American Red Cross offers Hiking and Camping Safety Tips and Training

Newton, NJ, July 20, 2009 - Hiking and camping provide exercise and interest for people of any age. Just getting out and walking around is a wonderful way to see nature. Since unexpected things happen, however, the best way to help guarantee a good time for all is to plan ahead carefully and follow commonsense safety precautions. In addition to being trained by the American Red Cross in First Aid and CPR following are some helpful tips from the American Red Cross to be prepared and stay safe this summer.

• If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before departing.

• Review the equipment, supplies and skills that you'll need. Consider what emergencies could arise and how you would deal with those situations. What if you got lost, or were unexpectedly confronted by an animal? What if someone became ill or injured? What kind of weather might you encounter? Add to your hiking checklist the supplies you would need to deal with these situations.

• Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, set up a temporary shelter or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance.

• If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition before setting out. If you plan to climb or travel to high altitudes, make plans for proper acclimatization to the altitude.

• It's safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If you'll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out.

• Some areas require you to have reservations or certain permits. If an area is closed, do not go there. Find out in advance about any regulations--there may be rules about campfires or guidelines about wildlife.

• Pack emergency signaling devices, and know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.

• Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the weather you've anticipated and when you plan to return.

• Get trained in American Red Cross First Aid before starting out! See below for a listing of upcoming training classes.

• Always allow for bad weather and for the possibility that you may be forced to spend a night outdoors unexpectedly.

• It's a good idea to assemble a separate "survival pack" for each hiker to have at all times. In a small waterproof container, place a pocket knife, compass, whistle, space blanket, nylon filament, water purification tablets, matches and candle. With these items, the chances of being able to survive in the wild are greatly improved.

Upcoming Red Cross training classes include:

On Thursday, July 23rd, and Monday, August 17th, a First Aid course will be offered from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. This course is intended to teach lay responders the knowledge and skills necessary to give care in an emergency, help sustain life and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until medical help arrives. The fee is $45.00.

On Saturday, July 25th an Adult CPR/AED course will be offered from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. This course is also being offered on Tuesday, August 11th from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. The course imparts the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care for breathing emergencies, perform CPR, and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to save victims of sudden cardiac arrest. The fee is $50.00.

On Saturday August 15th a Babysitter’s Training course is being offered from 9:00am to 3:30pm. The Babysitter’s Training course has a unique interactive, educational format that tasks youth, ages 11 – 15 years of age, with activities such as identifying safety problems around the house and yard and selecting age-appropriate toys and games for children in their care. The fee for this course is $65.00

On Saturday, August 22nd from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, an Infant and Child CPR class will be offered. Attendees will learn the skills needed to provide care for infants and children in the case of breathing emergencies, and perform CPR. The fee is $55.00

Classes will be held at the Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross located at 93 Spring Street in Newton. Contact the Health and Safety Department at (973) 579-1600, or you can register and pay online at www.sussexredcross.org . Visit this site for directions and information on these and other upcoming Red Cross courses. The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization that shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.