It was a beautiful sunny day in Yellowstone. We had just returned from a two-and-a-half mile hike to see Lone Star geyser. We then drove to see Old Faithful. As we walked across the parking lot, Amy became ill and began throwing up. Her eight-year-old brother pronounced, "Who needs Old Faithful, when we have Amy!" Fortunately, there was a doctor at Old Faithful Village who diagnosed Amy with dehydration and suggested drinking lots of fluids and sitting out for a day or two.
In any outdoor experience, it is important to anticipate potential problems.
Frequently check for hypothermia for individuals who have a spinal cord injury, decreased circulation, amputees, other mobility issues or older persons. Make sure they have enough insulating clothing on them, reduce their exposure to cold air or water, pay attention to weather and set up camp before nightfall.
For persons who are likely to get heat exhaustion (e.g., multiple sclerosis), increase their fluids, use a damp cloth to cool down, rest frequently and cancel the activity if too hot.
For individuals on a bowel or bladder program, maintain the same eating schedule and the same bowel/bladder routine.
Bring enough medication to last the duration of the trip plus three days extra (or an extra complete set). Events can happen like a vehicle breakdown or you have to wait for a storm to blow over. Make sure to stay on same medication and/or eating schedule.
Bring an extended family member or personal care attendant (PCA) especially when individual needs help with daily living tasks.
Everyone should maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water. Take the portable toilet along for those who may not want to drink because there are no bathroom facilities nearby.
Let other people know your route and your overnight locations. Consider carrying a mobile phone and know the location of the closest hospital.
The number one rule in any outdoor adventure is to consider safety. Evaluating your skills and knowledge by the following questions helps make the trip positive and memorable.
Do you possess the skills needed to handle this activity in this environment? Paddling skills, reading a river and identifying rocks, logs and barriers under the surface of the water.
Have you considered factors involved in this situation including a possible mishap? Finding shelter in case of a rain or lightening storm. Having a first aid kit and rain gear for everyone?
How many times have you done this activity before? Less than five? Try something simple and close to home like a picnic or setting up a tent in the backyard and spend the night out there. When you already have gone on several picnics (between 5 and 10 times), it might be time to expand your trip area and go for a little longer trip like an overnight trip at a local county park. If you have been picnicking and overnight camping close to home more than 10 times, you probably have a grasp of everyone's abilities and limitations for the activity and could attempt an extended weekend out of your home area.