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Dr Kate Baecher is a clinical psychologist specialising in trauma in high-risk or complex environments.
Behind all her training and experience serving with the military and working in civilian life supporting critical incidents, she is somebody deeply connected to nature, where the wild place is her happy place.
She joins me today, and shares about the time she witnessed the death of another climber while on a mountaineering holiday to Mont Blanc, on the border of France and Italy… and how that event led her to develop models for dealing with trauma and psychological first aid in remote and rugged environments.
She’ll walk us through those models and give us some really practical tools on how we can deal with traumatic incidents should we ever come across them when out on our adventures.
Contact Kate at:
https://drkatebaecher.com/
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My guest today has a long history of working and playing in some of the most rugged and remote parts of NSW. So, with a few days up his sleeve, a bit of research and the right kind of skills and experience behind him, he set off for another steep n’ deep trip through Kanangra Boyd National Park, bound for Katoomba on the traditional K2K route.
WARNING: The K2K route is described online as a classic 3 day trip in the southern Blue Mountains. This description was written before the fires and floods since 2019. It cannot be compared with other walks of a similar length such as the Six Foot Track, which is on well-defined management and fire trails. The K2K has always been a challenging walk that pushes the Australian Walking Track Grading System of 1-5, into an unofficial 6. That was then (before the fires) and now, it's an even more punishing route.
I've written about this route before with this rescue of Chini who shared her written story.
NPWS Alert re: K2K route
Heraclitus was a Greek philosopher, born around 500 BC. Now, I’m wondering if he was a bit of a bushwalker and a lover of nature, cos he’s the one who said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice. For it's not the same river and he's not the same man.”
He’s also the one credited with saying, “the only constant is change.”
Nowhere is this more evident than in nature: The turning of the seasons, the changes this brings in life cycles of plants and animals, erosion from weather, climate change, bushfires, my greying hair, you name it.
And for those of us who love being out on (or off) the track, it’s something that feels more obvious in recent years: there’s more people, more bushfires, weather events and landslides are changing the landscapes that we love to spend time in.
Learnings from this episode:
Having a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) as a critical part of your packing. The importance of having a 'place to go' within yourself (eg. meditation, mindfulness, faith, etc) when faced with a crisis, helping you remain calm and make wise decisions. The value of having past experience in similar terrain you expect to encounter. Just because a track is marked online or on apps, doesn't meant it exists in the landscape. Other than the official land manager apps (eg: NPWS App) data can be out of date and user reviews or descriptions extremely subjective. Apps like AllTrails, etc should be used in conjunction with other research and navigation skills. If it's been a while between longer or hard walks, consider your overall health from other factors.Helpful Links:
Episode 6 - PLBs and other satellite communication devices // My interview with Linda Berriman from AMSA (the AU govt agency responsible for rescues in Australia) Creatine Kinase (CK) testing -
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There’s something about the immense power of lightning that has fascinated cultures and people throughout the centuries.
How it behaves, how it moves through the sky and the force and damage that it can bring.
If news reports are anything to go by, it would be easy to think that being struck by lightning only happens to golfers or beach anglers.
My guest today is neither of those and shares her story of being struck by lightning while leading an outdoor activity on a school camp.
Checkout this resource from Outdoors NSW & ACT: https://www.outdoorsnswact.org/post/lightning-and-outdoor-activities-update
And here from Bushwalking Victoria's Bushwalking Manual.
Lessons for being around lightning:
Current advice based on Australian Standard Lightning protection AS 1768:2021; Clause 6.4.2. is: all outdoor activities should stop once thunder is heard, or in the event of weather tracking devices, the storm is 15 kilometres away regardless of the timing of the thunder and lightning. Understand the previous advice of the 30:30 rule and how that has changed If in a group, don't stay together - spread out Get down from high points like ridges and knolls-be low on the landscape Don't shelter in overhangs or caves Realise that 'taking shelter' means shelter from the lightning, not the rain Always check forecasts -
At just under 2000m, Mt Bogong is the highest peak in Victoria. It looms over the small township of Mount Beauty, not too far from Falls Creek, and is a classic multiday trip for bushwalkers - who don’t mind over 1200 metres of vertical ascent - or in snow - for keen backcountry skiers.
Sitting within what’s called the “Bogong Remote and Natural Area” of the Alpine National Park, it’s a place of great natural beauty, whatever the season, and for the well-prepared adventurer, a place of exceptional wildness and epic tales.
