Health & Safety
Safety enhances the success, accessibility, & inclusivity of field experiences.
Be actively engaged in your safety
Field camp is inherently dangerous and we take safety very seriously. As a result our camp has maintained an excellent safety record over more than 57 years of operation. As part of our ongoing efforts to maintain this record, we are constantly enhancing the way we develop, administer, and review field camp activities. This page outlines common environmental, health, and safety hazards and the
precautions and strategies you need to minimize risk to yourself and others. It is important for you to evaluate these stated risks with regard to your own personal health and safety. Please feel free to request reasonable course modifications and accommodations when needed.
Environmental Conditions
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Risks to Consider |
Associated Safety Hazards |
Mitigation of Hazards |
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High altitudes : Field camp activities occur at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 ft (1,500 to 3,000 m). The reduced amount of oxygen at altitude may adversely effect pre-existing medical conditions. Symptoms such as shortness of breath and rapid pulse may develop. Blood pressure may increase transiently and some may develop swelling in their feet and ankles. Dehydration develops quickly at field camp because of high altitudes, very low relative humidity, and intense sunshine. |
Altitude sickness is a syndrome with potentially incapacitating symptoms. Although it generally occurs when one sleeps at altitudes above 8,000 ft (2,500 m), you may develop symptoms. Frequent symptoms are headaches, nausea, insomnia, extreme fatigue, listlessness, lack of appetite, and light-headedness. Dehydration will cause fatigue, severe headaches, and result in heat exhaustion & heat stroke. |
Report any persistent symptoms to the Director . Alcohol, caffeine, tranquilizers, sleep medication, and antihistamines often make altitude sickness & dehydration worse. Symptoms generally improve with rest and fluids in 24 to 48 hours. To prevent altitude sickness and dehydration , get as much sleep as possible and always drink enough water to cause the need for urination roughly every three hours while at camp. While in the field, students should drink a minimum of three liters of water per day. Drink small amounts of water at a time throughout the day. Hydration packs (e.g., Camelbacks) are great investments. |
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Wide range of temperatures during June and July, typical daytime temperatures range from ~50 to 90 °F (10 to 32 °C). Evenings are generally mild, but be prepared for nighttime temperatures from 30 to 50 °F (-1 to 10 °C) when camping. |
Exposure to heat can result in heat-related illness (heat exhaustion & sunstroke) Exposure to cold can result in cold-related illness (hypothermia & frostbite). |
Wear layers heat-related illnesses are common and unnecessary camp ailments. Select a wardrobe that comprises layers that can be added or removed as conditions dictate. These might include comfortable wicking undergarments, lightweight pants (with zip-off legs) and T-shirts, light colored long sleeve shirts, lightweight insulated vests or pullovers, and a lightweight waterproof shell that can double as a windbreaker |
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Intense UV radiation : The thinner atmosphere at high altitude filters less UV light and thus predisposes one to sunburn. Similarly, the sun is very bright in the mountains so bring a good pair of sunglasses. |
Exposure to UV radiation can result in sunburn, heat-related illness (heat exhaustion & sunstroke), and snow blindness (sunburn of the eyes) |
Sun block : Sunburn is a common and unnecessary camp ailment. Sunscreen should be used by all – especially those with sensitive skin. Wear wide-brimmed hats, pants, and long sleeved shirts to keep cool and prevent sunburn. UV filtering sunglasses protect eyes from snow blindness. It is important to wear eye protection (glasses, goggles, sunglasses, etc.) in the field to protect your eyes when you (or those around you) are breaking rocks. If you wear contact lenses, bring lots of lens solution and a backup pair of glasses. |
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Expect high winds : The region is known for high-winds – especially later in the day when temperatures begin to drop. |
Exposure to wind can result in windburn and cold-related illness (hypothermia & frostbite). Wind can be exhausting and annoying for the unprepared. Blowing dust is VERY common. Contact lenses can be troublesome in the field because of dust and low humidity. |
Windbreaker : Include a lightweight waterproof shell (not a ski jacket) that can double as a windbreaker in your layers of clothing… and bring it with you into the field |
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Expect limited rainfall : The region is known for high-winds – especially later in the day when temperatures begin to drop. Precipitation is rare, but brief, intense snow and thunderstorms are possible. |
Lightening strikes can be fatal and strikes often reach up to 5 miles from their source. Blue sky strikes (bolts sources from clouds that are not visible) are not uncommon |
Avoid open areas & tall objects : Avoid open fields, isolated trees, hilltops, and utility poles. Lightning often strikes the tallest objects in an area, so move into clusters of short trees or retreat to low lying areas. Avoid conductors (especially water & metal) : Water doesn’t attract lightening, but it does conduct electricity. Avoid metal fences, posts, and temporary shelters, pavilions, tents. Minimize footprint : stand or squat with your feet close together to minimize chance of current passing through you body. Never lie flat on the ground. |
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Vegetation : comprises a typical high-desert/steppe assemblage (sage, pine, cactus, greasewood), so expect to encounter thorny brush and cacti. Grasses and weeds are common |
Scratches & punctures : regional plants commonly generate thorns, spikes, and seeds that can scrape, abrade, cut, tear, or puncture skin Hay fever & plant allergies : Sage & grasses trigger irritating allergic reactions in many. Irritated sinuses and eyes are common. |
Long pants / long sleeve shirts: Covering your skin is the easiest way to avoid plant interactions/injuries. Avoid shorts and consider at least bringing a long sleeved shirt that you can add as a layer of protection when needed Gaiters : are coverings that protect your boot tops. In addition to preventing material from falling into your boots (blisters), they will keep thorns and seeds out of your socks Allergy medication : If you suffer from allergies, be sure to bring an adequate supply of your preferred medications. |
Personal Health
Risks to Consider
Physically challenging: students must be prepared for a rigorous field experience. You will be conducting field exercises in mountainous terrain that necessitates walking considerable distances at high elevations.
