Episode #23
023 // Brendan's underwater on the Mitchell River
One of the things about white water adventures, like kayaking, rafting or canoeing, is that element of the unknown; the power of nature - being carried along - while using all your skills and expertise to read what’s happening under the water or maybe changed since the last time you ran a particular rapid. But all that’s only part of the story in this episode… (which is a bit longer than usual(, as my generous guest, Brendan, takes us deep into gorge country along the Mitchell River and dives into what it took for him to get back out on the water and the importance of surrounding yourself with good people, not only when we’re out doing things we love and something goes wrong, but when we need help to get back on the bike again and might not know how to ask. Learnings from this episode... and more! The value of a satellite communication device (eg. PLB) or a SEND (2-way) communication device. The importance of good first aid skills and experience. Carrying a well-stocked first aid kit and knowing how to use it. Having a way to light a fire and manage environmental cold They had extra food which could have sustained them longer if needed Having spare, dry clothes in a waterproof bag The whistle that Brendan mentions is a Fox 40 Whistle (links to Paddy Pallin) The importance that they had laminated copies of the map, so could plan and scope exit points to raise the alarm. Importance of wearing bright clothes/having bright items to draw attention. He’s since bought a Sol emergency bivvy (warmth and bright orange) links to Wild Earth The awareness of how time extends or shrinks when dealing with an incident How being able to drive a manual car can be an unexpected skill we need Travel with your wallet and phone on a helicopter if evacuated Understanding that helicopters may not be able to take anyone else or your backpack/gear Check ambulance cover for your state and that you are visiting. Medicare does not cover helicopter evacuation/rescue. Understanding the psychological healing that needs to happen outside of the physical - it’s not just physio and doctors, but counsellors can be important too The immense value in debriefing afterwards with those involved in an incident (lessons learnt, what you’d change, what you did well) Importance of leaving detailed trip intention forms with dependable people Value of adventuring with good people and knowing their skills/how they react in crisis - why clubs or other organisations can be important, rather than random meetups with strangers Importance of good preparation in all aspects of outdoor activities Leave a review for the chance to win from Paddy Pallin // Each episode of Rescued now has the opportunity for listeners to win a $50 Paddy Pallin gift card (to be used online or in-store), along with an iconic Nalgene 1L bottle. Simply leave a rating with a review on either Spotify or Apple Podcasts, grab a screenshot to verify it and then complete this form .
