Every year bushwalkers are killed or injured in the bush so the
dangers should not be underestimated.
Coping with the Unexpected
Navigation in the Bush
A basic bushwalk guide may be all that is needed for day trips,
but more detailed maps are necessary for longer walks. For the
Blue Mountains near settled areas, the 1:25000 scale topographic
maps titled "Jamison", "Katoomba", "Kurrajong",
"Mt. Wilson", "Penrith" and "Springwood"
are suitable for most purposes. These are available from most
outdoor/camping shops.
Basic map reading and navigation skills are invaluable in an
emergency. At a minimum know how to use the eastings and northings
marked along the edges of maps. This will enable you to quote
accurate grid references to rescuers. References to basic map
reading skills are given in Section 10.
Carry and know how to use a compass – a combined compass
and protractor is best.
Don’t venture into remote areas without advising the National
Parks’ office of your plans.
Don’t start off on long walks during serious bushfire danger
periods.
First Aid
A first aid kit is an "essential" for anyone using
the bush regularly. A basic first aid kit – a "Hiker’s
Kit" - can be obtained from the Red Cross for about $36.
But you need to know how to use the items!
If you regularly use the bush, a basic first aid course is worth
considering.
Snake and Spider Bites
Most bites occur on the arms or legs and the basic treatment
for both snake bite and bites from funnel-web or mouse spiders
is similar.
A firm bandage should be applied over the bite followed by a
second firm bandage over the whole limb starting from the fingers
or toes.
The limb should be immobilized by binding to a splint, such
as a strong tree limb, or, for bites on fingers or forearm,
by placing the arm in a sling.
To assist medical personnel, the snake or spider should be identified
(at least record its description) and, if it can be done safely,
the spider should be captured.
For other spider bites, it is usually sufficient to apply an
ice pack...but seek medical attention if the symptoms persist.
Note…the above is no substitute for proper first-aid
training
Courses
St Johns Ambulance Australia
1st Floor, 354 High St, Penrith, 2750
02-4732-1318
Australian Red Cross
Level 1, 59-61 Station St, Penrith, 2750
02-4721-1230
Survival First Response (Aust)
P.O.Box 45, Hazelbrook, 2779
02-4758-8944.
In an Emergency
Life-threatening Situations
Dial 000 for Ambulance, Police and Fire Brigade.
Other Emergencies
If you have become lost or if you have friends who are overdue,
contact Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue by calling
016 020 and ask the operator to send a message to
Pager No. 277 321.
Leave your name and phone number.
Collecting from the Bush
Collecting of any material from National Parks, Forests,
Crown Lands and Council Lands without a permit is illegal. Collecting
from private land requires the owner’s permission.
Firewood, Rock and Logs
Firewood can sometimes be collected from State Forests but only
upon issue of a permit by State Forests NSW. Permits will indicate
the limits on type, size and quantity of wood.
The use of weathered sandstone for garden structures destroys
habitat for small animals and deprives the area of any chance
for soil development. Because of the demand for the material,
illegal collection undoubtedly occurs from National Parks and
other areas of publicly owned bushland. Bushrock can be legally
collected ONLY from private land but, even then, the environmental
impact is the same.
Choose alternative materials of lesser environmental impact...e,g
treated pine logs or concrete products.
If alternatives are not suitable, only buy rock from a reputable
supplier.
When bushrock is disturbed during construction, try to re-integrate
it back into the landscape in a natural way once construction
is finished.
Weathered logs can also make an interesting feature in a bush-style
garden but these are also used by animals as shelter. Logs should
only be obtained by "rescuing" them from areas being
cleared for development.
Plants and Plant Material
Picking of flowers prevents plants from producing seed and can
hinder natural regeneration. Collection of seed or fruits has
the same result.
Collection of plant stems for use as propagating material as
cuttings, is less serious environmentally. However, it can allow
diseases to be transmitted to plant populations through the use
of undisinfected secateurs or knives.
Illegal or Dangerous Activities
National Park officers have a lot of territory to patrol and
they can’t be everywhere. You can help protect natural areas
by reporting:
- Damaged or missing locks or damaged fences or gates.
- Abandoned vehicles, defaced Aboriginal sites, damaged buildings.
- Illegal activities such as use of firearms, dumping, use of
unregistered vehicles, removal of bushrock or plants or cultivation
of marijuana (it’s safe to assume that these plants are
not growing naturally!).
If you are unsure which authority controls the area or activity
you wish to report, contact Blue Mountains City Council.
Blue Mountains City Council
PO Box 189, Katoomba, 2780
02-4782-0777