Students in good physical condition are able to complete the course without difficulty. However, the performance of students in poor physical health or condition could be hindered by an inability to access portions of field project areas.
Field camp is a physically demanding and may not be right for everyone. If you are concerned about your physical ability hindering your performance, feel free to contact Dr. Stewart to discuss your concerns.
Schedule a thorough physical exam with your physician before attending camp. This is especially if you have a history of cardiac or pulmonary problems, physical, emotional, or mental conditions. In such cases, a physician’s permission may be required prior to acceptance.
Schedule a complete dental checkups before attending camp. Minor complaints will be amplified under the stresses of heat, altitude, and hard work at camp. These issues should be taken care of in advance.
Ensure your vaccinations & boosters are current before attending camp. COVID vaccinations and boosters are strongly suggested for those in attendance. Verify that your tetanus vaccination is current.
Venomous rattlesnakes: are common at lower elevations, but they are timid, avoid people, and rarely bite.
Mountain lions have been seen in some of the field areas in the past.
Moose: Moose are commonly encountered in the alpine meadows of our field areas. These are large and sometimes dangerous animals. Do not approach them or in any way agitate them.
Associated Safety Hazards
Poor physical conditioning may lead to overexertion and severe fatigue that can exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions and contribute to accidents.
Participants in poor physical health or condition and those with serious medical conditions must check with their physician prior to attending camp.
Allergic reactions to insect bites or plant puncture wounds.
Mitigation of Hazards
Health insurance is required. You are responsible for all medical and dental expenses while at camp – the camp has no responsibility for the medical expenses of students and does not provide students with any forms of medical insurance. Work closely with your family and your university to determine what health insurance policies are available to you and what the limits of your coverage are before coming to camp. Make sure to carry your medical insurance information with you at all times
Participants should determine their ability to handle the short periods (20 - 60 min) of strenuous exertion at relatively high altitudes required to access some of the field areas. Vertical changes in elevation are generally on the order of 800 ft (250 m) or less at base elevations of 5,000 to 10,000 ft (1,500 to 3,000 m).
Start exercising: The importance of beginning daily cardiovascular exercise at least one month prior to departure cannot be stressed enough.
Fully disclose all regular medications (prescription & OTC) in the Personal Medical Assessment form and notify the Director(s) of any special medications you may be taking before any emergency situation arises
Fully disclose all known dangerous allergies (e.g., insect bites, foods, etc.) in the Personal Medical Assessment form. Bring any medicines or antidotes (Epi-Pens) that you might require. To ensure you receive appropriate care in the event of an emergency, personally bring your allergies to the attention of the Director(s) on the first day of camp (so we can associate your face with the form)
Avoiding snakebites: Your chances of being bitten by a snake become remote when wearing sturdy, over-ankle boots and by not putting your hands (or any other part of your body) in places you cannot see. Leave the snakes alone – a little fear is a very healthy thing.
Responding to snakebites: If you should be bitten, make sure the snake was a rattlesnake before doing anything. If it was a rattlesnake:
Slow down circulation and be as inactive as possible. If possible, don't run or walk, and have someone assist you to a vehicle. Allow the wound to bleed freely.
Have someone get you to a doctor as soon as possible. Make sure the doctor checks for reaction to horse-serum, if necessary
Avoiding moose & other large animals: Do not enter an area occupied by moose. All animals should be left alone – harassing any animal could result in your dismissal. Do not feed any animal, either intentionally or through your own inaction.
