Rescued: An Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers

**Special note - this episode touches on traumatic incidents where people lost their lives. Out of respect for these people, their families and loved ones, the rescuers and all involved, I ask that in the spirit of the Rescued Podcast, you choose empathy and kindness as your guide when listening, sharing or discussing. Please do not choose blame, shame or minimise the complexity of such situations to simplistic factors, thank you.**
When we think about the people who turn up when things go wrong in the wild, we probably picture helicopters, ropes and flashing lights. What we might not picture is a surfer-climber from Coolum Beach who spent his younger years messing around sea cliffs and canyoning in the Blue Mountains — and who now leads and trains others in some of the most technically demanding rescues on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
There’s been a lot of chatter about the increase of accidents on QLDs Glass House Mountains and places like Mount Barney in recent years, and so too the need for a coordinated response — and today’s guest is clear that it’s never just a QFD operation. There’s a big role played by others like volunteers from SES, locals, Ambulance and Police, and he's generous in his respect for everyone of them.
This is an episode about preparation, consequence, and knowing where we sit — our competence as adventurers, as well as the load on our rescuers. So if you've ever scrolled past a stunning image of a mountain and thought, "I want to go there" — this one's especially for you.
Episode Takeaways
Honest and accurate self-assessment of experience, fitness and skills needed for a particular route/hike
The ability to make wise decisions, and reassess when necessary (Listen to ep 17
The difference between a hiking trail vs a climbing/scrambling route. Hiking trails are graded by the Australian Walking Track Grading System vs climbing uses the Ewbank System
The importance of getting your info from a reputable source, eg. national parks or other land managers, vs relying on social media or a group without the expertise to deliver it
Always pack the essentials - see day packing list and overnight packing list.
Check weather, park and track closures, sunset times, fire danger
Downloading a map (not just an app) that works when there's no coverage and testing it before you go
Downloading the Emergency+ App
Leave a review for the chance to win from Paddy Pallin // Each episode of Rescued now has the opportunity for listeners to win a $50 Paddy Pallin gift card (to be used online or in-store), along with an iconic Nalgene 1L bottle. Simply leave a rating with a review on either Spotify or Apple Podcasts, grab a screenshot to verify it and then complete this form.

How many times have you heard of someone with a solid adventure resume being injured by something that seems pretty simple — like, stepping off a kerb, or slipping over in the shower?
Today's guest Ross is an experienced multiday bushwalker, free-diver and deer hunter who grew up with the Snowy Mountains on his doorstep, and has spent a lifetime living and working in nature.
In this episode, he takes us along on the Light to Light walk (near the ominously named, Disaster Bay, the NSW South Coast) — which, compared to many of his past exploits, should’ve been a relatively straightforward three-day walk with his family.
The dreamy beachside campsites and wild, rocky coastal platforms faded fast — the moment a wrong step left him unable to move his legs. The weather was closing in, there was no mobile coverage, and the nearest road was many kilometres away.
Content Warning: This episode includes descriptions of injuries and medical terminology.
Key learnings from this episode:
Importance of carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
Travelling in a group means that there's someone to give first aid, call for help and carry out a patient's bags when needed
Always preparing and packing for all weather conditions (download my packing list here)
How lucky we are in Australia to have such great emergency services, all working together when needed, including volunteers. This rescue involved Police, NSW Ambulance, NPWS, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW State Emergency Services (NSW SES)
Gear tip: a light fly/tarp as a secondary shelter for cooking in the rain and an emergency shelter for an injured person. ie setting up a tent and getting an injured person inside may not always be easy/possible due to the location or injury
Always waterproof your dry clothes, thermals and sleeping bag inside your pack
Importance of training and knowledge in first aid (especially remote area first aid) including how to protect ourselves from environmental factors (cold, rain, etc)
Value of having Ambulance Insurance and how it could save you money. Medicare does not cover ambulance in Australia.
More than 1 emergency blanket is needed to properly insulate a person
Being able to focus on rehabilitation with the right mindset and adjust our lives (and home environment) for the best outcomes
Other resources:
Read Ross' article on the Ocean Signal website (manufacturers of his PLB)

One of the biggest barriers that stops people from getting out and connecting with nature — through hiking or bushwalking — is the fear of getting lost.
Today's guest is no stranger to the bush. She'd done some research, packed for the conditions, let someone know her plans and downloaded the AllTrails app. But despite all of that, her 10 km day walk (which should’ve taken about 4-5 hours) turned into an unplanned night out, alone, in difficult terrain, with the looming anxiety of being completely lost.
She's sharing her story today with real courage and gratitude, having received a bit of unhelpful judgment after the event. So in the spirit of the Rescued Podcast, I ask that we receive her story with kindness and see what we can all learn from her experience.
Key learnings from this episode:
If you’re lost, stay where you are unless it’s not safe to do so
The importance of slowing down to think through decisions if something goes wrong, not rushing about or panicking
The value of rest on your body and mind when something goes wrong
Why packing (or wearing) thermals is a good idea
Being sensitive to anyone you know (or work with) who may experience something like this
Why it’s always a good idea to carry a raincoat, even if it’s not forecast to rain while you’re out
Understanding that apps like AllTrails are best when used as one (of many) research tools (ie. when looking to walk in a new area), not relied on for navigation
Gathering reviews and comments from people online can be a helpful tool in research, but they’re subjective: what’s easy for one person can be hard for another. The Australian Walking Track Grading System is an objective national guideline.
The value of carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
Carrying a first aid kit with an emergency blanket
The strength of not walking/adventuring solo - groups like bushwalking clubs or other groups/MeetUps/organisations are great resources if you don’t have any outdoorsy friends
The limitations of smartphones to pinpoint location via apps when under/near the base of clifflines or in narrow, deep areas
Why it’s good to test out gear/equipment/apps before relying on them in the bush
Importance of carrying a battery power bank to keep phones and other devices charged
Planning for contingencies - even for a short day walk such as extra food, water, clothing layers and an emergency bivvy (eg. SOL bivvy bag) for unplanned overnight or in an accident
When leaving your trip intentions with people, write down the details or send them the link/details via SMS/email
NB: Olga refers to a ladder that she used to ascend a short section. This ladder is not part of the old and decommissioned waterboard structures attached to the cliff face in the area-these are inaccessible.
Other Resources:
Day hike packing list
Overnight hike packing list

