Episode #22
022 // Billy is in Mountain Rescue (QLD F&R) in the Glasshouse Mtns
**Special note - this episode touches on traumatic incidents where people lost their lives. Out of respect for these people, their families and loved ones, the rescuers and all involved, I ask that in the spirit of the Rescued Podcast, you choose empathy and kindness as your guide when listening, sharing or discussing. Please do not choose blame, shame or minimise the complexity of such situations to simplistic factors, thank you.** When we think about the people who turn up when things go wrong in the wild, we probably picture helicopters, ropes and flashing lights. What we might not picture is a surfer-climber from Coolum Beach who spent his younger years messing around sea cliffs and canyoning in the Blue Mountains — and who now leads and trains others in some of the most technically demanding rescues on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. There’s been a lot of chatter about the increase of accidents on QLDs Glass House Mountains and places like Mount Barney in recent years, and so too the need for a coordinated response — and today’s guest is clear that it’s never just a QFD operation. There’s a big role played by others like volunteers from SES, locals, Ambulance and Police, and he's generous in his respect for everyone of them. This is an episode about preparation, consequence, and knowing where we sit — our competence as adventurers, as well as the load on our rescuers. So if you've ever scrolled past a stunning image of a mountain and thought, "I want to go there" — this one's especially for you. Episode Takeaways Honest and accurate self-assessment of experience, fitness and skills needed for a particular route/hike The ability to make wise decisions , and reassess when necessary ( Listen to ep 17 about Heuristics/decision-making in the outdoors.) The difference between a hiking trail vs a climbing/scrambling route. Hiking trails are graded by the Australian Walking Track Grading System vs climbing uses the Ewbank System The importance of getting your info from a reputable source, eg. national parks or other land managers, vs relying on social media or a group without the expertise to deliver it Always pack the essentials - see day packing list and overnight packing list . Check weather, park and track closures, sunset times, fire danger Downloading a map (not just an app) that works when there's no coverage and testing it before you go Downloading the Emergency+ App
