Anything can happen when a person ventures into the great outdoors on a snowmobile venture so Edmund Gaulton says it’s important for all riders to be equipped to survive a night in the woods if something goes awry.
Gaulton, a Cox’s Cove native is a member of the Bay of Islands Volunteer Search and Rescue and earlier this week he put a detailed post of what to take in the woods on a snowmobile on his Facebook Page to give fellow riders a heads up on what it takes to be prepared for the worst.
He spent a dozen or so years involved with search and rescue in Fort McMurray where he made a living as a heavy equipment operator before retiring after 30 years. When he returned home a few years ago he saw there was an active search and rescue squad in place so he wanted to volunteer his time once again.
“Having the ability to be able to light a fire and get some short of shelter going that’s the main things for getting a person through the night,” Gaulton said.
Must-have list
The following is a list of the priority items Gaulton believes every snowmobiler must be equipped with to help them survive a night in the woods if something goes awry:
Matches/lighter, firstarter (sealed in a plastic bag)
Small tarp for shelter
Flashlight
Axe
Supply of snacks
Snow shovel
Extra mitts or gloves
Compass for GPS (Global Positioning System)
Whistle
Small first-aid kit
Snowshoes (if heavy snowfall)
