This is Otama!

Camping at Otama

Camping at Otama

4 Types of People

Camping at Otama Water Water is distributed around the camp, taps are located on stands. A tank of filtered drinking water is located on the right hand side of the driveway just before the start of the hill up to the office. Toilets Longdrop toilets are provided for those without chemical toilets. There is a chemical toilet dump station available behind the woolshed, access to this is through the gates on the left just after the main bridge.

Camping at Otama Rubbish A recycling depot is located by the stockyards. It can take glass, aluminium cans, milk bottles and some plastics. Bagged non-recyclable rubbish can placed along side the recycling depot. All rubbish bags must be blue council approved bags. These can be bought from the office ($2.00 each).

Camping Risks / Management While we are away on camp the following areas are the main risks that we will need to be aware of and apply safety strategies to. Hypothermia Burns Injuries Drowning Getting Lost Sun Burn / Overexposure

Hypothermia The major risk that exists with us while camping is Hypothermia Even though it is still warm during the day the nights are getting colder and add getting wet to this and it could be a major issue.

Hypothermia Hypothermia is defined as having a core body temperature less than 35 degrees Celsius (normal temp is 37 degrees) Hypothermia causes: Prolonged exposure to cold weather. Inadequate clothing. Immersion in water.

Hypothermia Hypothermia Symptoms by Body Temperature Celsius Fahrenheit Description Symptoms 37 98.6 No hypothermia Below 35 95 Definition of hypothermia N/A 32 to 35 89.6 to 95 Mild hypothermia Shivering, Lethargy, Apathy, Confusion Rapid heart rate 28 to 32 82.4 to 89.6 Moderate hypothermia Shivering stops, Increased confusion or delirium, Slowing heart rate; may be come irregular Below 28 Below 82.4 Severe hypothermia Coma, Ventricular fibrillation, May appear deceased 20 68   Brain activity stops

Hypothermia Prevention: 1. Bring along, and have with you at all times, warm clothing. Make sure you have clothing that will not lose its insulating properties when wet. The primary offender is cotton; wool is much better, as are many kinds of synthetic fleece. When layering your clothing, make sure each layer is larger than the layer it's on top of. Avoid tight-fitting clothing - including footwear

Hypothermia Prevention: 2.Drink a lot of water. - Avoid caffeine and nicotine, which also exacerbate dehydration 3.Eat plenty of food, especially carbohydrates. Eat small amounts frequently rather than large amounts infrequently. 4.Keep an eye on each other for signs of hypothermia, and treat early

Burns There are two main types of burns that we need to be aware of when camping. These are: Burns from cooking equipment Sun Burn

Burns / Management Burns from cooking equipment Sun Burn Ensure equipment is suitable and instructions are followed Have a designated cooking area Practice using equipment before we go Sun Burn Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap

Injuries / Management These will come about as a result of the uneven surfaces that are present at camp. It may also be because people will want to be active and this can lead to these. Use footwear if and when necessary and choose carefully where you are involved to minimise issues.

Drowning / Management This will come about if you leave the group and go swimming without teacher supervision. You can manage this by asking a teacher to supervise you swimming or by not getting into the water.

Getting Lost / Management This should only eventuate if you leave the boundaries that have been defined. Or you may lose your way in the dark. Make sure that you stay in the areas you have been told and use a torch / take a buddy. If you are unsure of where you are stay put until we come to find you.

EQUIPMENT CHECK!!!!! Make sure that you have your gear all sorted before the trip as you need to bring it into class to have it checked off. You will also need the equipment that your group will be using (cooker and pots / pans) If you forget to get it sorted you will jeopardise your chances of coming on the trip!

Groups and Menu Get yourself into groups of 3-4. You will need to sort out a menu of some description between your group and get the appropriate items. Remember that you will need to have food for Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch plus snacks!

Your Group Will Need: In your Group you will need the following items: 2 cookers Pots and Pans Food as per your menu A lighter / matches (in water proof container)

Appropriate Foods Food items that are good to use include: Canned food (heat and eat) Just add water food (purchased at rebel sport) Noodles Muesli Bars Sandwiches Snack food

In case something happens The procedure is as follows: Let one of the teacher’s know what has happened so we can work out the best approach to deal with it. If you are cold during the night and cannot warm up then you will need to let us know. If you do not speak up we cannot help you.