CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LAND CONSERVANCY
Field Safety & Hazard
Information
For Volunteers
Content By:
Cheryl Bolton, Stewardship Associate
Kristen Todd, Volunteer Program Associate
December 2013
This document was created to inform volunteers of the hazards associated with outdoor field work and to give
recommendations on how to avoid the injuries and illnesses associated with those hazards. There may be additional
hazards that are not described in this document. The information presented is not intended or recommended to replace
a formal Wilderness First Aid, CPR, or similar course or training.
Updated: 9/17/15
CMLC Volunteer Field Safety and Hazard Information
Welcome to the adventurous world of volunteering with CMLC! Thank you for your interest in assisting staff
members with the important and perpetual work of visiting, monitoring, and caring for our protected properties.
This sheet will inform you of the hazards associated with working in the field and the safety precautions you
should take to ensure the visits are enjoyable every time. Please read through the sheet and familiarize yourself
with the material, especially the reccomended field equipment section. We look forward to seeing you out there!
CMLC discourages all volunteers from hiking and/or performing stewardship activities alone.
Recommended Field Equipment
Field Clothing
Sturdy hiking boots
Breatheable hiking socks
Long pants
Long sleeved outer shirt
Wicking layers
Hat
Rain Gear (when applicable)
Fleece layer (in fall/ winter)
Gloves (in winter)
In Your Pack
WATER (At least two (2) liters)
Snacks
Basic First Aid Kit
Epi-Pen (if needed)
Maps & Compass
Whistle
Bandanna/ Tissues
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Cell phone
Physical Hazards: Drink water. Come prepared with weather appropriate clothing layers.

Dehydration
Dehydration happens when your body does not have enough water as a result of heavy sweating, hard exercise, or
sickness. It is especially likely to occur if you are hiking in hot weather and direct sunlight; however, any time you
are exercising hard and sweating a lot, you risk dehydration. It is significantly easier to stay hydrated than to
reverse dehydration. This is because heavy sweating to the point of dehydration may indicate that you are losing
water faster than your body can absorb the liquid you drink. In order to prevent dehydration, which can cause lifethreatening shock in severe cases, it is vital to replenish both the water and the electrolytes (salts) that your body
loses through sweat.
Dehydration Prevention
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Carry two to four quarts of water when hiking and sip it throughout the day.
Be sure urine is “clear and copious,” an important indicator of good hydration.
Eat salty snacks too (or sip sports drinks) to replenish your body’s lost electrolytes.
Pay attention to environmental conditions and try to avoid direct sun. In very hot
weather, hikers typically lose around one half to one quart of fluid per hour,
according to Grand Canyon National Park Hike Smart guidelines.
Avoid caffeinated beverages, soft drinks, and alcohol; these drinks deplete your
body’s fluids.
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
Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is when the body overheats. This is due to failure of the heat regulating mechanisms to manage heat
coming from the environment. Risk of hyperthermia can be increased by various factors including dry and hot
weather conditions, dehydration, poor blood circulation, certain diseases, drugs that reduce sweating, age and
age-related conditions, and drinking alcohol.
Heat fatigue, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are all forms of hyperthermia. Heat stroke is life
threatening, especially in older individuals and must be addressed immediately. Symptoms include a change in
mental state, red and dry skin, a strong and rapid pulse, and faintness or coma. If you suspect someone is
experiencing hyperthermia, cool them down immediately and call 911.
If you are taking any drugs or have a medical condition that affects normal temperature regulating body functions,
talk to a doctor before working outdoors. Avoid working in extreme heat. If you must work in hot weather, take
frequent breaks. Avoid drinking alcohol and make sure to drink plenty of water before and during field work.

Hypothermia
Hypothermia is when the body temperature drops too low. A cold rain can be the most dangerous weather for
hikers, because it can cause hypothermia (or "exposure") even when conditions are well above freezing.
Hypothermia occurs when wind, rain, or snow chill the body so much that its core temperature drops; death occurs
if the condition is not treated in time.
Avoid hypothermia by dressing in layers of synthetic clothing, eating well, and staying hydrated. Cotton clothing,
such as blue jeans, tends to chill you when it gets wet from rain or sweat, increasing your risk of hypothermia.
Natural wool and artificial fibers such as nylon, polyester, and polypropylene all do a much better job of insulating
your body in cold, wet weather. Remember that when the wind blows, its "chill" effect can make you much colder
than the temperature would lead you to suspect, especially if you're sweaty or wet.
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Blisters
Blisters are one of the most common ailments suffered by hikers. Break in new boots before you begin your hike.
Always keep your feet dry while hiking. When you stop for breaks, take your shoes and socks off to air out your
feet; change socks if necessary. Don't wait for a blister to develop. As soon as you feel any discomfort, place
adhesive tape, duct tape, moleskin, or a blister-care product over areas of developing soreness. If you develop a
blister, try not to break it, the skin still serves as a protective barrier. If it breaks, clean and disinfect the area well
and cover with a bandage to prevent infection.