LISTEN to part 1 first
ENTER to win a $50 Paddy Pallin voucher + Nalgene bottle
The things we love to do in nature can lead us to explore and discover places not just close to home, but to some very remote and uncharted places around the world.
In this special double episode of Rescued, we hear from 3 friends, all highly skilled and experienced canyoners, as they find themselves in the embrace of Taiwan’s small and dedicated canyoning and rescue community, after a life-threatening fall during a multiday expedition.
If you ever needed a reminder of the value of regular, high-quality wilderness first aid training and the importance of being able to rely on the people you adventure with - this is it.
This isn't a straightforward pack n’ send case of helicopter, paramedics and hospital. Their reliance on each other, their skills and a solid sense of humour is put to the test throughout this 2 day ordeal.
Key learnings from this episode:
The importance of having the right skills, training and experience for the environments
The ability to make fair self-assessments of the above
Planning is key to better outcomes
Research multiple contingency plans, if your exit from a canyon doesn’t work, are there alternatives you can see on satellite imagery? Plan refuge and camp spots
Being able to rely completely on your adventure buddies if something goes wrong. Q: Can you say this about strangers you connect with on MeetUps or similar?)
Value of research, local knowledge and connections
Huge thanks to the incredible and supportive local canyoning community of Taiwan
Being smart about choosing your emergency contacts and setting up a What’sApp group - briefing them all properly with plans, contingencies and giving them permission to act as your advocates if something happens
The essential recert and muscle memory of quality wilderness first aid training
Benefits of choosing to study Wilderness or RAFA over simple Senior First Aid
Brainstorm and practice of roping and rescue problems at home and in easier environments before being confident to execute them in challenging ones
Good open, inclusive and frank communication in and around a patient
How humour can help with stressful situations
Everyone knowing their job and getting it done
How party size can change outcomes in an incident
Importance of essential survival skills eg: fire making, knowing priorities for survival
Stove, lighters and Nalgenes as essential canyon equipment
Making sure your first aid kit is up-to-date (when was the last time you made sure you had enough panadol and ibuprofen?)
Bright clothes, bothy bag, emergency blankets to draw attention
Knowing how to prepare for helicopters and downwash
Aussie registered PLBs activated overseas are received by AMSA in Canberra
There's a bunch of different ways you could help support the work of this pod:
Leave a review on your platform of choice
Leave a donation towards the costs
Visit my sponsors at Paddypallin.com.au
Buy my book - "How to Navigate - the art of traditional map and compass navigation in an Australian context."
Check out my Navigation Courses

The things we love to do in nature can lead us to explore and discover places not just close to home, but to some very remote and uncharted places around the world.
These activities, like bushwalking/hiking, climbing or canyoning, give us opportunities to step outside the typical tourist or visitor experience, not only opening our eyes to cultures different to our own, but on a deeper level, the chance to connect with the local outdoor community through our shared love of wild places.
In this special double episode of Rescued, we hear from 3 friends, all highly skilled and experienced canyoners, as they find themselves in the embrace of Taiwan’s small and dedicated canyoning and rescue community, after a life-threatening fall during a multiday expedition.
If you ever needed a reminder of the value of regular, high-quality wilderness first aid training and the importance of being able to rely on the people you adventure with - this is it.
This isn't a straightforward pack n’ send case of helicopter, paramedics and hospital. Their reliance on each other, their skills and a solid sense of humour is put to the test throughout this 2 day ordeal.
Key learnings from this episode:
The importance of having the right skills, training and experience for the environments
The ability to make fair self-assessments of the above
Planning is key to better outcomes
Research multiple contingency plans, if your exit from a canyon doesn’t work, are there alternatives you can see on satellite imagery? Plan refuge and camp spots
Being able to rely completely on your adventure buddies if something goes wrong. Q: Can you say this about strangers you connect with on MeetUps or similar?)
Value of research, local knowledge and connections
Huge thanks to the incredible and supportive local canyoning community of Taiwan
Being smart about choosing your emergency contacts and setting up a What’sApp group - briefing them all properly with plans, contingencies and giving them permission to act as your advocates if something happens
The essential recert and muscle memory of quality wilderness first aid training
Benefits of choosing to study Wilderness or RAFA over simple Senior First Aid
Brainstorm and practice of roping and rescue problems at home and in easier environments before being confident to execute them in challenging ones
Good open, inclusive and frank communication in and around a patient
How humour can help with stressful situations
Everyone knowing their job and getting it done
How party size can change outcomes in an incident
Importance of essential survival skills eg: fire making, knowing priorities for survival
Stove, lighters and Nalgenes as essential canyon equipment
Making sure your first aid kit is up-to-date (when was the last time you made sure you had enough panadol and ibuprofen?)
Bright clothes, bothy bag, emergency blankets to draw attention
Knowing how to prepare for helicopters and downwash
Aussie registered PLBs activated overseas are received by AMSA in Canberra
There's a bunch of different ways you could help support the work of this pod:
Leave a review on your platform of choice
Leave a donation towards the costs
Visit my sponsors at Paddypallin.com.au
Buy my book - "How to Navigate - the art of traditional map and compass navigation in an Australian context."
Check out my Navigation Courses