Safety In The Field

FCP 1

Objectives

a. State the purpose of Bivouac Standing Ordersb. Demonstrate casualty evacuation in the field,

particularly:1. Using field stretcher2. Improvise stretcherc. Practice using and making a shelter

Purpose of the Bivouac Standing Instructions (BSI)

• Incorporates the policy of the Wing on the standard to be applied for the planning and conduct of bivouacs and other field activities.

• All AAFC personnel who are involved with the management or implementation of any bivouac or field activity are to be fully conversant with the requirements of BSI.

• The Detachment Commander or Training Officer for the activity must bring the BSI to the attention of all Cadets attending a field activity during the activity briefings.

General Contents of the BSIa. Introduction to the documentb. Suitability of Activitiesc. Supervisory / Training

Qualificationsd. Staff / Cadet Ratiose. OA86 Activity Authorisationsf. Governing Regulationsg. Prohibited Activitiesh. Medical Aspectsi. First Aid Requirementsj. Safety - Generalk. Safety – Emergency Proceduresl. Dangerous Articles

m.Rubbish Disposaln. Display of Australian Flago. Radio Communicationsp. Fire Piquetq. Appointment of an Anchor

Personr. Female Participations. Night Activitiest. Alcohol/Drug/Tobacco

Consumptionu. Dressv. Unacceptable Sexual Behaviourw. Harassment

Demonstrate a Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) in the Field

• Whilst in the field, a casualty may occur which requires evacuation by stretcher.

• Whilst a field stretcher may be the most suitable, it may be possible that the Section is too far away from Base Camp to utilise it.

• An improvised stretcher will need to be made by the group in order to transport the injured/ill Cadet back to Base Camp.

• An improvised stretcher can be made from articles that the group is carrying and/or from the surrounding vegetation.

Field Stretcher

• A field stretcher is a collapsible stretcher usually made of a canvas base and wooden handles (there are many other types available commercially - may be rigid or collapsible).

• Camp stretchers make good field stretchers also.• Each Squadron should have a field stretcher of some kind

taken on each field activity, and kept at the First Aid Post at Base Camp.

• Sufficient numbers of personnel will be required to carry the ill/injured person on it, optimally 2 at the head, 2 at the feet and 2 at the hip area (this is the heaviest area of the body).

• Following the use of the field stretcher, it should be “decontaminated” with a chlorine-based product, and aired to dry before storage.

Improvised Field Stretcher

• An improvised stretcher will be required where it is not possible to arrange other transportation of ill/injured persons.

• An improvised stretcher can be quickly and effectively made using the following items:

a. Two strong (fairly straight) tree trunks, approximately 150mm thick.

b. A blanket, two sacks, or three jackets, coats, or shirts.c. Webbing belts at the shoulder, chest, hip, knee and

ankles.

Considerations when Using a Field Stretcher (Improvised or Bought)

When lifting the ill/injured person onto the stretcher and transporting them to Base Camp it is important to consider:•The level of support required to manage the ill/injured cadet.•The size and weight of the ill/injured person.•How much assistance the ill/injured person can give you. Where they have the capacity to place themselves on the stretcher, then they should be encouraged to do so.•The distance of travel. Where this is significant, then frequent stops should be made and those carrying the stretcher should be rotated to reduce the strain on individual arms and hence reducing their fatigue.•Time of day and weather conditions. It may be preferable to set up a campsite overnight to manage the ill/injured person.•The nature and extent of the illness/injury. Spinal injuries should not be transported in a non-rigid stretcher to prevent further damage, therefore it may be necessary to MEDEVAC the person from the site by helicopter or using other civil emergency service providers.