Precautions to take during a field visit

Going to the field is a marvelous experience where we can experience and learn an enormous amount of information. Make population census, count the number of species present, study the animals’ interaction, look for evidence of the presence or analyze the habitat state, these are some examples of what we can do and learn in a field visit.

However, despite having immense advantages at the academic level, going to the field can pose several dangers, hence the need to consider some precautions before joining:

1. Study the study site in advance – To be prepared for any inconveniences, it is necessary to know the geography of the site and foresee other risks that may be inherent to the place where the study is carried out. It is always a clever idea to study the topography of the place, such as precipices, rivers, lakes, roads, mountains, or other obstacles that are difficult to access, but it is also important to know other non-geographic risk factors, such as dangerous species that can be found in the area.

2. Define an itinerary and means of transport – Once the location has been studied, it is necessary to choose a route to be implemented and define the means of transport to be used. If it is accessible, it is preferable to move in a vehicle, but, as it isn't always possible, we can use it just to get to our starting point and then we keep moving on foot. It is also essential to know the adjacent paths that can serve as an emergency exit or alternative route if the planned path is blocked.

3. Weather and Clothing – Depending on where you're going, the weather can be stable or vary sharply. Before joining, we must understand the climate of the study area and try to predict what kind of climate we will be exposed to. For cold climates, it is essential to dress with plenty of layers of clothing, as we must beware of the cold, but we must be equally careful with the heat. Our physical activity usually generates heat, and heat generates perspiration. Perspiration becomes quite dangerous in the cold, as wet clothing is not good thermal insulation and can lead to hypothermia. Switching layers depending on temperature and level of physical activity is crucial to staying warm and dry. In hot climates, it is recommended to wear thin but long clothes, both to prevent sunburns and to protect against possible injuries, stings, or bites. Regardless of the temperature, it is always advised to have a raincoat and a complete change of dry clothes. Comfortable footwear suitable for the type of terrain is also advisable.

4. Field material – Depending on the study we are carrying out, we may need diverse types of materials, however, there are tools that are advised to be always available. Binoculars, map, GPS, mobile phone or a remote communication device, camera, ignition source (eg cigarette lighter), suitable clothing and footwear, multipurpose tool, string or tape, comfortable backpack, first aid kit, field notebook, and pencil.

5. Food and water – In the countryside, it is necessary to rest and eat properly to avoid fatigue. Always having food and water in reserve is essential, as unforeseen events can occur and the duration in the field may increase. If the place is far from villages and the stay is long, dehydrated food is usually used, which only needs boiled water for its preparation. If access to fresh food is easy, these are better options. In addition to the main food supply, we must be accompanied by some reserves (e.g. energy bars) and, before entering the field, study the species of edible plants and fruits for possible emergencies. It should be noted that we can survive for several weeks in the absence of food, but only 2 to 5 days without drinking water. Therefore, it is advisable to know the streams and rivers that we can find and know sources of contamination. It is only recommended to use this water in case of extreme need, boiled for a few minutes. You must also have water purification tablets for these emergencies.

After considering all these points, we are well prepared to go out into the field and do our studies, collect samples, and do science.

João Rodrigues