National Rescue Awareness Week is Here to Help Prepare for Adventure

 

Did you know less than half of Aussies know what to do in an outdoor emergency situation? National Rescue Awareness Week hopes to change that.

Leading safety brand GME and Australian survival expert Michael Atkinson, AKA Outback Mike, have joined forces to launch the inaugural National Rescue Awareness Week to raise awareness of the importance of proper outdoor safety and communication.

‘Australians have a strong sense of adventure. We love to explore but there’s a common misconception that as long as we’re exploring close to home, we’re safe’, says Mike.

‘We aim to equip Australians with the essential skills and knowledge needed to handle emergencies effectively and safely’, he says.

Mike’s no stranger to solo survival situations

Why do we need National Rescue Awareness Week?

According to a study of 1000 Australians, 8 out of 10 of us are looking to get outdoors for more adventure, but less than half of Aussies (49%) know how to contact someone without a phone, and only 41% of us know what to do in an outdoor emergency situation. 

Australians’ general lack of basic survival skills is also worryingly low. Only 36% of Aussies know how to find north without a compass and less than a third (31%) would be capable of finding drinkable water in the bush. Only a quarter of us can light a fire without matches or a lighter.

Read more: How to Make an Awesome Campfire (Without Matches)

‘Understanding basic survival principles is vital whether you’re exploring on land or sea. Planning your route, carrying the right gear – like a GME personal locator beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and staying calm in an emergency, can be the difference between making it home or not’, says Mike. 

Survival & Rescue Essentials Guide

Together, GME and Mike have created a survival preparation guide featuring four key steps to safe travel.

1. Pack the Right Equipment

This includes having enough drinking water, a communication device that works outside of mobile reception, fire lighting tools, and a first aid kit.

If you’re leaving mobile reception, make sure to carry a PLB or other communication device

2. Plan Your Route

Have your paths and trails mapped out, study potential hazards, and understand the weather conditions. Also check mobile coverage in the area.

3. Communicate Your Plans

Let a friend or family member know your trip details, including the route and expected return time.

4. Keep Calm in an Emergency

It’s important to remain calm if you find yourself in danger or require assistance. Do this by taking a few deep breaths and then assessing your situation. Panic clouds judgement and impairs decision-making. Assess what you have available to help and priorities your survival needs in relation to protection, location, food, and water.

About GME

GME is a 100% Australian-owned, family company that’s been an industry leader in communication technology for over 60 years. It’s the only Australian manufacturer of UHF CB radios and emergency beacon products.

Images supplied by GME