Outdoor Expedition Risk Management Plan Essay

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Updated: Jan 9th, 2024

Trip overview and description

This is a class educational outdoor expedition to the Arkansas River, organized for the members of the Outdoor Leadership Class. The group constitutes 6 members, aged between 18 and 23. One of the group members has adequate training on first aid and life saving skills, and doubles up as the team coach-cum-first aider.

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Given that this is the first outdoor expedition along a major rive for most of the members, the skills level and experience within the group is limited. All the members are of sound physical state, which is subject to medical verification by the school’s chief medical officer, four days before the trip.

The goal of the trip is to enable members acquire real life outdoor leadership skills. There are two broad based objectives for the trip. Firstly the group aims at visiting at least two different sites along the Arkansas River. Secondly, each member will get a leadership role to play within the group for the entire period of the trip.

The Arkansas River is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in North America. It attracts both local and foreign tourists, and is known for its unforgettable water rafting experience. The Arkansas River, starts at Leadville in Colorado as a mild gentle flowing river.

As it meanders through the Royal Gorge, the Arkansas River picks up speed such that by the time it gets to Kansas, it is a rolling mass of water (Lepper and Colorado State University, 2008). Rafting on the entire Arkansas River is impossible due to resource, skill and time limit.

Thus the group plans to hike over The Barbara Whipple Trail whose entire elevation gain is about 600 feet. The group also plans to have boating experience along The Arkansas River Trail, which can be accessed through the Barbara Whipple Trail.

The trip takes four days including travelling. The first day will basically involves travelling from home to the tour destination, which covers a distance of about 1699 kilometers. Since it’s a small group, the group plans to hire a sports utility vehicle to enable us tackle the rough terrain especially when accessing the Barbara Whipple Trail. The Barbara Whipple Trail can be accessed through the Buena Vista River Park Bridge.

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From there, the group will turn east via dirt road named The Main Street. The group plans to start hiking from the trailhead. The Barbara Whipple Trail is approximately 1.3 miles, and as such, the group plans to begin hiking early in the morning on foot. This is aimed at giving the group ample time for stops along the trail.

The second day will involve a boat trip to The Arkansas River Trail, a 24 mile stretch, accessible via a dirt road on our utility vehicle. The group plans to take a 2 mile trail on foot up to the From Park restroom. The group takes a 2mile boat trip, to and fro, implying that the entire boat trip covers approximately 4 miles. Doing this requires boat a non-motorized oar driven boat, to be hired on site.

Leadership roles

The group hopes that the trip will generate a positive leadership experience to all members. As such, leadership roles have been designated to each group member as follows. Each team member has basic skills on the role allocated

  • Overall team leader: coordinate, harmonize all trip activities, ensures that the group operates within the time schedule.
  • Team coach: to prepare and train team members.
  • Logistics officer: organize and execute the trip activities.
  • A team motivator-cum-counselor: counseling, motivating and helping members overcome emotional strain
  • Accountant: control the trip’s expenditure (Rilling, 1990).

Trip Itinerary

The following is the detailed itinerary for the trip.

Table 1: itinerary.

DayActivityTime schedule
1Departure from Canada7:05 am
Arrival at Kansas10: 15am
Departure from Kansas11:00am
Arrival at the camp site1:00pm
Setting the camp site4:00pm – 6:00 pm
2Breakfast6:00am
Departure from the camp site7:00 am
Arrival at the Trailhead8:00 am
Hiking starts8: 30 am
Completion of the trail12:00 pm
Lunch12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Arrival at the camp site4:00 pm
3Breakfast7:00 am
Departure for The Arkansas River Trail8:00 am
Arrival at the kayak play side10:00 am
Boating10:00am to 12:30 pm
Lunch12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Departure for the camp site2:00 pm
Arrival at the camp site4:00 pm
4Breakfast6:00 am
Tiding the camp site7:00 am
Departure to the airport8:00 am
Arrival at the airport10:00 am
Flight home2:30 pm

Most people going for outdoor expeditions always encounter trouble due to failure to carry specialized equipment. With regards to this, the team has identified the following equipments as essential for the success of its trip.

Table 2: personal equipment.

