Safety Measures and Risk Analysis for Outdoor Recreation Technicians and Practitioners: A Systematic Review

Abstract

There is no expectation to suppress all accidents in the outdoor recreation sector; nevertheless, it is expected that all possible safety measures are taken in order to minimize the risk of accidents. The objective of this study was to systematize the knowledge regarding recommended and used safety measures and risk assessments for technicians and outdoor recreation practitioners. We conducted a systematic review on PubMed, BVS, SciELO, Science Direct, ABI/INFORM, Spinger, Web of Knowledge, and Esmerald full text databases, up to February 2021. The eligible criteria followed the PICOS strategy; the included risk assessment studies on outdoor recreation (according to its definition) had methodological quality, were indexed, and peer reviewed. Ten studies, from ten countries, fulfilled these specifications, which focused on different approaches. Five studies focused on risk perception, four studies focused on safety practices, injuries, and risk assessment; three studies addressed safe behaviors; two studies addressed equipment- and risk matrix-related themes. We concluded that there was a concern for this topic, and the 28 mentioned measures could provide important information regarding health and prevention. These measures could be used to develop safety strategies and risk reduction, aimed at reducing accidents in outdoor recreation activities. In order to evaluate the pertinence and importance of the mentioned measures, namely risk perception, safe practices, sport injuries, risk analysis, safe behaviors, as well as equipment and risk assessment matrices, further investigation is needed using experimental or observational designs. These strategies and procedures can contribute to enhanced interventions by technicians with higher security and quality, and therefore, improved well-being and satisfaction of practitioners.

Construction and Validation of the Proposal for Safety and Emergency Material and Equipment in Mountain Sports

“…In line with Groves and Varley [14] and Mata et al [4], Nature Sports technicians are unaware of and tend to devalue some safety and emergency materials and equipment. To try to reverse this position and face the increase in the number of practitioners (formal and informal) of mountain sports, which will probably lead to an increase in the number of incidents, accidents, and injuries [15], it is absolutely essential to have safety and emergency material and equipment suitable for the mountain context [16].…”

“…Based on the foregoing and in agreement with Métrailler et al [7] and Mata et al [4], our first recommendation will be to combine practical skills with theoretical knowledge: the mountain sports coach must have, in addition to responsibility, the physical and mental capacity associated with theoretical knowledge. This knowledge must be supported by a good technical capacity of practice and by additional theoretical and practical skills in prevention and first aid intervention.…”

“…Nature sports activities, such as hiking, canyoning, climbing, mountaineering, and mountain biking, among others, are becoming increasingly popular around the world. Burtscher et al [1] and Mata and Carvalhinho [2] stated that the development and growth of national tourism have led to an increase in the practice of mountain sports, which are characterized by their risky and unpredictable environment. The concept of risk depends on the environment in which it is inserted and on the individual's perspective.…”

“…According to Haegeli and Pröbstl-Haider [3], the benefits associated with risk can be significant on a personal and social level. Although mountain activities present an increased risk of accidents and injuries, this risk also acts as a stimulus and source of strong emotions for mountain sports practitioners [2, 4]. In this regard, technicians need to acquire experience and knowledge to develop adequate prevention and safety measures to reduce accidents and emergencies during sports activities [1].…”

“…The study by Mata et al [4] recommends theoretical and practical training in safety procedures, including first aid and rescue techniques, as well as a regular reassessment of the technician’s capacities for risk management and first aid application. These recommendations must comply with the specifications of the environment and the legal guidelines of each country [5]; in Portugal, for example, it is necessary to take into account the indications of the Integrated Medical Emergency System, which includes pre-hospital operations (Dispatch No.…”