Fractures, Sprains and Strains
Western North Carolina is characterized by mountainous terrain. This means it can be steep, uneven, rough, rocky,
and slippery. Wear the proper footwear: mid to high top hiking boots are recommended to prevent slips and ankle
injuries. Where a brace if you have it. Do not engage in strenuous activity if you are already injured, in pain, or
tired. Warm up and stretch before engaging in physical activity. Make sure to stretch in a slow and controlled
manner. Avoid twisting the spine when lifting heavy objects. Be extra cautious when crossing streams, ice, or other
slippery surfaces. Eat and drink healthfully and regularly.
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Some properties or activities may require a higher level of physical fitness than others. It is advisable to become
familiar with the property (by reviewing topographic maps, etc), know the dangers of the activity (is climbing or
carrying heavy equipment involved?), and to be realistic about your physical limitations (joint problems, old
injuries, etc).
CMLC staff and AmeriCorps members are trained in CPR and wilderness first aid and can assist in emergency
situations. If you are planning to work alone (not recommended) or without CMLC staff/AmeriCorps members, it’s
advisable to carry a fully equipped first aid kit into the field at all times, and you must know how to use it (by
becoming first aid/CPR certified). Remember, a 30 minute hike can turn into hours of effort when evacuating an
injured person, even in ideal conditions.

Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises
Rocky terrain, slippery slopes, wet conditions, overgrown trail corridors, sharp handtools, muscle fatigue and
exposed skin. These are all factors that can lead to cuts, scrapes, and bruises from the backyard to the backcountry.
Be alert and pay attention to where your body parts are and what you are doing. Sometimes you trip, despite every
effort to stay upright, or get caught by some thorns on the side of the trail. When it happens, take a few minutes to
clean and cover the wound in order to prevent infection. If there is serious bleeding, it’s crucial to clean the wound,
apply pressure to reduce bleeding, and seek medical help immediately. Your emergency first aid kit will come in
very handy with these types of injuries. Pain from bruising can be relieved by applying an icepack for up to 15
minutes per hour for 2-3 hours.
Weather Hazards: Check the weather report before monitoring
and pack appropriately.
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Precipitation/ Flowing Water
Precipitation in any form makes the mountainous terrain slick and potentially
dangerous, especially around flowing water bodies. Fording streams and rivers
may be the most dangerous challenge hikers confront. River crossings can be
deceptively hazardous. Even a very shallow, swiftly flowing body of water can
pack enough force to knock you off your feet. Use caution and common sense.
In western North Carolina, there are many rock outcroppings that stay wet for most of the year. Even a small
amount of water can make for an extremely slippery surface. Take caution when crossing wet or mossy rocks,
especially in steep terrain.

Lightning
The odds of being struck by lightning are low, but an open ridge is no place to be during a thunderstorm. If a storm
is coming, immediately leave exposed areas. Boulders, rocky overhangs, and shallow caves offer no protection from
lightning, which may actually flow through them along the ground after a strike. Tents and convertible automobiles
are no good, either. Sheltering in hard-roofed automobiles or large buildings is best, although they are rarely
available to the hiker. Avoid tall structures, such as ski lifts, flagpoles, power line towers, and the tallest trees,
solitary rocks, or open hilltops. If you cannot enter a building or car, take shelter in a group of smaller trees or in
the forest. Avoid clearings. If caught in the open, crouch down on a pad, or roll into a ball. If you are in water, get
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out. Disperse groups, so that not everyone is struck by a single bolt. Do not hold a potential lightning rod, such as a
fishing pole, metal hiking pole, or an umbrella.
Plant and Animal Hazards: Be alert. Carry a basic first aid kit.
Bug bites and stings usually are just nuisances. They bring momentary alarm, temporary discomfort and pain, but
no serious or lasting health problems. But on occasion, they can cause infections that require treatment and
allergic reactions that can be serious, even fatal. Some also carry and spread diseases. Bugs/insects to be aware of
include:
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Ticks
The simplest way to protect yourself is to remove a tick before it has a chance
to transmit disease-causing pathogens. Ticks are most active is the spring,
summer, and fall, but can be found in winter as well. Ticks mature in leaf
litter and then stage themselves on grass and shrubs where they easily attach
to passing animals. Ticks can attach anywhere; in particular, they will find
American Dog Tick
spots like the back of your knee, around waistbands, under armpits or any
(male and female)
other constricted place to attach. Any time you are exposed to tick habitat
you should thoroughly check your entire body and remove attached ticks immediately.
Ticks DO NOT wash off in the shower. Removing ticks promptly can greatly reduce risk of disease transmission. If
you find an attached tick, remove it promptly with a pair of tweezers by grasping firmly and slowly pulling straight
out. Make sure the head is removed—if left, it can lead to an infection. Always clean the site well with soap and
water. Tick borne diseases include Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichiosis. Symptoms of
tick borne diseases typically consist of rash, fever, and flu like symptoms. The NC Department of Health and Human
Services recommends saving the tick in a jar or baggy for future identification should you become ill within the
next several weeks. They can be preserved in a glass jar with Isopropyl Alcohol for a long period of time.

