Citation

Brookes A. Aust. J. Outdoor Educ. 2003; 7(2): 34-42.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Outdoor Council of Australia)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper, the second in a series, presents a partial analysis of outdoor education fatalities in Australia. It examines outdoor education related fatalities in Australia in the period 1960- 2002 with a view to understanding how fatality prevention measures can be improved. The fatal incidents are reviewed from the perspectives of supervision, first aid, and rescue. The paper draws attention to particular supervision considerations around water, to the special case of unsupervised teenage boys around moving water or cliffs, and to the importance of planning for the possibility of the death of one or more supervisors. The analysis found evidence that underlines the importance of frequent CPR practice, but little to suggest that inadequate first aid had been a factor in any death. The study emphasises the importance of planning to ensure that medical aid can be obtained promptly, and presents a number of imperatives relating to rescue using a group’s own resources, or with outside assistance.