In this episode, experienced outdoorsy type, Hilary, takes us along on her journey snow camping and cross-country skiing, when her skis stopped moving forward… but her body kept going.
Download the transcript here.
Episode takeaways:
Importance of wearing a helmet skiing/snowboarding Adventuring with a group verus solo The importance of knowing how to manage environmental dangers (eg. cold) during first aid emergencies, how to warm someone up and keep them warm… and having the equipment to do so. The value of thoughtful planning and communication between those doing first aid and the patient The challenge of lifting/carrying a patient Hmmmm, fruit cake The trauma/stress experienced by first aiders - being able to look after themselves too The power of the green whistle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methoxyflurane The value of leaving keys with the car Realising that AU’s Medicare doesn’t cover ambulance or helicopter rescue. It’s different in each state so you need to do the research for your situation. Why having ambulance cover is essential Understanding what ‘back to normal’ can for outdoorsy folk vs ‘normal’ folk Understanding that wellness is a process and being realistic about what that means and being kind to yourself Injuries don’t just affect our physical bodyGlossary
Chook-footing = cross-country skiing (xc) or back-country Post holing = when you step on what you think is firm snow, but sink deep up to the knee or even higher. Exhausting over distance. Yard sale = when a skier or snowboarder crashes hard and all their gear goes everywhere. Skiis, poles, backpack. It looks like a yard (Aussie = garage) sale. AAWT = Australian Alps Walking Track DIN settings = is set on your ski bindings based on your skiing ability, weight, height, boot and conditions. It is the industry-adopted scale that allows your skis to release your boot when you crash (good, causing a yard sale) versus not releasing your ski which can exert extreme pressure and wonky angles on your body (bad). -
There is so much more to Mike Atkinson (aka Outback Mike) than what we saw of his 64 days, toughing it out in the wilds of Tassie’s west coast, on the first season of SBS’ Alone Australia (season 2 kicks off 27/3/23).
He’s been having epic expedition style adventures since his first long hike at 11 years old with his family and building towards his first solo trip, skiing from Mt Kosciusko to Canberra, aged 17.
Watching him on ALONE, I was drawn in by his problem solving and seemingly endless tinkering to build a better existence out in takayna/The Tarkine. As you’ll hear in this episode (and can read much more about in his book Modern Day Castaway), his ALONE canoe wasn’t his first.
In this ep we get to know a bit more about what drives this type of life and what it takes in the form of meticulous planning and testing, before committing to something that might cost him everything... and how he once made the decision to call for help.
BTS: If you listen carefully, you might hear aircraft in the background. Yep… if you’re going to be an Air Force pilot, you live near an airbase!
Download the transcript here.
Episode takeaways:
Why life is better with adventure How Mike approaches problem-solving and mitigating risk The value of calling for help early What a pilot sees from the air (tips for being visible) Decision-making in a crisis - how not to be ‘flappy’ The importance of satellite communication and the value of 2-way devices eg. ZOLEO, InReach, etc Choosing who will be your emergency contact When emotions can surprise you and how they could affect decision making Preparation and planning What adventurers can learn from pilots - making plans for every possible scenario, mental checklists and rehearsing them Mitigating rescue resources through smart planning The issue of sharing locations to ‘special spots’ on social media The down and UP sides of risk Why hardship is good for usLinks from this episode:
Mike’s website - outbackmike.com
Mike’s book - Modern Day Castaway
Timelapse video of Mike building his dugout canoe
Mike and his kids do the Snowies 10 Peaks Video
Thanks to sponsor Paddy Pallin
****Check out my 4 day (24-27 April) Intro to Navigation Retreat at Corinna, takayna/The Tarkine here.****
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What better way to wrap up 2023 and season 1 of the Rescued Podcast, than by loading you up with fresh stories and podcasts for your Aussie Summer Christmas road trip listening.
I'm delighted to introduce you to Ashley Saupe and her immense library of work on The Sharp End podcast.
Download the Transcript here
LINKS
The Sharp End - Episode 53 // The Sleeper Wave (Hawaii) - https://www.thesharpendpodcast.com/episode-53
The Sharp End - Episode 76 // Live with Arc’teryx Athlete Adam Campbell (avalanche) https://www.thesharpendpodcast.com/episode-76
The Sharp End - Episode 26 // Live with Quinn Brett (fall on El Capitan) https://www.thesharpendpodcast.com/episode-26
The Sharp End - Episode 49 // Life & Death with Charlie Sassara and Jack Tackle (rockfall and leaving to get help) https://www.thesharpendpodcast.com/episode-49
https://www.thesharpendpodcast.com/sharp-end-merchandise
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In what must be the most basic of human fears, James woke up to find himself buried alive.
