| RISK ADVISORY - PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Philmont has an excellent health and safety
record with over 750,000 adults and young people having attended over
the last
65 years. Philmont strives to minimize risks to participants and advisors
by emphasizing proper safety precautions. Most participants in Philmont programs do not experience injuries because they are prepared, are conscious of risks, and take safety precautions. If you decide to attend Philmont, you should be physically fit, have proper clothing and equipment, be willing to follow instructions and work as a team with your crew and take responsibility for your own health and safety. For further information please thoroughly read the Guidebook to Adventure which will be mailed in mid-March. Like other wilderness areas, Philmont is not risk free and you should be prepared to listen to safety instructions carefully, follow directions and take appropriate steps to safeguard yourself and others. Parents, guardians and potential participants in Philmont programs are advised that journeying to and from Philmont, and one's stay at Philmont, can involve exposure to accident, illness, and/or injury associated with a high elevation, physically demanding, high adventure program in a remote mountainous area. Campers may be exposed to occasional severe weather conditions such as lightning, hail, flash floods and heat. Other potential problems include: injuries from tripping and falling, motor vehicle accidents, worsening of underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma, heart attacks, heat exhaustion and falls from horses. Philmont's trails are steep and rocky. Wild animals such as bears, rattlesnakes and mountain lions are native and usually present little danger if proper precautions are taken. Please refer to the Guidebook to Adventure, speak with previous Philmont participants, or call Philmont for further information concerning risks and measures which can be taken to avoid accidents. Philmont has staff trained in first aid, CPR and accident prevention, and is prepared to assist in recognizing, reacting, and responding to accidents, injuries and illnesses. Each crew is also required to have at least one member trained in first aid and CPR. Medical and search and rescue services are provided by Philmont in response to an accident or emergency, however, response times can be affected by location, weather or other emergencies and could be delayed six (6) or more hours. |
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PHILMONT WEIGHT LIMITS FOR BACKPACKING & HIKING |
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Each participant in a Philmont trek must
not exceed the maximum acceptable limit in the weight for height chart
shown below. The right hand column shows the maximum acceptable weight
for a person's height in order to participate in a Philmont trek. Those
who fall within the limits are more likely to have an enjoyable trek
and avoid incurring health risks. Every Philmont trek involves hiking
with a 35-50 lb. backpack between 6,500 and 12,500 ft. elevations. Philmont
recommends that participants carry a pack weighing no more than 25-30%
of their body weight.
Participants 21 years and older who exceed the maximum acceptable weight limit for their height at the Philmont medical recheck, will not be permitted to backpack or hike at Philmont. For example, a person 5'10" cannot weigh more than 226 lbs. The Philmont physicians will use their best professional judgment in determining participation in a Philmont trek by individuals under 21 years of age who exceed the maximum acceptable weight for height. Participants under 21 years of age are strongly encouraged to meet the weight limit for their height, and exceptions are not made automatically and the maximum allowable exception will be 20 lbs. Discussion in advance with Philmont regarding any exception to the weight limit for persons under 21 years of age is required, whether it is over or under. Under no circumstance will any individual over 295 lbs. be allowed to participate regardless of height or age. This limit is necessary due to limitations of rescue equipment and for the safety of Philmont personnel. The maximum weight for any participant in a Cavalcade Trek and for horse rides is 200 lbs. |
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