1. Introduce yourself and your fellow trip leaders, as well as any competent members of the trip so new members know who can assist them as needed. Be friendly!
  2. Ask the trip participants if they have any medical issues that you need to know about.
    • Trip leaders should be conscious that this advice may not want to be given in a group setting, so ask at the beginning of the trip but give people the opportunity to come up to you when they feel comfortable. 
    • Trip leaders should inquire about the following:
      • Medical histories that may be relevant for a club trip (e.g. asthma, etc.).
      • Locations of medications, especially for anaphylaxis.
      • Whether participants may be fasting for any reason (e.g. during Ramadan), as the reduced food and water intake could impact their health on the trip.
  3. Advise everyone as to the location of your first aid kit and PLB (e.g. it's in the top of my red pack).
  4. Trip leaders should make it clear that you are there to care for the participant’s safety and wellbeing for the duration of the trip, and that they can, and should, come to you with any potential safety concerns, no matter how minor.
  5. Remind people that the activities that we undertake are inherently dangerous and they should always be on alert and listen to instructions.
  6. Double check all participants have appropriate gear.
  7. Where applicable ask participants to use the amenities before entering a crag or canyon.
  8. Remember that people come from different backgrounds and may have different communication styles and social expectations. Be kind and respectful to all trip participants, but expect the same in kind, you don’t have to put up with poor behaviour.
  • Make it clear that people need a good level of fitness and need to be able to swim (if a wet canyon).
  • Keep an eye on any inclement weather incoming, and be prepared to change your plans if need be to stay safe.
  • Check in with each of your participants occasionally, especially asking and looking for signs of:
    • Fatigue
    • Dehydration
    • Low blood sugar
    • Cold/hypothermia