Outside, the wind buffeted the Main Range, out past Mt Kosciusko, but all was quiet inside his cosy, white snow cave.
In this episode of Rescued, we hear from James and his mate Dylan, as they talk about their two very different experiences of this epic backcountry adventure and how escape was just the beginning.
Sincere thanks to James for sharing his very personal story.
Thanks to sponsor Paddy Pallin
Transcript and show notes TBC at https://lotsafreshair.com/category/podcast/
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We venture into wild places to get away from it all.
But when it comes to calling for help, letting someone know that we’re delayed or even just giving our loved ones peace of mind, we have to rely on satellite communication methods - because mobile phone coverage often doesn’t reach to where we want to go.
In this episode, I speak with Linda Berryman from AMSA (that’s the Australian Maritime Safety Authority) in Canberra.
We do a deep dive into Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), along with 2-way communication devices (such as Zoleo, InReach or SPOT trackers). And yep, we also talk about the satellite capability with the iPhone 14 and some other very exciting technology that is just around the corner.
Visit the AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) website
If you accidentally activate your beacon, call: 1800 641 792
Other AMSA Contacts
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We all know the importance of having solid first aid skills when we head off into the bush. A good remote area first aid course not only gives us the technical know-how of what to do in an emergency, but confidence to step in and act when someone suffers an injury.
However, there’s something that first aid courses can’t really prepare us for that can leave us feeling vulnerable especially when travelling solo.
In this episode, I hear from experienced bushwalker, cross-country skier, runner and all round adventure traveller, Owen, on what happened during day 24 of the 650 km Australian Alps Walking trail when he found himself alone and pushing the SOS button.
Episode takeaways:
The value of good planning To consider how to deal with medical emergencies in the bush, not just obvious first aid Being aware of the limitations of solo walking - not able to share the load of decision making and actions Value of testing and checking charge on satellite comms Making well thought out decisions in the middle of crisis Value of satellite comms and the SOS button Importance of finding closure after an incident -
Closer to Morocco than Madrid, the resort town of Nerja on Spain's southern coastline, draws visitors to its beaches, historic caves and mountainous national park that surrounds it.
In this episode, experienced hiker Jane takes us high up into the Rio Chilla, a beautiful, clear water walk-in canyon that's popular with families and tourists with a name that translates as "Screaming River".
It's a trip that should have taken about 4 hours. But as you'll hear, took much, much more. Well-prepared and loaded with research, Jane shares her story of what she learned from a long, painful and lonely night when she found herself waking up to a dog licking her face, the threat of wild boar and what items she's added to her packing list since.
Her story highlights the value of:
research telling someone where you’re going choosing a hike to suit the plan taking the right gear / being well prepared acting fast to put on your warm layers using a whistle to try and attract attention keeping calm and using strategies to pass time/distract from pain the value of satellite communications adding an emergency blanket to a packing listVisit the website for transcript.
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In 2020 over 3.7 million people from Australia and overseas visited the Blue Mountains - The most visited National Park in New South Wales. They're drawn to the dramatic clifftop views, deep valleys and diverse habitats that stretch over the 1 million hectares of this world Heritage sandstone plateaux, a landscape that is constantly being carved by water and reveals itself through waterfalls and canyons.
Today, I have the honour of welcoming back to the podcast Matthew U’Brien, who in the last episode shared his powerful story of life within his 17 year policing career.
Most of that was in Police Rescue in the Blue Mountains, and now his challenging journey outside, where he's advocating for better mental health outcomes for emergency services, first responders. If you haven't listened to that episode, I strongly recommend you do that first. So pop out and then return back here.
In this episode, Matt's going to take us inside Empress Canyon, the most popular of the Blue Mountains canyons, when during a regular day at work, he found himself moving from rescuer to needing rescue.
Today, he’s on a different journey, one that comes as a consequence of his years spent serving the community, often being alongside people on the worst day of their lives. This year will see him travel 2,400 km from the Lambert centre of Australia (Heart of Country), to Parliament House in Canberra (Heart of Nation), with a critical message for our Country’s leaders.
He is host of the Heart to Heart Walk Podcast, where we hear stories from current and past emergency services workers and look at the critical issue of first responder mental health.
The podcast is part of the Heart to Heart Walk project that we hear about in our episode.