Spiders – Black Widows and Brown Recluses
There are only three venomous spiders in the United States and only two of them
live in this region. They are brown recluses (or violin spiders) and black widows.
Black widows are commonly found in woodpiles and under fences or other places
where debris accumulates. Sometimes they are found in fly ridden outdoor toilets.
Black widow bites are characterized by pain at the site that spreads over the body
and two puncture sites. The venom is a powerful neurotoxin. They are large and jet
black with a red pattern on the underside of their abdomen.
Brown recluses are found in sheltered places such as in piles of rocks or leaves or
sometimes in attics or shoes. They must be pressed against the skin in order to
bite a human. The bite causes localized pain and a small white blister initially. The
venom may then cause spreading skin necrosis that must be addressed by a
medical professional.
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If you are bitten by a spider, remain calm. Do not try to remove the venom. Clean the area well with soap and water
and elevate the bite if possible. If you can, identify the spider or bring it with you to the hospital. Although
extremely rare, death can occur. Seek immediate medical attention.
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Mosquitos
Mosquitos are well-known vectors of West Nile Virus. Since its appearance in New York in 1999, it has been
reported in all 48 of the continental United States. 1 in 5 people who contract the disease will display symptoms
that can last weeks or months, and less than one percent of all the people will develop life threatening encephalitis
or meningitis. It only takes one bite to spread the disease. The best way to reduce your risk of contracting the West
Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites. To prevent mosquito bites, avoid being outside during dawn and dusk
when mosquitos are active, wear long sleeves and pants while outdoors, and apply insect repellent on exposed skin
and clothing.
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Bees and Wasps
Stings from bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets can cause minor localized pain, swelling and itching. In
extreme cases, stings can cause systemic allergic reactions and can lead to death. In the United States, about 50
deaths each year are attributed to insect stings. Life-threatening allergic reactions are characterized by swelling
away from the sting site, hives all over the body, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat or mouth, rapid
pulse, and dizziness. If you are with someone who suffers an insect sting, do not leave them. Watch for signs of an
allergic reaction. If they have a known allergy to stings, or are displaying symptoms of a systemic reaction,
epinephrine (usually in the form of a prescribed Epi-Pen) should be self-administered. Seek medical attention
immediately, even after epinephrine is administered.
For less severe reactions, Benadryl can be an effective symptom reducer. Removing the stinger and venom sac by
scraping over it with a nail or credit card can prevent additional venom from being injected. Always clean the area
well with soap and water. Over the counter antihistamine can help manage itching and swelling and an NSAID (like
Ibuprofen) can help manage pain.
Stinging insects nest in the ground, in hives, in trees, on the sides of buildings, in mailboxes, etc. To prevent stings,
be aware of your surroundings and be watchful for nests, especially in the summer months. Carry sting reliever,
Benadryl, and an Epi-Pen (if prescribed) in your first aid kit. Wear long, loose clothing, and shoes and socks when
outdoors.
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Snakes
Venomous and nonvenomous snakes are widespread in the mountains in warm
weather, but they are generally passive. Watch where you step and where you
put your hands. Snake bites are rare, and bites from venomous snakes do not
always contain venom. Very few people die from snakebites in the U.S. If you
are bitten by a snake you believe to be venomous, try to remain calm. Call 911
and seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. In the backcountry, this may
mean walking out to a trailhead instead of waiting for emergency personnel to
reach you. Wash the wound with soap and water. Do not apply ice. Do not apply
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a tourniquet. Remove rings or other jewelry that could function as a tourniquet if swelling occurs. Do not use a “cut
and suck” method to try and remove venom. Try to remember what the snake looked like if you saw it. If you are
able to ID it, that is even better. More information is available from the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park
Service, and emedicinehealth.com.

