Packing for an streamside emergency by Andrew Mather

I willing to wager a bet that most of us don’t think about the hazards of setting out for a day on the river or dam. Most will check that they have a hat and or buff and possible some sunscreen…but that’s where it often ends.

So what should you take. Well that depends on how long you are going to be away. A day trip lends itself to a smaller compact medical kit. If you are overnighting or going for a longer multi-night trip then one needs to cover more options.

Communication

Before I get into the nitty gritty of what to pack perhaps the most important piece of kit is your cellphone. Make sure its fully charged before you set out. Cell coverage is sometimes limited but as I have come to find out there is often cell coverage if one moves to higher ground. Before one goes its worth finding out about cell coverage.

If there is no cell coverage in the area then one needs to go the satellite route. This is obviously more expensive. The need to go this route will of course depend on your personal risk levels and factors such as age, medical conditions and extent of support will play a part in this decision. If you enjoy solo fishing into the mountains for days you might also fit into this category regardless of age!

The two options then are the Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) and a satellite phone. All PLB’s require you to register the device. Some PLB’s require a subscription. There are now several on the market and really the choice depends on what you are prepared to pay. For a great review on current PLB see here (https://www.outsidepursuits.com/bestpersonal-locator-beacon/amp/)

The next level is a satellite phone. Some satellite phones cannot transmit an SOS so you would need to call. Remember, a communication device is only as good as the coverage and reliability of the network behind it.

See a review of 2019 satellite phones here. (https://www.bluecosmo.com/satellitephones)

Medicial kit recommendations

One day kit

Adhesive/Duct tape

CPR mouth to mouth device

Elastic wrap bandages

Bandage strips and "butterfly" bandages in assorted sizes

Emergency blanket

Whistle Snake gaiters

Nonstick sterile bandages and roller gauze in assorted sizes

Large triangular bandage (may be used as a sling)

Disposable nonlatex examination gloves Petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Penknife

Disinfectant/Antiseptic gel

Hand sanitiser

Painkillers (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Gen-Payne) Aspirin (Life-saving in an adult with chest pain. If patient shows signs of new or unexplained chest pain he may be having a heart attack. Give him a regular strength aspirin and call for emergency medical help immediately)

Rehydrate sachets Energy drink (Bioplus)

Anti-diarrhea medication (Lomotil) Antihistamine (Allergex)

Anti-nausea (Valoid) Splints (2 pieces 1” by 12” (that’s 25mm by 300mm for your metric folk)

Small card printed with emergency contact and any important personal medical information. Card should also have the cell number of your local snake expert to call for identification of snake species that has just bitten you BEFORE you launch into emergency mode.

Five day kit built off the One day kit

Antiseptic or alcohol wipes (3) for cleaning wounds.

Antacids

Butterfly closure strips (3)

Dressing/Gauze, a Sterile non-stick absorbent; for larger wounds.

Super glue

Plastic bags, assorted sizes Safety pins in assorted sizes

Scissors and tweezers

Sterile saline for irrigation, flushing eyes and wounds

Syringes

Hydrocortisone cream

Aloe vera gel

Sewing needle – Use dental floss or 4x tippet for thread.

Emergency fire starter – Normally a small ziploc bag of clothes dryer lint or a couple of vaseline-coated cotton balls and a box of matches or a flint fire starter.

Prescription medicines. Useful to carry Penicillin and Cortisone.

See your Doctor before the trip and stock up.