into consideration.  We tell each other to drive safe on the way home from a conference, and we are aware of the relative health we are in, but we have yet to develop a “culture of safety”.

What is a “culture of safety”?  It is a wide array of topics ranging from using proper equipment to safe work and hike practices to first aid skills, and everything in-between.  It is a mindset that ensures we are focusing on the most important factor of any work or fun hike: keeping ourselves safe and secure.

Why now?  I think the real question is “why not now?”  We have been fortunate, but that doesn’t mean accidents haven’t happened, and it certainly doesn’t mean they won’t happen in the future.  It would be a great shame for one of us to get hurt when a hardhat or a pair of safety glasses could have prevented it.  Along those same lines, we will also be including general hiking safety information for those who carry hiking poles, not loppers. 

How do we create this culture?  By working together to develop a comprehensive safety program involving education and utilization.  Every member will be an integral part of its success.  Together we can accomplish the mission of FTA safely.

Do you carry a first aid kit?  Do you know what is in it?  Do you know when and how to use the contents?  These are very good questions, and the answers raise many more questions.  First aid kits come in all shapes, sizes, and contents.  What you bring will depend upon your level of experience or training, group size, environmental concerns, and pack weight.

If you don’t know how to take vital signs, you don’t need to bring a blood pressure cuff.  Bring what you are comfortable using.  As a comparison, consider a map and compass.  If you haven’t been trained in orienteering, a map and compass will tell you which way is north, but won’t necessarily help get you found.  Many of the items in the first aid kit are similar.  If you don’t know how to use them, you may as well not be carrying them.

Many companies have put out pre-made kits that are well-stocked, but may have more items than you feel comfortable carrying.  Regardless, they are very useful starting point.  Most people can use bandages and basic medications (i.e. ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc.).  What you pack depends on what your feel comfortable using.  There are some basic items that can be helpful regardless of training.  Those items include:

Basic bandages                                     Ibuprofen

Acetaminophen                                     Antihistamines

Tape (first aid and duct)                          Moleskin (for blisters)

Tick tweezers                                        Basic Essentials (mirror, matches, etc.)

If you want more training there are many basic and wilderness specific courses available.  These courses range from Basic First Aid and CPR training, to intensive Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder courses.  American Red Cross recommends everyone take Basic First Aid and CPR training.  This is a very good idea for those of us out in the middle of nowhere working or hiking on the Florida Trail.  The more intensive courses provide more confidence when heading into the backcountry. 

Whatever your level of training; the most important tool in your kit is your brain.  Many emergency situations can be avoided with careful planning.  If something goes wrong, keep calm, use your brain; and come out of it with a great adventure story, instead of a tragedy.

David Rohe, Wilderness First Responder