Western Australia Police Academy
This Western Australia Police Academy publication has been written and compiled by Sergeant Bert O’Meagher APM, Co-ordinator of Land Operations Training at the Western Australia Police Academy in collaboration with Dennis Reid and Dr Ross Harvey MBBS Dobst RCOG.
The Police Land Operations Training Unit was introduced to provide members of the Western Australia Police Service with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties in outback Western Australia and to enable them to co-ordinate or participate in emergency operations and advise on safe outback travel. The unit is concerned with the education of interested community groups and individuals.
Originally the book was produced to provide members of the Western Australia Police Service with a locally produced source of reference for use in training and for dissemination to the public. To this end the book has proved to be extremely successful, this being the 17th edition with over 370,000 copies being distributed since its introduction in 1979.
The book is required reading for several community groups, youth organisations, education institutions and industry trainers throughout Western Australia.
A dedicated group of community minded individuals and organisations have contributed information and items. Their efforts and contributions are much appreciated, they include - Peter Bindon [W A Museum]. Vern Delgado. Ronele and Eric Gard. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award [WA]. The Royal Lifesaving Society [WA]. St John Ambulance [WA]. Red Cross [WA]. Senior Constable Ian Thomson and Sergeant Phil Ramsay of the WA Police Service.
Thanks are also extended to the staff and students of classes conducted by the Police Land Operations Training Unit and members of the community of Western Australia who have provided valuable comments and feedback.
The book is available free of charge and is offered as an ongoing service in the interest of community safety and security. The contents are not subject to copyright and there are no restrictions on copying in any form by interested individuals and groups.
A copy of this publication has been deposited in the Australian National Library.
ISBN: 0-646-36303-4
C. DAWSON.
ACTING SUPERINTENDENT.
PRINCIPAL.
WA POLICE ACADEMY.
1-Nov.-1998
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFE OUTBACK TRAVEL
PRIOR PREPARATION AND PLANNING
VEHICLE SELECTION
VEHICLE, TOOL & RECOVERY KITS
DRIVING TIPS
HANDY HINTS
OUTBACK SURVIVAL
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SURVIVAL
ACTIONS BY SURVIVORS
PERSONAL SURVIVAL KIT
EMERGENCY PACK
WATER
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER TO SURVIVAL
METHODS OF WATER PROCUREMENT
WATER PURIFICATION
SHELTER
TYPES OF SHELTERS
WARMTH
FIRELIGHTING WITHOUT MATCHES
FOOD
LIVING OFF THE LAND
FOOD SOURCES
SNARING ANIMALS
ANIMAL BUTCHERY
PREPARATION OF GAME FOR COOKING
EDIBLE PLANTS
THE TASTE TEST FOR PLANT EDIBILITY
SOME COMMON TYPES OF EDIBLE VEGETATION
DIRECTION FINDING
NAVIGATING AT NIGHT WITHOUT A COMPASS
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
PROCEDURE IF LOST
ELECTRONIC SAFETY AIDS
EMERGENCY SIGNALS
BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL
RIVER CROSSINGS
APPRECIATIONS
METHODS OF CROSSING CREEKS AND RIVERS
BUSH FIRST AID
CONDITIONS
FRACTURES
FRACTURES OF THE SPINE
SPRAINS
HEAD INJURY
BURNS AND SCALDS
BLEEDING
PAIN
HYSTERIA
ASPHYXIA
INSECT BITES
SNAKE BITE
CUTS AND ABRASIONS
BLISTERS
SPLINTERS
CARE OF FEET
CASUALTY ACTION
HYPOTHERMIA
FROST BITE
HYPERTHERMIA
SALT DEPLETION
INDIVIDUAL FIRST AID KIT
BASE/VEHICLE FIRST AID KIT
DEALING WITH DEATH
NAVIGATION
MAP READING
NAVIGATION ROUTE PLAN
GRID REFERENCES
MEASURING DISTANCES ON A MAP
THE POINTS OF A COMPASS
NORTH POINTS
THE SILVA COMPASS
MAGNETIC VARIATION
CONTOURS
DRAWING A SECTION
PREDICTING WALKING TIME
SETTING THE COMPASS TO WALK ON A MAGNETIC BEARING
TO TAKE A MAGNETIC BEARING
BACK BEARINGS
ALTERING DIRECTION TO AVOID AN OBSTACLE
COMPASS ERRORS
COMPASS RESECTIONS
BUSHWALKING
THE ROLE OF EXPEDITIONS
EXPEDITION LEADERSHIP
PRE-WALK CONSIDERATIONS
PRACTICAL BUSHWALKING
JOURNAL WRITING
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
PRINCIPLES OF MINIMUM IMPACT CAMPING
FOOD AND COOKING
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
PERSONAL AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
INDIVIDUAL CAMPING EQUIPMENT
GROUP CAMPING EQUIPMENT
EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT CHECK LIST
PACKING AND LOAD CARRYING
CAMPCRAFT
HYGIENE
NOTES
FEEDBACK
Adequate preparation before undertaking a journey or accepting employment in the outback will lessen the chance of jeopardising human life. There have been many cases where loss of life has resulted from a lack of foresight into the problems involved.