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equipmentdescriptionquantitycomments
clothing and footwearhiking boots1 pairto be worn during the hike
long pants4 pairsto be worn when hiking through wooded areas
short pants4 pairssubstitutes for long pants
hats and / or caps2for protection against the sun and rain
jackets1as a precautionary item in case of sudden change of weather
socks5 pairspreferably long, knee length
sunglasses1 pairoptional
camping equipmentsleeping bag1
knife1
flashlight, with batteries1rechargeable flashlight preferred
emergency blanket1
backpack1large enough to hold personal equipment
other personal itemstowel1
water bottle1should hold at least 1 liter of water
boating equipmentlife saver jackets1waterproof and breathable
gloves1 pair
swimming gear1 pair of swimming costumes
other equipmentreusable towel1
biodegradable soap1
vests2
needles, thread, plastic clips , a pair of pliers1 piece eachuseful in repair of equipment
A fully equipped first aid kit1Equipped with antibiotics and anti-venom, bandages and other first aid equipment (Redmond, Foran and Dwyer, 2009).

Table 3: group equipment.

itemquantitycomments
lantern1for lightning the camp site
camping stove1to keep the camp site warm
matchboxes2
Compass1for navigation and direction

Water sources and treatment

Campers need up to eight liters of water every day. In this case, the group requires adequate sources of water for drinking and other purposes such as bathing and minor washing. The Arkansas River, despite being a famous tourist destination, is a source of water for domestic, agricultural and industrial use in Colorado. As such, the group will use water from the Arkansas River.

The Arkansas River is a source of clean water (Sandoval, 2012). Recent research indicates that hikers can use water from this river without any major treatment. However, the same researchers have indicated that hiker and visitors to this famous region ought to be concerned about the level of silt found in the water of Arkansas River (Marsa, 2005).

As such, while Arkansas River is the main source of water during the trip, the group intends to avoid the health dangers, such as wilderness diarrhea, that are likely to arise from using over silted water. There are numerous water purification methods available, and which the group can utilize.

These include boiling, decantation, chemical treatment and the use of ceramic filters. Each of these methods has its own demerits, besides being time consuming. As such, the group leader requires each group member to acquire a portable water filter, preferably the Microlite Water filter, found in mot local stores.

The Microlite Water filter is light, easy to operate, quick and easy to store. It can also filter silt and waterborne disease causing microorganisms such as bacteria and protozoa. Since it is light and easy to store, the group can carry it during hiking and purify water on the go.

Weather related information

Officially, the larger Arkansas is classified as humid and sub-tropical climatic region. Humid sub-tropical climate is regarded as mild with no extreme weather conditions throughout the year. Additionally, a humid sub-tropical climate has hot summers but no known dry weather period.

Other than being hot and humid, the summer in Arkansas is also said to be slightly mild, implying that Arkansas is less hot as compared to other States. In additional, the winters, like the summers, are said to be less cold, but drier than the summers. Arkansas’ winters can vary in intensity, unlike the summers. For instance, very cold winter spells are likely to be experienced for short durations.

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Ice storms can break during the middle of the winter period. Cold and light masses of air blow under warmer air masses. This results to ice rain, which occurs mostly at night, and is attributed to the fact that Arkansas is geographically located near the Gulf of Mexico.

However, this is a rare occurrence, but when it does occur, there are devastating effects. In Arkansas, spring arrives from the beginning of March, but is short lived. By early April, most of the land mass is covered in luxuriant vegetation (Redmond, Foran and Dwyer, 2009).

Arkansas is divided into five natural climatic zones, the Arkansas River Valley being one of them. The Arkansas River Valley experiences elevation in temperatures throughout the year. The lowest temperatures (39.5) are experienced in January, and the highest temperatures (81.5) are experienced in July.

As such, the average temperature in Arkansas River Valley is around 60 degrees. Arkansas River Valley receives an average rainfall of about 48.52 inches with about 5 inches of snowfall (Nuttall, 1999). As such, since the group is taking the trip during the summer, it is expected that the entire duration will be hot, sunny and humid.

Daily preparations require adequate time based planning, and as such understanding the daily sunrise and sunset times is crucial. Sunset and sunrise varies significantly especially across the seasons. Summers days in Arkansas are longer than nights. In some instances, the sun can rise as early as 6:05 am and set as late as 8:20 pm. This gives the group ample day time to conduct its trip activities.

