Critical Days of Summer, week 13: Rocky Mountain high

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brandon Sutliff
  • 341st Missile Wing Safety
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  In recent years, an explosion of extreme sports has offered individuals the opportunity to test their physical and mental capabilities. For many "adrenaline junkies," free time is spent sky diving, bungee jumping, white water rafting or doing other hair-raising activities. While all of us need to find a way to blow off steam or get our thrills, we must understand that taking part in these events carries a much higher risk of "extreme" injuries. Taking a few extra steps prior to partaking in these activities will assure that participants will walk away safely, ready to tackle the next challenge.

First, understand your physical and mental limits. High risk activities are meant to push the boundaries and when accomplished, can lead to an empowering feeling. Be sure not to overwhelm yourself to the point that an activity cannot be completed or you are incapable to react if a situation goes awry. A prep course or class is one way to help. For example, before hunting season, many organizations and or wildlife services will conduct a pre-season education class. Dry runs can also provide assistance, such as a step by step pre-jump walkthrough with a sky diving deployment instructor.

Next, be sure that regardless of the activity, all gear utilized is in good repair. For rock climbing, be sure that ropes are not frayed and lanyards lock properly. When on the trail with an All-Terrain Vehicle or dirt bike, be sure Proper Protective Equipment is serviceable and that the vehicle itself is properly maintained. For kayaking, canoeing or white water rafting, make sure your watercraft does not leak and life jackets are both available and used. For every activity, there are specific things to look out for - most of which are common sense. Taking care to check the small things will allow you to partake in activities with confidence.

Now you have identified an activity that will get your heart pumping. It is an activity that will push your limits, but you are able to handle it. You have researched a good time and place to do it and have ensured that all of you gear is ready and safe to use. For military members, there is one more thing to do: check to see if your commander has a High Risk Activity Program in place.

AFI 91-202 recommends that commanders use the High Risk Activity Program as a management tool to ensure participants are familiar with hazards and injury potential associated with particular activities. This means that the individual should talk with their supervisor regarding their plans. He or she may check to find out if their commander has such a program and, if necessary, plan to meet and discuss the activity. Since the High Risk Activity Program is recommended but not mandatory, it will change as commanders come and go, and when members move to new duty stations. If Airmen are ever in doubt, they should just ask a supervisor or their Unit Safety Representative for assistance.

For many, participating in extreme sports is an outlet after a long week at the grind. It's a chance to venture outside of normal boundaries and push both physical and mental limits. All who partake in these activities need to approach them with some caution. Extreme sports are often those with an increased risk of catastrophic injuries. Be sure to understand the limits of your body and mind. Check and then recheck your equipment to be sure that it is ready to go when you are. Finally, before setting off down a rushing river or up a cliff, check with your supervisor to see if your unit has a High Risk Activity Program. If implemented by your commander, a meeting to discuss your planned activity may be required.