AdventureSmart outdoor group urges trip-planning, taking essential tools
For Melody Chamberlain, a late afternoon snowmobile trip nearly turned deadly. The 48-year-old outdoor enthusiast found herself lost near Nukko lake in 2013, a few kilometres from her home. Her snowmobile had became stuck and she wound up losing her way after setting off in the direction she believed would lead her home. She called 911 from her cellphone at 9:30 p.m. but was forced to wait almost seven hours for Prince George Search and Rescue to find her. She was eventually rescued at 3 a.m.
“I was very, very close to losing consciousness. By the time they got me to the ambulance, my blood pressure was 90 over 60 and dropping. My pulse was erratic and weak. My core was shutting down,” Chamberlain said.
Chamberlain has since become committed to teaching the basics of outdoor safety. She is one of three members of AdventureSmart, a national outdoor safety program, who gave a presentation to the public on Thursday night at the UNBC Weldwood Theatre. Organizers of the talk, which included members of the Prince George Search and Rescue Society, hope that the presentation will encourage back-country adventurers to consider basic guidelines of outdoor safety and planning.
“My problem was I had nothing
I had none of the tools of survival with me. I had very poor clothing choices, I had nothing to eat or drink, no way for heat generation, no shelter.
Joel Lavigueur, left, and Kate Johnson, middle, are staff members of AdventureSmart. Both, as well as Prince George Search and Rescue Society member Trent Blair, right, advocate for the importance of learning outdoor survival skills. with me,” Chamberlain said. “I saved her life. The helmet allowed had none of the tools of survival her to keep her head warm and with me. I had very poor clothing protected. choices, I had nothing to eat or Joel Lavigueur, who led Thursdrink, no way for heat generation, day’s presentation, said there are no shelter.” a few easy steps for outdoor en
Chamberlain had taken her thusiasts to keep in mind, in order helmet with her after abandoning to avoid an ordeal like Chamberher snowmobile, fearing it might lain’s. be stolen. She credits this chance “The main message is the three decision as the act that may have T’s: Trip-planning, Training and Taking the Essentials,” Lavigueur said.
These essentials include a flashlight, a fire-making kit, a whistle or signalling device, food and water, extra clothing, cell phones or other communication devices, a first aid kit, a pocket knife and, if necessary, sun protection.
“If they take the essentials, they’ll have some stuff to help themselves,” Kate Johnson, another AdventureSmart presenter, said.
Both Lavigueur and Johnson stressed the importance of leaving a trip plan with a relative or friend prior to heading out to enjoy the outdoors. These plans allow Search and Rescue personnel to better trace the steps of those who become lost. An online tool at the AdventureSmart website, which can be found at adventuresmart.ca, allows individuals to e-mail a trip plan to friends or family.
“If it’s a motorized sport or sky touring or just a simple hike, it’s all the same thing. You’ve got to go out there and be prepared,” Lavigueur said.
Last year, Search and Rescue services received 1,700 calls for assistance in B.C., more than the total number of all other provinces in Canada combined. These same services have received between 1100-1200 calls this year, according to Johnson.
— Melody Chamberlain