UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

Outdoor Leadership Curriculum Project

Packing

What to pack

Shelter
- Tent, tarp, hammock
Sleeping
- Bag, Sleeping pad (folding or inflatable)
Raingear
- Raincoat, rain pants, rainfly/tarp, pack cover
Water
- Bladder, water bottle, water filter
- Be careful using heavily worn bladders as they can leak
Food
- Dehydrated food is easiest
  - Need small camp stove
- Cold soaking foods
  - Saves weight
  - Eliminates need to buy pre-packaged packets
- Non-crushable food items
- Bring a bear bag if required for the trip location
Clothing
- Lightweight and warm
- Avoid cotton
Survival
- First aid, map, compass, light source, GPS, pocket knife, matches, etc
- Sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses
Optional: hiking poles
- Good for balance due to the pack weight
- The downside is they can be cumbersome on rock scrambles. Collapsable shock-absorbing poles are the best

Campsite setup with tent and chairs on a wooden platform.

How to Pack: tips and tricks

Classic backpack form
- Can customize according to body size
- Can customize according to pack weight/size
- Adjustable straps and load lifters
  - located at the top of pack and center of pack
- Lightweight and durable
Pack heavy items closest to your back
- Keep the weight distribution close to your body and not too far away from you
- Try and fit everything inside your pack rather than strapping to the outside
  - Makes it more unbalanced
  - Be sure not to over synch your pack- avoid damage to your trapezius
Pack in drybags/stuff sacks
- Keep dry, small, and compact
Bring only what you need
- Weight adds up quickly!
- Plan out food and other consumable items so that you are only taking what you will use for the duration of your trip, with a few extra just in case

Hiker adjusting backpack load lifers and shoulder straps.

Load lifters and shoulder height adjustment

Backpacking Safety

Safety Tips

Don’t overload your pack
- Should be about 20% of your body weight
  - Ex. 150 pounds should carry no more than 30 pounds
Good footwear is required for a good footing
- Need ankle support, and traction
  - Plan according to season and terrain:
    - Waterproof
    - Microspikes, crampons for rugged winter conditions
Always hike with a buddy
- They can come in handy to tighten your hard to reach backpack straps!
Tell someone where you are going, what your plan is, and when you should be back

Hikers helping each other make backpack adjustments.

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Hiking