Spending time outdoors is great: it provides time in the sun, is a free place to hang out with friends, and can be a great source of activity. Whether it’s hiking, biking, running, or playing ultimate frisbee, customers will have a fun time. Unfortunately, with all that activity, outdoor safety isn’t a main focus.
It’s easy to not pay attention and as a result, become lost or injured. No one wants to halt the fun to go to the hospital, or worse, need rescued in the middle of the woods. In 2012 there were 2,876 incidents of search and rescue (SAR) according to the National Park Service (NPS). While the number fluctuates, it’s troubling that there were so many hikers that needed rescue. Even worse, according to Sky Above Us, between 2010 and 2014, “192 SARs were hiking-related fatalities.”
At least 50% of active runners get hurt each year. This could be from falls or overuse of their bodies.
The worst part is that with a little preparation and planning, these statistics could be far less. Help your customers have fun outside without the threat of a hospital trip looming over their heads like the Sword of Damocles.
Hiking is a time to be aware of outdoor safety. One of the biggest concerns while hiking is making sure your customers know where they’re going. When you’re walking in unfamiliar woods it’s easy to get turned around. You wind up going in further when you wanted to leave.
People leaving the trail they’re following is the top reason people get lost. They saw something they wanted to investigate, or they thought they were smart enough to not get turned around. When all you see are trees though, it’s easy to lose track of where you are.
Handheld gps devices can be a lifesaver while in the woods, struggling to figure out exactly where you are. Many of them are small enough to fit in a pocket like a cellphone, making carrying it not a hassle. Petra’s selection will be able to go on any hiking adventure.
You can also get lost if you’re hurt. The number one way to ensure an injury is just an inconvenience and not a catastrophe is to never hike alone. Bring a friend or family member. They can help if you get hurt or go get help. You should also make sure people know where you’re going and when to expect you back in case you’re stuck, hurt somewhere.
When preparing for a hiking trip, it’s always a good idea to bring a small first aid kit. While it won’t help if a bone is broken or an ankle is sprained, it can help clean open wounds and some even carry survival essentials like a fire starter and a whistle. Petra carries numerous first aid and survival kits that can fit into any backpack.
Running can be one of the best ways to keep in shape and getting to do so outside provides fresh air and interesting scenery. However, if not done properly, it can wreak havoc on your body.
Runner’s knee, stress fractures, and more can happen when a runner doesn’t prepare correctly. Properly fitting shoes and balancing running with something like swimming or yoga can help prevent injuries, as well as listening to your body. If something doesn’t feel right or hurts, stop the workout or slow down. There’s no harm in taking it easier than planned.
In addition to injury, many runners lack an awareness of their surroundings. It’s important to always know what’s around you, but many people put in earbuds or headphones and focus on music while being active to get in the zone. This can be hazardous since they won’t hear if people call out a warning to them or if a shady stranger is following them.
Shokz headphones let the wearer listen to their music while also hearing ambient sounds. They work by using bone conduction technology that delivers music through the cheekbones while leaving ears open. They’re lightweight and easy to use, as well as stays on with over-the-ear bands. They’re great for running or being active whether inside or outside. Petra has colors to fit any personality too.
Sometimes the fun goes all day long and into the night. While being active at night doesn’t seem dangerous, when it gets dark and difficult to see it’s easy to get hurt. You don’t see a tree root, you lose sense of direction, or don’t see an animal coming up to your camp. All these things can and do happen. They would put a real damper on the party. With a little more illumination, those problems may be lessened.
Light can come in a range of shapes, sizes, and uses. Headlamps are easy to use and you’re able to shine a light wherever you’re looking while camping lanterns and hanging lamps can cast a wider ray of light and are centered in your camp so everyone can see equally. Petra’s line of headlamps and lanterns are the ideal solution to staying outdoors during the night.
Whether you’re having fun in the sun or having to work outdoors, the heat can easily take its toll on your body. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can seriously harm a person or even be fatal if not addressed.
When the body is extremely hot and loses too much water and salt to sweating, heat exhaustion occurs. Signs of heat exhaustion are:
• tiredness
• dizziness
• headache
• a high temperature
• being very thirsty
• cramps in the arms, legs, and stomach
• feeling sick or actively being sick
• excessive sweating and pale and clammy skin or getting a heat rash
• fast breathing or heartbeat, and
• weakness
If someone has heat exhaustion, it’s important to cool them down and give them fluids.
• body temperature over 103°F
• flushed, dry, and hot to the touch skin and they’re no longer sweating
• rapid breathing
• headache, dizziness, confusion, or other signs of an altered mental state
• irrational or belligerent behavior
• convulsions or unresponsiveness
• after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled, and drinking fluids they’re still unwell
That person likely has heat stroke and needs to go the hospital. Call 911 and monitor the person’s breathing.
Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke is simple to understand but can be difficult to achieve. Keeping water handy is essential to maintaining body temperature and liquids. Petra’s selection of water bottles and tumblers are a great way to keep hydrated while outdoors. In addition, wearing light-colored clothes and avoiding extreme exercise in the middle of the day can help prevent a heat related injury.
The great outdoors provides a world of possible activities but understanding outdoor safety and preventing injury means your customers can spend more time having fun and less time having to deal with a major problem. Whether it’s hiking, running, camping, or just playing outside, knowing the right tools to stay safe is key. With a little time and preparation, and Petra’s line of outdoor products, everyone can have a great time together. And for all your customer’s many needs, check out order.petra.com for all our products.