005 // Owen & the Australian Alps Walking Track

Rescued: An Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers

We all know the importance of having solid first aid skills when we head off into the bush. A good remote area first aid course not only gives us the technical know-how of what to do in an emergency, but confidence to step in and act when someone suffers an injury.

However, there’s something that first aid courses can’t really prepare us for that can leave us feeling vulnerable especially when travelling solo.

In this episode, I hear from experienced bushwalker, cross-country skier, runner and all round adventure traveller, Owen, on what happened during day 24 of the 650 km Australian Alps Walking trail when he found himself alone and pushing the SOS button.

Episode takeaways:

• The value of good planning
• To consider how to deal with medical emergencies in the bush, not just obvious first aid
• Being aware of the limitations of solo walking - not able to share the load of decision making and actions
• Value of testing and checking charge on satellite comms
• Making well thought out decisions in the middle of crisis
• Value of satellite comms and the SOS button
• Importance of finding closure after an incident