Kayak Trip Guide

 

INTRODUCTION 

The following pages are provided as general guidance only and are not intended to be all inclusive or prescriptive in nature. Individuals or groups must use good judgement and common sense when applying this guidance. This guidance must be adapted to your specific activity, your abilities and limitations, and the expected environmental conditions during that activity.  

This guidance is a summary of information commonly found in various books, magazines, and on many internet websites. These resources should be consulted for more detailed information.  

If you feel that there are improvements or worthwhile additions to these pages, please make the suggestion to the club. 

A special note for the First Aid pages. While a list of suggested components of a reasonably complete wilderness first aid kit are noted, the specific contents may need to be adjusted to your group size and needs. A first aid kit is most effective in the hands of somebody trained in administering first aid. There are several national groups which offer training. Individuals are strongly encouraged to obtain first aid training appropriate to their activity and anticipated / common injuries for that activity. First Aiders CANNOT administer medications (over the counter or prescription) but may assist a person to take their own medication. For example, a first aider may hand a patient pills as directed by the patient. The patient must put the pills in their own mouth. Generally, the only exception to this commonly practised rule is the administration of sugar to a diabetic who has become unconscious.  

All trips should begin with a trip planning meeting involving all trip participants. During this meeting the items listed in Table 1 should be addressed. Prior to the actual trip, a float plan (Table 2) should be prepared. Float plans include consideration of water conditions (tides etc), route planning, and emergency planning (on-the-water communication/meet and exit points). All participants should get copies of relevant maps with the route and campsites marked. A copy of the float plan should be left with a responsible person and/or park/marina personnel.  

At the waters edge, Table 3 lists some points to consider. Don*t forget the food, and the means to open it and cook it! 

Table 4 contains suggested equipment lists. These may need to be adapted to your specific trip and needs. Check everything into the car at home. 

Tables 5 to 7 contain information related to first aid. Suggested first aid kit content is covered. The SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) note is used to collect information during treatment of a casualty. In addition, the accident report is a good tool following immediate treatment of injuries. A participant medical conditions form is included. It is very important for groups to discuss any medical conditions which have the potential to precipitate more serious incidents. Trip participants should know what to do should a situation arise. If critical medications are required (ie epi-pens for those severely allergic) these should be carried in more than one boat and everybody should know where they are to ensure rapid access, in case one set becomes waterlogged, and in case the medication is needed more than once prior to delivery of the patient to Emergency Medical Services. The SOAP notes, accident report forms, and medical conditions sheet should be carried in at least one first aid kit. 

       

      1A Pre-trip planning: Items to cover

    Medical forms / food allergies

    		  

    Emergency training (who has it)

    		  

    Review group emergency procedures

    		  

    Meal planning

    		 

    Route planning (all get a route/campsite map). Set emergency bearing.

    		  

    Paddling skills - level / training / endurance

    		  

    Paddling in a group: on-the-water communication and rules on the water

    		  

    Group / individual equipment

    		  

    Roles and Responsibilities

    		  

    Local hazards

    		  
 

 

     

     

      1B Meal plan

     

    Breakfast

    Snack

    Lunch

    Snack

    Dinner

    Day 1

    		          

    Day 2

    		          

    Day 3

    		          

    Day 4

    		          

    Day 5

    		          

    Day 6

    		          

    Day 7

    		          

    Day 8

    		          

    Day 9

    		          

    Day 10

    		          
 

 

     

      2A Float plan

    Description of participant boats and cars (including colour, make, license plate number, car location):

    1:

    2:

    3:

    4:

    5:

    6:

    Participants: Full name (same order as boats) and emergency contacts information

    1:

    2:

    3:

    4:

    5:

    6:

    Day, time and location of launch:

     

    Day, time and location of return:

     

    VHF call sign:

    Cell phone number:

     

    Day:

    Will call to check in: yes no

    Planned locations + chart/map number:

     

    Day:

    Will call to check in: yes no

    Planned locations + chart/map number::

     

    Day:

    Will call to check in: yes no

    Planned locations + chart/map number::

     

    Day:

    		 

    Will call to check in: yes no

    Planned locations + chart/map number::

     

    Day:

    Will call to check in: yes no

    Planned locations + chart/map number::

     

    Day:

    Will call to check in: yes no

    Planned locations + chart/map number::

     

    Day:

    Will call to check in: yes no

    Planned locations + chart/map number::

     
 

     

      2B Tide/current tables

    Obtain, review and understand, where these may be significant elements on your trip.

