Section 11 - Resources
Emergency Contact and Medical Information
It is a condition of participation that all leaders and participants carry their In Case of Emergency Form with them for all events.
We also ask that leaders carry an extra supply of these forms in their pack, or their car, with spare ziplock bags, for people who may have forgotten. Here's the link to the document for printing: https://bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/files/2016_Forms/2017_Participants_Emergency_Contact_and_Medical_Information.pdf
This is the information we provide to all hike participants:
To make it easier for leaders to ensure you get the best possible support in case of emergency, we are asking that all hike participants complete this form for themselves (and any children), put it in a ziplock bag, and put it in either the front, or top pocket of your pack. And if you use multiple packs, maybe have multiple forms so you don't have to remember to swap it over).
In addition, if you have a condition that requires specific treatment, please write those details the back of the form (eg. if you have an asthma attack, do xxx, or a bee sting, use my epipen) Any medications should be kept in the same pocket as your form.
This is to make sure that we can get you the best support as quickly as possible.
Please also let the leader know before the start of the hike if you have a condition that may affect you on the hike.
If you could please arrange to do this before your next hike with us, that would be great. Leaders will have a limited number of spare forms for any newbies.
And not just a safety thing for our group, it's also very helpful in an emergency for any exploring you do outside the group.
Forms
In Case of Emergency Form - to be printed, completed and stored in all participants and leader's backpacks
Read this First - Hiker Participation Waiver - all participants will acknowledge this when first joining via Groups.Place
Incident Report Form - for use when any incident occurs on an EYCZ event
Photo Consent Form - VicHealth Events only
Documents
Participant waiver/acknowledgement of terms - participants view and acknowledge this when they first sign up to the events system
Leader & Participant Code of Conduct - including complaints process
Extend Your Bushwalking & Hiking Knowledge
Bushwalking Victoria have created an excellent Bushwalking Manual. This is aimed at those participating in more remote, and overnight hiking, but is worth reading to extend your knowledge.
If you prefer bright, bubbly videos, here's what we consider the Best Hiking Blog on the planet, by Caro Ryan, from Lotsafreshair. Everything from selecting gear, packing a pack, navigation and so much more! Caro has been a long time friend of the group, so make use of her extensive hiking experience
The important thing to remember about apps is that you need to make sure you keep them updated on your phone. They won't help you if you are in an area with no phone signal, and you need to do an update! (I just updated all my apps after seeing my Emergency + one was out of date!)
Here's a list of apps you will find super helpful as a leader.
Smartphone Apps to download
First Aid App:
The following First Aid apps for a quick reference on the trail if you have any person (within the group or not) requiring first aid.
St John Ambulance smartphone app: https://www.stjohnqld.com.au/Training/First-Aid-Resources/Mobile-Phone-Apps
Red Cross Australia smartphone app: https://www.redcross.org.au/get-involved/learn/first-aid/first-aid-app
This provides you with the numbers to call in an emergency, and crucially, your GPS co-ordinates to tell the operator when you get through. Download it before you need it! https://emergencyapp.triplezero.gov.au/ (or download it from your app store on your phone).
This operates like google maps, but can be used when you have no phone reception. When you download the app, you choose a state to download maps for. This means the maps are saved to your phone, and you don’t need internet to use it. This is great for navigating roads out of trails when you don’t have reception. Download Maps.me. (or download it from your app store on your phone).
This app is wonderful for telling you about bushfires, floods, planned burns and other emergency issues. Download this, and set up a watch zone for areas you frequent. It will then alert you if there's an emergency in your area. Crucial for bushfire season. You can also use it to check for issues in the location your are headed to. https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/ (or download it from your app store on your phone).
This allows you to track where you are hiking, so you can view it later, and share it with others. You can also search for hikes in your area that others have done. https://www.wikiloc.com/ (or download it from your app store on your phone)
Great for finding campsites off the beaten track, includes reviews, road conditions, photos, dog friendly, and whether there is phone reception. https://www.wikicamps.com.au/ (or download from app store)
BOM – Weather (Bureau of Meteorology)
Great for checking weather, and I love the radar display
http://www.bom.gov.au/app/ (or download from app store)
Cairn – hiking and safety tracking
A great app for those who hike alone. It allows you to set up friends and loved ones so you can tell them where you are headed, and what time to expect you back, and where to look for you if you don’t return. https://www.cairnme.com/ (or app store)
Snapseed :
Richelle’s fave photo editing app. Great for making dull pics brighter, and for making colours pop! Download here (Google Play, iPhone)