SKILLS & TRAINING
Introduction
The "great outdoors" can be an interesting and enjoyable, yet challenging environment. In this Section, we aim to provide some help and guidance in in developing the Skills and Training that can greatly assist in overcoming the challenges present when in "the bush".
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As an absolute minimum, we very strongly suggest you gain at least some knowledge of the following areas before heading out:
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1. Basic Safety
2. Basic Navigation ; and
3. Basic First
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Some information provided on "Bush Walking Basics" (click here) may also be of assistance to those relatively new to the "outdoors".
As your skills and confidence improve, and you begin to seek greater challenges and more diverse activities, information on more advance skills and training may be of benefit. We have divided some of these into two broad categories, being:
1. Advanced Bush Skills ; and
2. Advanced Activity Skills and Training.
BASIC SAFETY
Information and suggestion on Basic Safety are contained in the Safety Section of the website.
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BASIC NAVIGATION
Having some concept of how to navigate is pretty much essential and we would implore you to take the time to at least consider this information. This section provides a very simple introduction to the following topics:
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BASIC MAP USE - Learn More
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BASIC COMPASS USE - Learn More
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BASIC GENERAL DIRECTIONAL NAVIGATION - Learn More
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BASIC NAVIGATION APPLICATIONS - Learn More
BASIC FIRST AID
Having some idea of basic First Aid and some basic first aid supplies, are pretty much essential for trips into the bush environment.
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You do not need to be highly skilled in this area, but the ability to treat minor injuries is very handy. The ability to "stabilize" or keep a patient "alive" while waiting for help to arrive, can be critically important. The life you save may just be your friend or family member.
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In critical situations the main aims of First Aid are to prevent escalation, and to preserve, protect and maintain life until more qualified help arrives.
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With minor situations, First Aid aims to :
a. prevent further injury/escalation; and
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b. relieve pain and promote recovery.
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When heading "Bush" we suggest that having some knowledge of the following is an absolute minimum requirement :
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a. How to identify the signs and symptoms and then to treat the following:
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1. Hypothermia (over-exposure to cold);
2. Hyperthermia (heat illnesses);
3. Broken bones; and
4. Snake or Spider bites.
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b. How to administer CPR and EAR.
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St. John's Ambulance (a fantastic not-for-profit) organisation provides some really great information and resources online, some of which can be donwnoaded to your phone for personal use. Unfortunately, we are not permitted to provide links to any of these. However, an onilne search of the topics will provide some excellent information.
A Basic First Aid Course is well worth considering, even if only to ensure the safety of your family day-to-day.
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Some suggestions on what to include in a basic First Aid kit, are provided in the Equipment Section of the website. But as an ABSOLUTE minimum we would suggest you always carry at least one Compression Bandage or Snake Bite Bandage and know how to APPLY IT.
ADVANCED BUSH SKILLS
This section aims to provide some ideas and guidance on other skills that could be helpful as you move towards more complex and/or challenging Adventures. They include:
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ADVANCED DIRECTIONAL NAVIGATION - Learn More (Coming Soon)
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ADVANCED COMPASS USE - Learn More (Coming Soon)
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ADVANCED MAP READING - Learn More (Coming Soon)
ADVANCED ACTIVITY, SKILLS & TRAINING
This section provides some guidance on the types of training required and skills needed, to undertake the more technical and specialised types of activities.
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MORE INFORMATION - (Coming Soon)