Bluffer’s -GUIDE-ESSENTIALS EMERGENCY
1 Spare clothes
If the weather turns sour in the hills, getting cold and wet can lead to poor decisions. Staying warm and dry makes bad weather more enjoyable and safer too. If someone in your group has an accident, keeping warm while you wait for help is a must.
3 Foil blanket
‘Space blankets’ are no substitute for adequate clothing, but if things go wrong, they can provide extra warmth while waiting for help – especially important if you’re su ering from shock. The silvery surface reduces heat radiation from your body and keeps wind and rain o . They’re also cheap, light and compact.
2 Compact irst aid kit
A first aid kit may seem like overkill for most rides, but you’ll be glad of it if someone gets injured (provided you know how to use it). In an emergency, the priority is stopping bleeding. Ambulance dressings and bandages are the key items for this.
4 Mobile phone
The best piece of safety equipment is in your pocket. When embarking on a big day in the hills, make sure your phone is fully charged and kept safe and dry while you ride. Location-sharing apps like Strava, via its Beacon function, can inform people if you come unstuck while riding alone.