Although walking is a relatively low-risk activity, here is some advice about keeping FRR members as safe as possible, and how to respond if an incident occurs.
The vast majority of walks are incident-free, but sometimes things can go wrong. Someone may trip and fall or start to feel unwell, and in rare cases you may be faced with a serious emergency. These are the safeguards we advise.
FIRST AID
- We encourage all walkers to carry there own personal mini kit (or “ouch pouch”) which might include blister plasters (Compeed), latex-free plasters for scratches or grazes, antiseptic wipes, dressings, tic removers, painkillers, antihistamines (for insect bites), and any personal medication.
- Walk Leaders carry a first aid kit which includes emergency foil blanket, triangular and woven bandages, tape, safety pins, plasters, antiseptic wipes, scissors, eye vial, sterile eye wash,
- Sunscreen and insect repellent for hot summer days are recommended.
- All walkers should carry an ICE card in their rucksack. Also we recommend setting up your mobile phone with your emergency contact details and register your phone to work for emergency text when no signal is available by texting 999. See our guide here ICE Guide
- Install one of these free phone apps – to access first aid advice St. John Ambulance or the The Red Cross
It is a shared responsibility to help in an emergency. We therefore encourage everyone to brush up on your first aid skills in order to confidently assist in an emergeny rather than rely on the walk leaders.
Some useful online resources
St Johns Ambulance You Tube videos
Learn CPR by the British Heart Foundation
Using a Defibrillator by the British Heart Foundation
The more walkers can help the better, either finding the location, first aid or helping people back to the coach/car. We aim to set-up a first aid talk at our AGM in January.
LOCATION
Leaders must be able to identify their location incase a walk needs to be redirected and or the emergency services need to be called. These free apps are recommended
What3Words – every 3m square worldwide has a unique identity to show your location
OS Maps – will turn your GPS location to OS national grid reference
If a serious accident occurs:
- Dial 999 or 112. If reception is poor you can text 999 (you need to pre-register your phone by texting register to 999)
CATTLE OR OTHER ANIMALS
Sometimes on our walks we go through farmers fields which may have cows, sheep, or horses present. This may seem intimidating to some, so we have a few pointers to make this as safe as possible, as guided by the Ramblers association.
- Before entering the field with cattle check if the animals have any calves with them. Cows with calves are the most common cause of problems for walkers.
- Keep a good distance from them. If they are on the path then you are allowed to walk around them. If you are on open access land then you can walk across with field to give them plenty of room.
- Walk quickly and quietly. Animals in a field may try and approach, especially groups of cows which could be quite intimidating. If you try to run away then they may run after you.
- Do not approach any animals or feed them. Animals have strict diets especially horses, so feeding them could be harmful.
- Leave any gates as you find them. Close any gates that you have opened, but leave any gates that were open originally.
- The biggest risk is walking with your dog near cattle so always keep your dog on a lead as close to you as possible. It is an offense to not keep your dogs under control when walking in a field with cattle, especially important near sheep, as they may chase, worry or harm them. If cattle are running towards you and you feel you are in danger then let your dog off the lead. Your dog will run to safety and this will calm the situation with the cattle.