Transportation and communication

The main means of transportation during the entire duration of the trip is road. The group, as explained earlier has acquired the services of a sports utility vehicles which will enable it access the regions without much difficulty.

Additionally, traveling from Nova Scotia in Canada via road is quite cumbersome. As such, the group is set to fly southwest directly to Kansas, from where the group will board the SUV and head east directly to the camp site.

To make communication within the group easier, every group member is required to have a cell phone and spare battery. Additionally, the team leader in collaboration with the team coach has trained the team on useful communication symbol, to be used within the group in case of emergency.

For communication with other important persons without the group, the team leader has acquired important contact details which are listed elsewhere in this essay.

Rules and Regulations

The Arkansas River Trail and The Barbara Whipple Trail are non motorized tracks, used by people, bikers and animals. The following rules and regulation are essential for visitors

  • No use of motorized vehicles is acceptable.
  • Visitors to follow road signs.
  • Litter to be disposed only at designated places.
  • Visitors to use appropriate outdoor equipment at all times.
  • Visitors are to avoid activities or behavior that is likely to cause conflict with animals and other visitors.
  • Dogs and other pets should be leashed at all times.

Risk Assessment and Management

Some of the mishaps that occur during outdoor activities are due to lack of preparation as well as ignorance to rules. In this case, the team leader in collaboration with the team coach has identified a number s risks and hazards that members are likely to encounter. These risks are described below.

Table 4: risks and hazards.

Risk / hazardDescriptionFrequency rating /likelihood of occurrence (low, medium, high)
High windsSeasonal and short livedMedium, due to the fact that Arkansas River Valley is geographically near the gulf of Mexico, and thus experiences seasonal winds that blow from the gulf over the valley.
Land/mudslidesOccasional short-livedVery low, but can occur during heavy rains, on sloppy regions
AvalanchesSeasonal and short livedMedium: Occurs during the winter
TornadoesSeasonalLow likelihood of occurrence. Occurs during hot summers
Slippery slopes, trails and roadsArkansas River Valley is served by dirt roads. Most of the roads are lined with loose gravelHigh
Obscured tree branches/ stumps, big rocksLow, likelihood of occurrence since park officials undertake to cleans up any fallen trees and stumps
FlashfloodsUnpredictable and can occur any time without warningModerate likelihood of occurrence. The geography is prone to flooding
Falling rocksHuge rocks and boulders have been reported to fall near public pass ways.Low likelihood of occurrence, and when they do occur they pose no significant threat to hiker since most of the roads are located away from public passage ways
Accidents involving bicyclesMost of the roads are slippery, have sharp bends and are narrow.Moderate likelihood of occurrence, especially if drivers and pedestrians ignore traffic signs.
Wildlife and dangerous animalsThe most common risks involves rattler snakes, horses and dogsLow likelihood of occurrence for rattle snakes. Medium likelihood of occurrence for conflict and incidences involving horses and dogs since the animals share narrow roads and trails with hikers.
Human behaviorUnbecoming behavior especially by teenagers and preteensMedium likelihood of occurrence
FatigueEmanate from high temperatures and humid weather conditionsHigh likelihood of occurrence

Table 5: Risks and hazards: severity of effects and risk management plan.

Risk / hazardEffects /severityManagement plan
High windsModerately to very severe
Results to wind storms which in turn block trails and other major roads.
High winds also cause wind chill which leads to dangerous health conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite
Avoid areas prone to high winds
Land/mudslidesNot severe
Blocks roads and trails
Avoid areas prone to Landslides
AvalanchesNot severe
Blocks roads and trails
Avoid areas prone avalanches
TornadoesNot severe
Blocks roads and trails
Avoid areas prone avalanches
Slippery slopes, trails and roadsSevere
Can cause slips which can result to injuries such as sprains
Watch out for slippery slopes
Train participants on how to navigate slippery slopes
Obscured tree branches/ stumps, big rocksNot severe
Can cause injuries and cuts to hikers
Train members to look out for obscured branches stumps and rocks
FlashfloodsSevere
Hikers are likely to drown in case of flashfloods
Avoid and possible abandon trip incase of flashfloods
Falling rocksNot severe
Can cause injuries on hikers
Be on the look out for falling rocks
Avoid areas prone to falling rocks
Accidents involving bicyclesModerately to very severe
Can cause injuries most of which are likely to be fatal depending on the nature of the accident
Be vigilant on other trail and road users
Give way to bikers
Wildlife and dangerous animalsModerately severe to very severe
Animal bites especially by rattles snakes and dogs can be fatal
Be on the look out for animals such as horses to avoid accidents
Avoid coming too close to dogs
Avoid irritating the rattle snakes
Human behaviorModerately to very severe
Can lead to injuries which are likely to be fatal
Observe acceptable behavior
Avoid contact with on people who exhibit unbecoming behavior
FatigueModerately severe to very severe
Can cause life threatening conditions
Train members not to be hyperactive and take rests at regular intervals