 

 

      2C Emergency procedures

    911

    Nearest coast guard/police: (insert local paddling area number)

    Poison control centre: (insert local paddling area number)

    Nearest Hospital:(insert local paddling area number)

    VHF protocol, station ID (no station for handhelds)

    Signals review for group

      One, two, three whistle blasts

      Flares

      Dye markers

      others paddle signals

    what to do if lost/separated from group: (ie head to nearest land and stay put, prepare to signal searchers, group to locate lost person)

 

 

       

      3A Pre-Launch check list

    Car keys, vehicles locked and properly parked

    Water bottles filled

    Check kayak, camping, food, first aid, repair equipment

    Required equipment (float, pump, throw rope, whistle, light)

    Hatches secured

    Boat trim

    Set compass declination, Set GPS launch waypoint

    Float plan with each participant and with park/responsible person

 

      3B Kayak Loading

    Use thought and reason when loading gear

    Keep in mind what items you want to pull out first when you land during planned stops in day and at end of day. Pack these items nearest hatches, on deck or in cockpit. (Tarp and ropes, next meal, sleeping bag and night gear)

    Always have easy access to gear you will need for emergency situations and for all paddling conditions.

    Use a gear checklist.

    Take only what is necessary.

    Ensure all gear is present and in working order.

      Carefully delineate who is bringing what. 

    Don*t store metallic objects near your compass

    BOAT TRIM

    Be aware of your boats (manufacturer's) stated weight capacity.

    Keep the centre of gravity low. Load heavy items as low as possible, closest to the centre and centerline of the boat.

    Ensure the boat rides evenly in the water.

    DECKS

    You may want some essential items assessable without having to pop your spray skirt.

    Anything on your deck will add windage, catch waves (capsize hazard), and raise your centre of gravity, creating balance problems. Anything on your deck must be secured for foul weather conditions and surf launches or landings.

    BACK DECK

    Use the rear deck to store your spare paddle. Store the paddle in a way which allows you to get them easily.

    FRONT DECK

    Pump, throw/tow bag, water bottles, charts and other navigation aids, (wax) pencil, VHF radio, fishing gear

    PFD

    Whistle, flares, sun glasses, sun screen, snacks, waterproof watch, knife, compass, binoculars

    INSIDE THE COCKPIT

    Paddle float, rain gear, hiking shoes, pee bottle, emergency bag, extra water, repair kit

    PACKING HINTS:

    Use different coloured dry bags to help easily identify contents

    Write your name on your bags

    Pack like items together: cooking, clothing, food, paddling clothing, safety gear, boat gear, plus odds and ends 

    Numerous smaller drybags allows more flexibility in packing than a single big bag

    Transparent bags: easier to locate clean clothes a couple of feet down inside.

    Bring a large easily stowed/compressible duffle bag to carry gear between the boat and campsite 

    Pack food bags by meal/day. 

    Emergency bag in cockpit clipped on in rough seas.

 

     

      4A Equipment List [(R) required]

    Navigation

    Safety/emergency

    Clothes (quick dry)

    Maps (nav/topo)

    Waterproof mapcase

      Nav-aid/triangles

      Paddling speed

      Emerg. bearing

      Emerg.procedures

    Compass

    Binoculars

    Weather radio (VHF)

    Cell phone

    GPS

    Current / tide tables

    First Aid kit

    Flares/dye marker/other

    Survival kit

    Float plan

    Emergency proced. sheet

    Accident report

    Cell phone

    Weather radio (VHF)

    Wet suit

    Raingear

    Hat (sun/warm)

    Shore shoes

    jacket (wind/water)

    polar fleece sweater

    long johns (synthet)

    underwear

    wool socks

    shorts/swimsuit

    shirts

    pants (wind/water)

      warm gloves 

    socks

    General camping

    Kitchen

    Paddling equipment

    Repair kit

    Fishing equipment

    Flashlight / spare batts. (R)

    Camera / film

    Knife

    Waterproof watch

    Rope (100')

    Saw

    Shovel

    Garbage bags (orange)

    Black perm. marker

    Trail marking tape

    Evening bag

      Bug repellent

      Candle lantern, spare candles

      Pen/pencil, Journal (paper)