There are a number of things to be considered before starting to pack for your trip, these are linked to the premise that -
Note:
Prior Preparation And Planning Prevents Poor Performance.
The equipment you are taking must be serviceable and sufficient for the trip. Allow additional equipment if in doubt. Maps should cover the entire area of the trip.
For close range communication between vehicles a citizen band UHF or VHF radio may be used, however for long range communication a HF radio or satellite communication device is essential.
A map study should be done to ascertain the following:
· Is it accessible by vehicle or by foot?
· Where are the fuel and water source's en route?
· What is the best route?
· What aids to navigation will you have?
· What alternate route could you use if necessary?
· What positions of evacuation are available?
· Where are the local inhabitants?
The Western Australian bush is very monotonous with very few landmarks and a lack of signposts on outback roads. Be wary of spoken directions as they can be misinterpreted and the wrong track easily taken. In the absence of an official map, try to obtain a rough map drawn on paper with as many landmarks as possible indicated showing the necessary distances.
Mark your position on the map as you proceed so you can pin-point your location at any given time. Do confirm your position at every opportunity.
The weather must be considered as many road conditions vary according to the local rainfall. You should be aware of the changes of season in the area of your trip, this will ensure that you are going at the best time of year.
You should consider carefully the time and space you are allowing for your trip.
· When are you leaving?
· How long will it take?
· Where do you propose stopping to camp?
· When will you arrive?
· Have you allowed a safety margin in case of minor mishaps?
You should learn as much about the country you are to travel, as possible. This will assist you if you have to survive in it. Things to study would be:
· Native Foods
· Water Sources
· Local Problems
Before leaving on a journey through remote areas always notify either friends, relatives, station owners or police of the following information -
Don't forget to notify those concerned once you have safely completed the journey.
Selection of a suitable vehicle for safe outback travel will rely on the load that you are going to carry. As well as major items of fuel, food and water you may also be carrying camping equipment, cooking gear, vehicle spares, tools, recovery equipment, an extra spare tyre and passengers. If you choose to travel 'off road' you will need to be sure your vehicle can withstand the harsh and rugged conditions you will encounter.
Your vehicle will not only be your means of transport but if you are travelling 'off road' it will be your home and of course your biggest aid to survival should something unforeseen happen to you. As such it must be in first class mechanical condition. If you are not a mechanic it is best to take the vehicle to one who specialises in this type of vehicle. Explain the nature of your trip and have them go over the vehicle from top to bottom. Short courses in vehicle maintenance are offered by most community, TAFE Colleges, etc.
To carry the intended load you will probably need to install a roof rack. Buy only from a reputable manufacturer who specialises in your type of vehicle.
These are considered necessary by some people for rocky creek crossings, etc. They can be a problem in spinifex country as after only a few kilometres' spinifex packs tightly under the plate and creates a definite fire hazard.
These are not essential items for off-road travel but they can be good value should you be unlucky enough to hit a kangaroo or other large animal.
Some spinifex grows to a height of nearly 2m and the seeds can be drawn into the radiator. At least 3 layers of fibreglass wire netting should be placed over the front of the vehicle.
It is good planning to carry at least 5 litres of water in a plastic garden spray for spinifex and grass fires as well as an extinguisher suitable for electrical or fuel fires.
It is important to discuss your tyres with your local tyre dealer before your trip. Ensure you have the right tyres for the task. Eight ply radials are recommended as a minimum for off‑road use. Two spares plus an additional 2 tubes should be carried.
It is easier to change a tyre on a ...
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