Black Bears
Black bears live along many parts of our service area. While attacks on
humans are rare, a startled bear may react aggressively. The best way to
avoid an encounter while you are hiking is to make noise by whistling,
talking, etc., to give the bear a chance to move away before you get close
enough to make it feel threatened. If you encounter a bear and it does not
move away, you should back off, speaking calmly and firmly, and avoid
making eye contact. Do not run or "play dead" even if a bear makes a "bluff
charge." If you are attacked by a bear, you should yell, kick, punch and fight
back with as much force as you can gather.

Poison Ivy
Leaves of three let them be! Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison
sumac all contain the same rash-causing substance called urushiol,
a colorless, odorless oil (or resin) contained in the all parts of the
plants. In a typical reaction the skin becomes red, itchy, and swollen
and blisters will appear. After a few days, the blisters may become
crusty and start to flake off. The rash from poison ivy takes 1 to 2
weeks to heal.
Many hikers and organizations carry products such as Tecnu, a
lotion wash that neutralizes the urushiol and therefore reduces the allergic reaction. There are other products, of
various levels of effectiveness, that claim to prevent the oil from contacting the skin if applied before exposure.
People with serious allergies should take extra precaution to prevent exposure. One method is wearing gloves and
long sleeves and pants with tape wrapped around the wrists and ankles. Remember that the oils may still be
present on tools and clothing when you leave the field.

Hunting
Know local hunting seasons and wear blaze orange when appropriate. Be heard—
Make sure you are heard before you are seen by whistling, singing, talking, etc., while
in the woods. Use extra caution at dawn and dusk. In North Carolina, the hunting
seasons typically run from September – February, but it is advisable to check local
regulations before working in the field.
Vest available in the Appalachian
Trail Conservancy’s Online Store
Remember: In an emergency, call 911!
Always know your cell phone’s capability
and carry a map so you can describe your
location.
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
Illegal & Unauthorized Activities
While out on volunteer assignments, if you encounter or witness any urgent problems or threatening situations,
(off road vehicles, fire, weapons, hunting/trapping, unknown hazardous material or pollutant, persons under the
influence of alcohol or drugs) immediately remove yourself to a safe distance and contact a CMLC staff member
and the police if warranted. Your safety is the most important consideration. Do not try to confront anyone who is
participating in illegal activities.
Chemical Hazards: Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working
with or in the vicinity of chemicals.
 Pesticides/Herbicides
Pesticides should only be used by, or in the presence of a licensed Pesticide Applicator. They are trained in the safe
and legal use of such chemicals and therefore the only individuals qualified to administer them. With that in mind,
there may be circumstances when a licensed pesticide applicator will allow trusted volunteers to apply pesticides
under their license, with or without being present at the site.
Pesticides are designed to absorb on contact and can cause many health concerns. Herbicides are intended to kill
invasive plant species and can cause health effects ranging from skin irritation to blindness and cancer. Other
pesticides used to kill insects and small rodents can be even more harmful causing renal failure, cardiovascular
problems, hyperthermia, and irregular heartbeat.
Anyone who applies pesticides is required to fully read and follow the label. The label is the law and failure to
comply with the label may result in legal action. The label provides information about health and safety, mixing,
treatment methods, species that may be treated with that chemical, and PPE. In most cases it is advisable to wear
chemical resistant gloves, safety glasses, and long sleeves and pants to reduce contact with chemicals. In some
cases, respirators or breathing masks may be required to prevent inhaling toxic gases, fumes, or vapors from more
volatile chemicals.
How CMLC is staying safe:
Every staff/ Americorps member is CPR/First Aid certified and carries a basic first aid kit in the field.
Staff/Americorps members regularly discuss hazards of field work and always inform other members of the team’s
whereabouts. CMLC Staff/ Americorps provide safety instructions to volunteers before field workdays.
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Recommended Basic Wilderness First Aid Kit Contents:
American Red Cross
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2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
5 antiseptic wipe packets
2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
1 blanket (space blanket)
1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
1 instant cold compress
2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
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2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
Scissors
1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
2 triangular bandages
Tweezers
First aid instruction booklet
Wilderness Medical Associates International
Nitrile Gloves
CPR Mask and Airway Management (breathing barrier)
1 in athletic tape
Gauze/dressings (4-6)
Adhesive bandages (8)
Roller gauze or vet wrap (2)
Waterproof/breathable (occlusive) wound dressings
Tweezers
Small magnifier
Wound cleaning 60 cc syringe
Trauma sheers
Blister care- moleskin, foam, gel pads, etc
3 inch compression wraps
Aluminum foam splint
Triangular bandages
Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen
Antacids
Antihistamines
Topical Antibiotic Cream (for shallow wounds only)
Personal medications such as asthma inhalers and epi-pens
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