      Books

      Money / ID

      Nature guides

      Daypack

    Group fire and water

        Stove

        Stove fuel

        Lighter/matches

        Water purifier

        Fire grill

    Group Kitchen

        Pots

        Cooking utensils

        Can opener

        Dish soap

        Pot scubber

        Cutting board

        Aluminum foil (fish/veggies)

    Personal

        Cutlery

        Plate

        Cups

    Kayak

    Paddle (R)

    Spare paddle

    Paddle float

    Spray skirt

    Paddling jacket

    Light polarfleece sweater

    Paddling gloves

    Paddling shoes

    Life jacket/PFD (R)

    Whistle (R)

    Throwbag / tow line (50' floating line) (R)

    Bailing device (R)

    Sun glasses and croakie

    Lip balm

    Sun screen

    Water bottle (deck)

    Paddle leash

    Duffle bag

    Food

    Shelter

    Toiletaries

    Water bottles

    Water bags min 1 gal/d/pp

    Food

    Spice kit

    Paddle snacks

    Tent

    Sleeping bag

    Sleeping pad

    Tarp(s)(15'x13' for 6)

    hand soap

    shampoo

    hair brush

    tooth brush

    toilet paper

    towel

 

      4A Boat repair kit (Store in wide mouth Nalgene water bottle)

    duct tape (wrap around bottle)

    extra rudder cable

    various pieces of small line

    screws (machine and self taping)

    fiberglass repair kit

    graphite powder

    screw driver, small tools (4 inch visegrip)

    extra gear eyes (deck loops)

    two part epoxy putty

    bolts and lock nuts

    rudder track screws with O-rings

    split rings

    cable swages

    replacement buckles etc for hatch covers

    eyeglass repair kit

    vinyl patch repair kit

    spring button for take apart paddles

    fine sandpaper

    tube of aqua seal (silicone)

    tire patch kit (latex gaskets)

    wire (nylon) ties and shrink tubing

 

      4A Emergency Kit (waterproof / pocket size)

    Knife

    Whistle

    Space blanket

    Salt

    Nails

    Fishing kit

    Sewing kit

    Mirror

    Candles

    Oxo cubes

    Trail marking tape

    Tea

    Notepad/pencil

    Snare wire

    50' rope

    First Aid

    Flares

    Water purifier

    Fire starters

    Cooking pot

    Compass

    Powerbars

    		    
 

     

    5A SOAP NOTE adapted from sirius wilderness medicine

SCENE SURVEY

              SCENE SURVEY Location:  Time of arrival:    Date:

DAMBINS

hazards / safety

mechanism of injury

universal precautions

      Age  Sex

  

Name

Contact:

Mechanism of injury (MOI):

PRIMARY SURVEY

Chief complaint (PQRST):

U - un/responsiveness

  

A - airway

SECONDARY SURVEY

B - breathing

VITAL SIGNS

Time

Time

Time

Time

Time

C - circulation

Level of conscious (AVPU)

         

C - cervical spine

Pulse (rate/character)

          

Critical interventions

Respiration (rate/character)

          

Quick check of injury

Skin signs (SCTM)

          

Transportation decision

Pupils (PEERLA)

          

TREAT FOR SHOCK

Blood pressure

          
 

Temp: Oral Rectal

          

SECONDARY SURVEY

MEDICAL HISTORY

VITAL SIGNS

Symptoms:

LOC

Allergies:

heart rate

Medications/conditions :

respiration rate

Previous illness/injury:

skin signs

Last meal:

blood pressure

Events leading to accident:

pupils

TLC:

temperature

PHYSICAL EXAM (list injuries, describe pain):

Medical history

S symptoms

A allergies

ASSESSMENT (list of problems and potential problems

M medications

1:

P previous illness

2:

L last meal

3:

E events

4:

TLC

5:

Physical Exam

PLAN

head to toe exam

1:

Distal CSM

2:

Detailed local exam of injuries

3:

4:

 

5:

PQRST: provoke, quality, region, severity, time

AVPU: Alert/oriented x4, resp to Verbal/Pain stim, Uncons.