Other than the risks highlighted above, the team leader has prioritized a pre-trip training exercise involving all members.

  • Outdoor etiquette: how to interact with other persons, wildlife and the natural world including proper waste disposal.
  • Basic first aid skills and life saving skills.
  • Basic outdoor communication symbols.
  • Basic hiking skills such as how to navigate slopes.
  • Watchfulness and vigilance.
  • How to row a boat.
  • How to avoid potential conflict with animals especially horses, dogs and snakes.

The team leader has identified the following rules as binding during the entire period of the trip. To begin with, all group members ought to stay together, and watch out for each other. No member of the group is allowed to wander off alone. The maintenance of the equipment is the responsibility of every member.

As such, members have the obligation of ensuring that all equipments are in good working condition and alert the group leader in case faults are noted. In additional to this, each member has an obligation to be vigilant of any risks and obstacles and alert other immediately, in case any of these are noted.

Emergency Action Plan

The team coach has identified the following procedures as essential in case of an emergency.

Injury emergency:

  • Alert the team coach at once
  • The team coach will in turn inform other team members
  • If possible move to a safer ground, out of the road or trail
  • Lie low and stay calm

Emergency from natural disasters:

  • Alert the team coach at once
  • The team coach alerts other team members at once
  • Move to a safer ground if possible

Emergency from conflict with animals:

  • Alert the team coach at once.
  • Move to a safer ground.
  • Take any necessary action that is likely to minimize the conflict.
  • Incase of snake bites move to a safer ground, alert the team coach, lie low and use a string to tie the body organ above the bite. Appropriate first aid follows.

The following hospitals are identified as essential for medical emergency:

  • Little Rock Baptist Health Medical Center, located west of the camp site along Wilbur D free way. Telephone 501-202-2000.
  • The University of Arkansas Medical Center, located west of the camp site along pine/Cedar Street. Telephone 501-686-8000.

Contingency plan

The table below highlights likely unexpected occurrences and contingency plan.

Table 6: contingency measures.

Unexpected occurrenceContingency plan
Injuries, accidents or illnessesAbandonment of the immediate activity
First aid administration
Incase of severe injuries and serious accidents, the trip is to be abandoned
Time delaysRe-drafting of the itinerary
Abandonment of any unessential activity
Look for possible shortcuts to the desired destination
Natural disastersAbandonment of the immediate activity and return to camp
Extreme weather conditionsAbandonment of the immediate activity and return to camp

Misc

The following contacts are vital:

  • San Isabel Range District office, telephone 719-539-3591.
  • Buena Vista Trails Advisory Board, telephone 719-395-6119.
  • Buena Vista Fire Department, telephone 719-395-8098.
  • Buena Vista Police Department, telephone 719-395-8654.

Appendix: map

The Barbara Whipple Trail and the Arkansas River trail
The Barbara Whipple Trail and the Arkansas River trail.

Reference List

Lepper, T. and Colorado State University. (2008). Reregulating the flows of the Arkansas River. Ann Abor, MI: ProQuest LLC.

Marsa, L. (2005). . Los Angeles Times. Web.

Meyer, E. (2009). Barbara Whipple trail track. Web.

Nuttall, T. (1999). A Journal of Travels into the Arkansas Territory during the Year 1819. Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press.

Rilling, C. (1990). The most important co-leader skills and traits on extended outdoor expeditions as perceived by leaders. Web.

Redmond, K., Foran, A. and Dwyer, D. (2009). Quality lesson plans for outdoor education. New Jersey: Human Kinetics.

Sandoval, E. (2012). . Web.

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