Avoiding insect bites: Use insect repellant (REPEL brand Lemon Eucalyptus spray has proven very effective in this region). Fine mesh hoods provide effective protection from mosquitoes, black flies, and some gnats
Avoiding ticks: Use insect repellant, wear long pants (with gaiters or socks tucked in if necessary) and check yourself carefully for ticks each day
Avoiding scorpions: Avoid putting your fingers in areas you cannot see when picking up rocks. A good strategy is to kick loose rocks before picking them up.
Daily Activities
Risks to Consider
Expect daily hikes in the field areas that cover several miles and up to 1000 ft (300 m) relief. Hikes typically cross rough, steep, unstable terrain. Good judgment and extreme care for you/others are critical.
Unsafe cliffs, overhangs, and steep slopes are common in field areas. Stay away from these hazards and be aware of the people above and below you.
Many students have limited experience working in the outdoors and with the tools of a field geologist. Misuse of field gear (e.g., hammers, chisels, GPS units, etc.) may create unexpected hazards. When used improperly, personal gear may provide less than optimal protection from the elements (e.g., improperly laced boots, hats in backpacks instead of on head, etc.).
Reckless behavior in the field (running and jumping over gullies, wandering away from the group, etc.) or at our apartments (roughhousing) that compromises the safety of yourself or the others will not be tolerated and could result in dismissal from camp.
Days off are dangerous: The most serious injuries at field camps do not occur in the field where geologists are all generally fully aware. On the contrary, most serious injuries occur when students are relaxing: playing ultimate Frisbee, soccer, mountain biking or even walking home from “an evening out.”
Associated Safety Hazards
Trip and fall hazards are extremely common, especially along ledges and steep slopes.
Loose and overhanging rocks exist on hillsides and trails.
Remember an injury to your knees, back, etc. could seriously limit or end your career as a field geologist… certainly for the summer.
Improper use of hammers / chisels can result in serious injury to yourself or those around you. Common injuries include crushing wounds and metal shards and/or rock chips in eyes.
Reckless behavior creates a wide range of completely avoidable hazards.
Mitigation of Hazards
Sturdy, close-toed boots are required in the field at all times. Inadequate footwear commonly results in a range of avoidable injuries, including puncture wounds (from thorny brush, cactus spines, and sharp rocks), severe ankle injuries, and slips and falls.
Boots with Vibram-type soles, good tread and sturdy leather (or similar) uppers provide excellent protection against injury.
Participants without adequate hiking footwear will not be allowed to enter field sites and barred from participating in activities. For example, Nevada Gold Mines Corp requires boots and long pants at all times. Please contact an instructor, ideally before camp begins, if you have any questions regarding the field boot policy.
When breaking rocks, move away from others and turn your back towards them. Always warn those around you when you plan to use your hammer! Never use another hammer as a chisel. Always protect your eyes with some form of safety glasses (e.g., shatter resistant sunglasses). Once again – an injury to your eyes (and those of your classmates) could seriously limit a career in geology.
Long pants are recommended in the field.
Reckless behavior is unacceptable. If your behavior becomes a significant problem, you may be dismissed from Field Camp and will be responsible for your own trip home. While each person is primarily responsible for his or her own safe conduct, they must also contribute to the welfare of the entire group. In each field area, the staff will brief participants on expected and potential hazardous situations and conditions.
If you are not comfortable participating in any of the particular activities for any reason, you are encouraged to notify an instructor. There are no negative implications for this decision.
Please be careful when not in the field. When relaxing, remember that you’ve been working hard and are probably more tired than you realize. You have spent a lot of time and money to get to this stage of your geological education - don't screw it up with a careless injury that prevents you from completing the course.
Transportation
Risks to Consider
Driving is by far the most dangerous activity at camp. Thousands of freeway and off-road miles are put on vehicles at camp each summer.
Drivers have a great responsibility and must be extremely vigilant and careful – the lives of all of passengers, members of the caravan, and the public at large are in their hands.
Associated Safety Hazards
Driver-related hazards are significant and include fatigue, distractions, and inattention during driving.
Car-person collisions are a serious hazard during activities that require work along busy roadways.
Flat tires introduce significant hazards associated with both the operation of a moving vehicle and roadside repairs.
Mitigation of Hazards
Those driving university vehicles must first satisfy all the driver requirements outlined by their home university. Additional defensive driver training is strongly recommended. Before driving, drivers should take whatever time needed to familiarize themselves with their vehicle and routes.
All participants must read, understand, and follow the procedures outlined on the Vehicle Use page.
All participants must pay careful attention to safety briefings by the instructors. It is your responsibility to be fully informed of potentially hazardous conditions associated with use of vehicles.
Passengers must never do anything to interfere with the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Passengers riding shotgun should never sleep and should help keep drivers awake and aware.
Participants must wear high-visibility clothing (and/or safety vests if provided) when working along roadways and bike trails.