Outdoor and Field Safety

Working outdoors means coming into contact with all kinds of insects.

At best, stings can cause pain and irritation, and at their worst, an allergic reaction. It is important to understand how to avoid being stung.

When working in the field, consider the following information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

• Hornets, wasps, and bees are often attracted to flowery perfumes or soaps. Refrain from using fragrant products before working outside.
• Light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible are best for avoiding bee stings and other attacks.
• Human sweat can attract these insects so wear clean clothes and bathe daily.
• Bees and hornets are attracted to the pollen that flowers produce. Be especially aware when working near flowers.
• Wasps are predators and are attracted to garbage and leftover food scraps. Be careful around compost open piles.

When attacked by bees, hornets, or wasps, get to safety as quickly as possible.

• Never swat or kill – this may elicit an attack response from them or other bees/wasps in the area.
• Shaded areas are better for escaping these insects than open areas.
• If possible, run indoors and close the door.
• Never jump in the water to avoid a swarm of bees or hornets, because some species may stay above the surface and continue to sting when you come up for air. Bees release a chemical that attracts other bees when they sting.

Removing The Stinger

Wash area where the sting occurred with soap and water before attempting to remove the stinger. Never attempt to remove the stinger with tweezers or by squeezing the wound.

Run a clean fingernail or gauze from a first aid kit over the sting to draw the stinger out. Ice can be applied to a recent sting to help reduce swelling. Refrain from scratching or picking at a sting so that it doesn't become further irritated or infected. Get medical attention as needed.

The CDC estimates that around 100 people die each year from allergic reactions to bee, wasp, and hornet stings. If you know you have an allergy to one of them already:

• Notify your supervisor before working in the field.
• Carry an epinephrine auto injector (EpiPen) and wear a bracelet, necklace, or card that contains information about your condition so you can be treated properly.

Stay with the person who was stung, watching for any allergic reactions, while you wait for help to arrive.

Information on Anaphylaxis

The rewards of studying or doing research on Lake Champlain or other waterways are multifaceted, as are the risks.  Of primary concern are:

• Boating safety requirements for small motor-driven vessels 
• Canoe and kayak safety
• Personal floatation device usage
• Prevention of slips/falls
• Heat exhaustion or hypothermia
• Exposure to pathogens in water

UVM requires anyone operating a small watercraft, like a motorboat, complete the Vermont State Police approved on-line training (see link Quick Links). You must also carry a Boat Safety Certification Card at all times while operating small, motorized boats.  Even though this State requirement pertains to people born on or after January 1, 1974, UVM asks that all operators follow this requirement for reasons of safety and liability.

Operators of any motorized, small watercraft, are required to get a Boating Safety Certification prior to operation of any UVM vessel.  Payment of this class is and individual and/or department responsibility. 

For more information regarding safely using the University's small boats, please read the UVM Small Boat Safety Manual (DOC).

Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are important activities at the University of Vermont, for both recreation and field studies.  These activities can introduce students to a variety of physical, social and natural experiences that result in community building, skill development, health and wellness, and leadership skills.  Paddling can also be an essential mode of transportation for data collection and field study in UVM academic departments. Read the following essential steps for any UVM paddling activities in Paddling – Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboard Procedures (PDF).

Anyone who is required to operate a motorized, small watercraft, is required to complete Boating Safety Certificate Course for Vermont  PRIOR TO operating any UVM vessel.

The fee for this class is the responsibility of the individual and/or department.  

Upon completion of the class, you will receive a boater education card. A copy of the operator's boater education card must be kept on file with the department that assigns the task of operating a watercraft.

Departments may be asked to show proof of completion of the Vermont State Police-Approved Boater Education Course for a UVM affilliate at any time. Departments should keep a copy of any individual in their department who has a Boater Education Certification Card. For more information, email risk.management@uvm.edu

There are dozens of plants that can cause allergic reactions or chemical irritations, contain rash-inducing chemicals, including members of the celery, rue, mulberry, pea, and aster families. The human reaction to these chemicals (called furanocoumarins) is generally mild. Common plants, such as sunflowers, wild grapes, and clematis can also be irritating to touch.

Other plant toxins can cause itchy rashes and painful boils. To protect yourself, take the time to learn to identify some poisonous plants and wear proper clothing to protect yourself from any contact.

Wear protective clothing: long-sleeved shirt, socks, and closed-toe shoes.

• Cover all exposed skin.
• Wash clothes and skin with soap and water after an exposure.
• Wear work gloves and wash them regularly.

Be aware of your surroundings and protect yourself as best you can, especially when removing invasive species or working in brushy areas.

Photodermatitis, sometimes referred to as sun poisoning or photoallergy, is a form of allergic contact dermatitis in which the allergen must be activated by light to sensitize the allergic response, and to cause a rash or other systemic effects on subsequent exposure.

Photodermatitis may result in swelling, a burning sensation, a red itchy rash sometimes resembling small blisters, and peeling of the skin. Nausea may also occur. There may also be blotches where the itching may persist for long periods of time. Two common plants commonly found in Vermont can react with sunlight to cause photodermatitis are Poison Ivy, Wild Parsnip, and Wild Chervil.

Some plants, such as poison ivy, can cause a rash to those who are allergic. The rash is caused by contact with urushiol, an oil found in poison ivy, poison oak, or sumac.

The oil is present in all parts of the plants, including the leaves, stems, flowers, berries, and roots. Indirect contact with urushiol can also cause the rash. This may happen when you touch clothing, a pet who has it on their fur, gardening tools, or other objects that have come in contact with the plant.

Note: NEVER burn poison ivy! The smoke contains particles that can cause serious injury to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.

