The Bush Club, bushwalking in Sydney, Bush walking

Dealing with a critical incident

(Advice for critical incidents when club trip resources have been exhausted - assumption that member is seriously injured)

  • In NSW our Police are the emergency service in charge of rescue.
  • Rescue cannot start until a message is sent to emergency services via "triple zero" (000)
  • Appropriate First Aid (as per recognised training) needs to be offered to the injured member until emergency services arrive. Other members need to 'prepare to survive'.
  • Before calling "000" make notes of your (Grid Reference) location and the member injuries / details.
  • The smart phone App "Emergency +" can give a Latitude / Longitude location, provided that you have mobile phone coverage, for emergency services. Download from http://www.triplezero.gov.au/Pages/EmergencySmartphoneApp.aspx
  • Always ask for "Police", when you call "000", even when you have an injured member. Police will better understand your bushwalker location.
  • Speak slowly to "000" Operator. All phone calls are recorded and can be played back.
  • ALL emergency services are required to communicate incidents to each other.
  • A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) distress beacon is an alarm for life threatening injuries only.
  • However, a PLB is your last (NOT first) resort when emergency services cannot be contacted by mobile phone. A PLB sends an alarm for assistance but cannot state particular injuries as you can with a mobile phone. The club has a PLB for members to borrow. Click here to find out how.
  • Helicopters are often sent for remote area rescue. Use large splashes of colour, shape, contrast and movement to attract rescue helicopters.
  • Do NOT stand under the powerful "downwash" of modern helicopters. Broken bones are possible from dislodged branches.
  • Downwash can also blow away loose items such as hats and fire coals that can then potentially be sucked into a helicopter engine. Engine stall and crash can happen.

Please see the Contact Us page for the name and email address of the Club's Insurance Officer.

Click here for details of our Insurance Policy


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