Everyone experiences times in our lives when we get a scrape, cut or bruise.  As Geocachers you can expect more than the average number of boo boos.  On many occasion I’ve gotten home and found my legs and arms scratched from bushwhacking from cache to cache.  It is vitally important that cachers keep safety first.

Here are a few tips to keep you Geocaching safely:

• If under a doctor’s care, get your doctor’s approval before you begin any new activity
• Always have a buddy with you
  
• Carry a first aid kit – At a minimum the kit should include adhesive bandages (Bandaids), alcohol pads, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, gauze roll, antibiotic cream, scissors, triangular bandage, and duct tape (no really).
• Carry a cell phone so you can notify 911 in case of an emergency
• Bring enough water for everyone with you and just a little bit more for someone you might find on the trail in dire need (this happens more often than you think)
• Pre-hydrate – Drink water 15 to 30 minutes before you begin your outing.
• Know where the closest hospital/emergency care facility is located.
• Learn first aid basics – Know how to stop bleeding, dress a wound, and the signs of heat exhaustion.  You can even download an American Red Cross first aid app to your iPhone or Android here.
• Watch your step near ledges and cliffs.
• Be aware of your environment (view Will That Thing Bite Me)
• Make sure you and your family are up-to-date on all of your shots (especially Tetanus).
• Don’t drive tired or sleepy.
• Wear sunscreen and reapply when needed.
• Know that “PI” in a Geocache log means Poison Ivy
• Turn around if faced with high water on the road
• Ensure your vehicle is in proper working order (when was the last time you checked your brake lights or fluid levels?)
• If biking, carry a spare tube, patch kit, and pump.  Also know which type of valve your tube
  

  Tube Pump Gauge (Schrader Type Valve)

  has (Presta valves have smaller, tapered stems than normal (Schrader) bike/car valves.  Loosen the lock nut on the Presta valve before inflating)  Knowing this may prevent you from walking or carrying your bike miles back to civilization

• When in a boat, canoe or kayak, always wear your personal flotation device
• Know your limitations.  Survey the terrain and be honest with your capabilities
• Use caution when leaving the vehicle to look for the cache.  Look left, right, left again
  

  Presta Valve

• Don’t fall in drop drains or culverts (daveb316 this means you!)
• When behind the wheel, focus on the road.  Don’t be distracted by the GPSr/smartphone
• Wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and terrain you will be traversing
• Check your equipment before you leave the house
• Keep an eye on the weather
  

  Schrader Valve

• Let someone know where you are going and what time to expect you back
• Mark a waypoint for your parking location (go here to see how to mark a waypoint with the Groundspeak Geocaching app)
• Drink plenty of water

It is important to think about safety.  Apply it to everything you do and you will decrease the chances of having a bad experience.

Remember, the key thing about safety is YOU!