Wild Parsnip grows wild along roadsides and other unmaintained areas, and produce yellow flowers that appear similar to Queen Anne’s Lace. Wild parsnip sap is different from the toxin found in poison ivy or poison sumac; the reaction your body has to it has nothing to do with your immune system, and everyone is susceptible. The harmful chemical compounds are photosensitizing. This means they are activated by UV radiation from the sun.

Furocoumarin is the chemical in wild parsnip that causes this plant to react with sunlight and damage skin. When absorbed by skin, furocoumarins are energized by ultraviolet light (present during sunny and cloudy days) causing them to bind with nuclear DNA and cell membranes. It can destroy cells and skin tissue. This reaction, however, takes time to produce visible damage.

• More information on Wild Parsnip

Wild Chervil, Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm., is a weed belonging to the parsley family (Apiaceae) and is becoming a serious problem in hay fields and pastures in central Vermont. It's three to four foot heights, fern-like leaves and white flowers arranged in a compound umbel pattern are quite pronounced during late May to early July and are commonly found along roadsides and in meadows in central Vermont.

Wild Chervil is very difficult to control because of its extremely deep taproot and its resistance to herbicides. Wild Chervil sap can cause a chemical burn on skin when it is exposed to sunlight. This creates an additional hazard to anyone mowing, weed-whacking or walking in it.

• More information about how to control wild chervil (PDF)

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to a normally harmless substance, called an allergen.  It is often associated with insect stings (bees, wasps, hornets), foods (tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish), latex and other chemicals. 

Mild allergic reactions produce symptoms such as rash, itchy skin, hives, flushed appearance, swelling skin or lips, nausea and/or abdominal cramps.  These common symptoms of allergic reaction alone do not necessarily indicate a life-threatening emergency.

Severe allergic reactions may include any of the mild symptoms plus difficulty breathing and/or signs of shock.

Call 911 whenever somebody is experiencing difficulty breathing and/or symptoms of shock.

Epinephrine is a medication that works inside the body to counteract the allergic reaction. A person diagnosed with a severe allergy may be prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) by his or her doctor. In the case of an anaphylactic reaction, timely administration of the EpiPen may be necessary to save a life. 

EpiPens are available by prescription only. They come in adult and child prescriptions. Each injector contains only 1 dose though some prescriptions may contain a second injector. Prescriptions should be stored in a cool dark place and replaced prior to their expiration date.

EpiPens are designed to be self-administered by the person experiencing anaphylaxis.  Sometimes that person is incapacitated and will need assistance administering the epinephrine.

Prior to assisting a person in anaphylaxis, first CHECK to ensure the scene is safe.  Second CALL 911. In order to then give CARE, you must:

• Confirm a history of severe allergies (ask the person, check for medical alert bracelet/necklace, or refer to medical information sheet if appropriate)
• Look for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
• Look for evidence of exposure to the allergen
• Find out if the person needs help administering the auto-injector; and
• Check that you have the person’s own prescribed auto-injector, that it has not past the expiration date and that the fluid is not cloudy.

If a person has no history of severe allergic reaction, has not been prescribed an EpiPen or has not been exposed to the allergen, do not administer epinephrine.  Provide other first aid and monitor the person while you await emergency medical assistance.

Instructions for use of EpiPen are included on and with the device. Generally the steps include:

1. Once you’ve confirmed the auto-injector is prescribed for the person, remove the device from its carrier tube or package, if it has one. Check the expiration date. If it has expired, do not use the auto-injector. If the medication is visible, make sure the liquid is clear. If it is cloudy, do not use it.
2. Have the person sit down and lean slightly forward. Have the person lie down if they show signs of shock.
3. Determine if person has already administered a dose of epinephrine. A second dose is called for only if symptoms worsen and EMS is delayed.
4. Before giving the injection, you should put on gloves. Then, locate the outside middle of the person’s thigh. If you are giving the injection through clothing, make sure there are no obstructions at the site (cell phone, wallet, things in pocket).
5. Grasp the auto-injector firmly in your fist with the needle end—the orange tip—pointed down. With the other hand, pull straight up on the blue safety cap without bending or twisting it. Do not put your thumb, fingers or hand over the ends.
6. Hold the auto-injector with the needle end perpendicular to and near the outer thigh. Quickly and firmly push the tip straight into the outer thigh. You will hear a click indicating that the spring mechanism has been triggered. Hold the auto-injector firmly in place for 10 seconds to deliver the medication. Then, remove the auto-injector from the thigh and massage or have the person massage the injection area. Once the injection has been given, you’ll need to recheck the person’s breathing and watch to see how the person responds to the medication.
7. You should also try to reassure the person to help him stay calm while waiting for the EMS team.

If EMS is delayed and the person’s symptoms do not improve or improve and then get worse again, administer a second dose of epinephrine using the same method. Remember a second device is needed.

Once you’ve used the auto-injector, be sure to carefully place it in a safe container. Give it to EMS personnel when they arrive. You’ll also want to be ready to report the following information to EMS:

• What happened
• The signs and symptoms you observed
• The care given and what time you gave the injection
• The location of the injection
• And how the person responded to the medication

The American Red Cross Offers an on-line training for Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto-Injector.

The outdoor kitchen can add considerably to a well designed outdoor trip, but it can also become a serious hazard, most commonly resulting in burns or gastro-intestinal illness.  Similarly, campfires can become a lifesaver or a trip highlight; but a poorly managed campfire can have disastrous results for ourselves and the surrounding environment. Practice these steps on all UVM trips.

Outdoor Kitchen and Fire Safety Protocols (PDF)