Wilderness Risk Management

[le Voyageur]

For the experience trek leader there is no such animal as a "safe program". Instead, it comes down to managing risks. Here are some points to ponder as you plan your next trek...

 

Risks are divided into two broad categories..

 

Objective Risks - these are risks such as high water, fast water, cold water, rain, high altitude, blizzards, wildlife, terrain, snow, ice, etc....

 

Subjective Risks - or errs in planning and leadership. This is the stuff that really gets us into trouble, here a short list that is nearly endless....

- no training

- outdated training

- egos

- fatigue

- immortals

- complacency, or indecision

- peer pressure

- errs in planning (inadequate food,

improper equipment, unrealistic

schedules)

- distractions

- preconceptions and expectations

- inflexibility or resistance to change

- lack of communication and leadership

within a group

- inability to manage stress

- dishonesty about abilities

- overconfidence

- routines

- impatience

- not knowing when to back off

 

Additionally people can be divided into groups.

 

People who need a lot of support are high maintenace, those who get by on their own are low. Low maintenance folks are people who handle things themselves and don't mind being wet, cold or hungry occasionally.

 

High Maintenace individuals, or those who need your constant support can't see the end of the activity when things get tough. They are focused on the moment.....

 

On a final note...if I've learned anything living in the wilderness it is that nature is very patient. The time limits we have outside the wilderness are often inappropiate and irrelevant while in it. Is it worth the haste to get home, get back to the job, or make a plane or bus schedule??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ScouterPaul]

Looks like the subjective risks are the ones that get us in trouble. Good post.

[Mike Long]

Yep, got me in trouble more than once.

[eisely]

Much of this can be remedied by training. It also helps to have the adults who went on the outing to get together to critique the trek. I have done this with boys and adults together and it is interesting what comes up. A diplomatic means needs to be found to convey to those adults who exhibited some of these characteristics where they went astray and what they must do in the future.