You can get in touch with Matt here.
Language Warning.
The content in this episode may be confronting and difficult for some listeners; it includes issues of PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicide and trauma. Remember, if you need help, reach out by Googling ‘Mental Health Helpline’ in your area.
In Australia, you can call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14 or visit BeyondBlue.org.au.
Further urgent help and information for first responders can be found at Phoenix Australia.
Thanks to Sponsor // Paddy Pallin Rescued Podcast main photo // Ben Cirulis and fotografija.com.au Nature SFX // freesound.org [Kangaroo Vindaloo and Monkey Pants] -
Matt U’Brien’s story is powerful.
During his 17-year policing career (mostly within the Police Rescue Squad), he’s done literally hundreds of rescues and saved countless lives whilst risking his own.
What’s unique about Matt, is that during this time he also found himself in the critical position of needing to be rescued himself.
For this, and many more reasons, I’ve asked him to join me for a special double episode to share his experiences from both sides of the rescue coin.
We talk about what led him to join Police Rescue, his love of the bush and canyoning, and some of his insights from years of helping out people like you and me, who just love being in nature. Oh, and if you’re squeamish about your family jewels, you might want to stop listening between 19:30-21:00.
Today, he’s on a different journey, one that comes as a consequence of his years spent serving the community, often being alongside people on the worst day of their lives. This year will see him travel 2,400 km from the Lambert centre of Australia (Heart of Country), to Parliament House in Canberra (Heart of Nation), with a critical message for our Country’s leaders.
You can connect with Matt and his podcast at https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk
And the Heart 2 Heart Walk at https://www.heart2heartwalk.org/
Check out the current work of the Blue Mountains Police Rescue Squad at https://www.facebook.com/BlueMtnsPoliceRescue
To learn more about what to take on a hike and loads of helpful tips and tricks, visit my website: lotsafreshair.com where you can also download free packing lists for day and overnight hikes.
Or head over to my YouTube channel for over 100 videos on how-to’s and where-to’s.
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The content in this episode may be confronting and difficult for some listeners; it includes issues of PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicide and trauma. Remember, if you need help to reach out by Googling ‘Mental Health Helpline’ in your area.
In Australia, you can call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14 or visit BeyondBlue.org.au.
Further urgent help and information for first responders can be found at Phoenix Australia.
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Sponsor // Paddy Pallin
Rescued Podcast main photo // Ben Cirulis and fotografija.com.au
Nature SFX // freesound.org [Kangaroo Vindaloo and Monkey Pants]
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When we hear the whisper to step off the concrete, away from the built environment and into the bush, we step into a world and a place that speaks to the very heart of what it means to be alive.
These places, away from the constraints and controls that are part of our day-to-day lives, connect us to a place that is proven to be fuel for our bodies and the salve for our souls.
By walking away from the cement, we open ourselves up to the proven benefits to our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health; but in doing so, we also expose ourselves to environments, places and conditions that require a keen sense of risk and a whole bunch of skills to keep us safe and enjoying these places for many years to come.
It’s in these places, full of wildness and joy, that we can also find ourselves facing unexpected and unplanned-for situations, even leading us to the edge of life itself.
Rescued is a podcast of conversations with rescuers and those who’ve been rescued. It’s about the lessons we learn about ourselves, the places we go and why - without judgement - to help us have better adventures, manage risk and deal with the unexpected.
So whether you’re an armchair traveller or a multiday expeditioner, the Rescued Podcast exists to help us all connect with nature, the outdoors community and learn from those who’ve gone before.
I’m Caro Ryan from LotsaFreshAir.com - a hiking and bushwalking website and YouTube channel, started in 2012, to help inspire people to spend time adventuring, teach them how to go there safely and then encourage them to do so, looking after themselves, their mates and this incredible planet that we live on.
I invite you to join me and my guests, as they share about the time when things went wrong: what happened, what they learned and how we can stop these things from happening again.
I’ll be chatting with weekend adventurers and everyday nature-lovers, people just like you and me, along with a variety of people from emergency services and supporting organisations, like those involved in training, equipment, research and academia, lending a different perspective for incidents in these wild places we love to visit.
So join me on Rescued: An Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers, wherever you get your podcasts.
The Rescued Podcast is produced on the unceded lands of the Gundungurra and Dharug people, of the Blue Mountains of NSW. I pay my respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge their enduring connection to and care for Country.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Paddy Pallin and to Jen Brown for production support.
This has been a LotsaFreshAir production.