SCTM: skin color, temperature, moisture

PEERLA: pupils equal and round reactive to light and accomodation

DCAP(S) BLS/TIC: deformity, contusions, abrasions, punctures, burns, laceration, swelling / tenderness, instability, crepitus

TLC: tetanus, last bowel movement, urination, menstration, contact lenses

CSM: distal circulation, sensation, motion

DAMBINS: danger, angulations, mechanism of inj, blood, I see.., # people invol, skin

 

 

 

    6A/B Accident Report Form

adapted from Sirius Wilderness Medicine

Personal Information

Name of patient:

Address: (Street, city, province, postal code)

Tel #

Medicare #

    Accident Information

    Accident date:

    		  

    Time:

    Location:

    Map # :

    Grid ref:

    Weather:

    Temperature:

    Clouds:

    Precipitation:

    Winds:

    Visibility:

Patient Information

Age:

Sex:

LOC:A&O:Verbal:Pain:Unreponsive:

Airway (condition):

Breathing (condition)

Circulation (condition):

     

Position found in:

 

Mechanism of injury:

 

Chief complaint:

 

Events leading up to the accident

 

Medical history

Allergies (Medic Alert):

Last meal:

History of previous injury/illness:

Medications:

   

Contact lenses: Y / N

Tetanus innoculation within last 10 years: Y / N

Vital sign record

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Time

                

Level of consciousness

                

Pulse (rate / character)

                

Respiration (rate / character)

                

Skin (colour,temp,moisture)

                

Blood pressure

                

Pupils

                

Body temperature: Oral Rectal

                

Comments (long term patient care)

        Time:   1:

  

        Time:   2:

  

        Time:   3:

  

        Time:   4:

  

        Time:   5:

  
 

 

Description and location of pain and injuries:

 
 

General information:

 
 

Treatment plan:

 

Evacuation plan:

 
 

Assistance required:

 
 

Patient consent: I have carefully read this report and agree that the information is accurate. I accept the prescribed treatment.

Refusal of treatment: I have carefully read this report and understand its contents. I agree that the information is accurate. I hereby refuse the prescribed treatment.

          Signature:    Date:

          Signature:    Date:

          Witness:    Date:

          Witness:    Date:

 

Patient released to (medical professional)

Person completing this form is:

Name:

Name:

Address:

Address:

Telephone #:

Telephone #:

          Signature:    Date:

          Signature:    Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

    7A FIRST AID KIT CONTENTS: Bandages, wound care, and equipment. Adjust contents according to activity and group size.

Bandages

Wound cleaning, closure, wrap

Equipment (cont)

triangle bandage (min 6)

Steri-strip (large, medium, small)

CPR / AR shield

compress, sterile (3"x3")

Tegaderm (2 3/8 x 2 3/4)

vinyl gloves (large)

square bandage (large)

Tincture of Benzoin (swabs) bandage glue

Q-tips

square bandage (1.5")

self cling bandage (3"/4")

tweezers

regular, large

gauze bandage (2"x10 yd)

crash scissors

knuckle

tape (waterproof)

razor / scalpel blade

fingertip (hourglass)

sam splint

syringe (washout)

butterfly bandage

tensor bandage

safety pins

Burn, blister

  

lighter

moleskin

Equipment

emergency blanket

2nd skin burn pads

Soap notes, accident report

Plastic baggies

 

notebook / pencil / pen / coins

(snake bite kit)

Pedilyte: electrolyte solution for dehydration. Stir packet into 1 L water until dissolved. Discard after 24 hrs. Drink until diarrhea stops or fluid replaced.

water purification tablets: (Coghlans) Add 1 tablet to 1 quart/liter of water. Allow to stand for 3 minutes, then shake thoroughly. Wait 10 min before drinking. If water is very cold or very polluted, use 2 tablets and wait 20 minutes

 

    7A FIRST AID KIT CONTENTS: PERSONAL MEDICATIONS

NOTE: These items are part of a personal kit. DO NOT SHARE MEDICATIONS (over the counter or prescription). Personal judgement / preference / tolerance must be used for specific product selection. Bring usage directions. Consult your doctor. Consider waterproof packaging (foil blister packs).

Non-prescription over the counter products

Prescription medications / equipment: consult personal doctor

Indication

Indication

Indication

sore throat

nausea

Specific medical conditions.

sun / wind burn

cold/ flu / allergies (anti-histamine / decongestant)

  

general pain (analgesic)

diarrhea / heartburn / gas

  

infection (topical antibiotic / sterilant)

toothache

  
 

 

 

    7B Medical conditions

Participant

Condition / Medication

What to do