First-Aid Kits: Each guide carries a small first-aid kit while away from the raft. These kits are sufficient to tend to minor injuries or to assist a more seriously injured person while transporting them back to the boat or to the base camp where the larger first-aid kit is stored, or until they are evacuated, if necessary. First-Aid Skills of Guides and Trip Leaders: All guides have been trained and are currently certified in CPR and Basic First-Aid, including training in hypothermia and cold-water survival techniques. Moreover, the Senior Guide, Steve Hogan, has been trained and is currently certified in Wilderness First Responder First-Aid.

Emergency Survival Supplies and Safety Equipment: Each raft carries the following survival supplies and can independently operate if separated from the other rafts in the party: compass, map of area, signaling devices (i.e., flares, signal mirror, and knowledge of how to make signals out of natural materials), emergency throw-bags, hand-held FRS band radio, first-aid kit, fire-starting materials sealed in a waterproof container, minimum of 3 extra days of food, tents/tarps and sleeping bags. In addition, the trip leader, Jim Heafner, carries a GPS, waterproof Emergency Locator Transmitter and ground to air radio, Z-Rig System, 100 foot safety rope, extra PFD, boat pump, repair kit, and a 12 guage shotgun or .375 H&H rifle.

Communication Equipment and Procedures: Each guide/raft carries a hand-held FRS band radio that is capable of clear communication of up to 2 miles. A hand-held, waterproof Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) and ground to air radio is carried in the Trip Leader's raft. Prior to departing each morning, the guides receive a briefing from the Trip Leader, outlining the plan for that day. Guides are expected to carefully follow the plan and not deviate from it. Periodic contact between the rafts is made at regular intervals (minimum of every 2 hours) while on the river. These contacts are limited to information on location, potential hazards, and expected itinerary for the next few hours. A copy of the trip itinerary will be left with the guide's base of operations, spouses, and/or families prior to the trip. A change in trip plans will not occur unless contact is first made with these home/bases parties.

Trip Safety Briefing: Clients are briefed initially by mail or telephone regarding proper clothing and gear. Prior to boat/river travel, they receive a thorough safety talk and equipment (i.e., life jackets) fitting. In addition, all clients are given a bear/wild animal safety talk. While ashore, guides and clients are always together, with at least one guide being armed. Lost and Overdue Client Procedures: In the event of a serious illness or injury, the ground to air radio and/or Emergency Locator Transmitter will be used to notify the Alaska State Troopers or U.S. Coast Guard to facilitate an evacuation or search and rescue. During an evacuation, all parties will stay together to assist each other and provide support. In the event of a raft flipping and separating the clients and guide, they will procede to shore and establish a temporary camp, awaiting assistance and rescue.

Wildlife photos copyrighted by Grant Klotz
All other photos and text copyrighted by Jim Heafner
Website design by Terri Hobbs