Gros Morne National Park of Canada

Safety and etiquette

Some Useful Safety Advice

You are responsible for your own safety!

As you are responsible for your own safety, you must have adequate knowledge, skill, and fitness for the activities that you undertake. You should be familiar with all safety precautions and procedures associated with your choice of activities. Before undertaking any wilderness activity, you are encouraged to take advantage of training programs such as wilderness first aid, map and compass courses, etc.

Two fundamental topics that all wilderness users should know are:

• survival
• hypothermia

Advice on safety requirements for specific outdoor activities is available from:

• park wardens

The Psychology of Survival

Survival is usually more dependent on the person than on the situation. Lost or injured people have a better chance of survival if they can:

• Consider the conditions they will be faced with and prepare accordingly.
• Stay together.
• Improvise and adapt to the situation.
• Be patient, calm, and confident.
• Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.
• Stay put in bad weather or if lost.
• Show some signal such as bright clothing or a lit flare.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. The usual causes of hypothermia are a combination of cold, damp, wind and exhaustion. Most cases develop in air temperatures between -1° C and 10° C.

Hypothermia kills in two steps:

1. Exposure and Exhaustion. When the body begins to lose heat the victim starts to shiver to keep warm. The body also makes adjustments to preserve normal temperatures in the vital organs. Energy reserves are quickly drained.
2. Torpor and Death. When all energy reserves are exhausted, the body's internal temperature slides downward. This leads to stupor, collapse, and death.

Treatment of hypothermia involves supplying heat to the victim. This can be done with pre-warmed garments or sleeping bag, warm tent interior, fire, or body heat from companions.

Prevention is the safest route:

1. avoid exposure,
2. stay dry, and beware of chilling wind,
3. use warm clothing and good rain gear (wool and some synthetic clothing insulates when wet),
4. change damp undergarments,
5. avoid overheating in order to prevent excessive perspiring with resultant energy loss,
6. eat foods high in fats and carbohydrates,
7. make camp before exhaustion sets in.

For further information consult St. John Ambulance Official Wilderness First-Aid Guide or other equivalent reference.

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