Lone Star Travelers Blog

A specific list of current medicines that you take, both prescription and non prescription can prove invaluable in case of an emergency or helpful for a routine Dr. visit while you are away from home.  List your prescription medicines first, then over-the-counter medicines, and finally any nutritional supplements that you take.  Include the strength, the frequency of dosage and the name and phone number of the Doctor who prescribed the medicine.  As a matter of your patient health know the active ingredient. This is what makes the drug work.  Keep this with your important documents and keep it up-to-date.

Buy a pocket sized personal address book just for this volunteer job.  You will be meeting many new people and before long will be collecting multiple names and telephone numbers as well as e-mail addresses. Having one book just for this park will help you keep your new friends list organized.  When you have moved on, either to another location or back home you will easily be able to search for the information and keep up with correspondence.  This book is also where you should record pertinent park information such as the name, phone number and e-mail address of your supervisor, mailing address at the park and other important information such as the contact for park dispatch and or park police.  Alternately you can of course create new contact lists using software on your Mac or PC or you may prefer your Blackberry. I find the old fashioned pocket address book easy and convenient. 

You should have certain legal documents with you while you are away from home working at your National Park or other volunteer job.  The most important of these is your official valid form of identification.  This would be in the form of a current driver’s license, United States passport or official state issued ID.  You should have copies of your insurance policies (or policy numbers) including health, life, auto and boat or RV if applicable. Write down contact phone numbers for your bank and other financial institutions as well as your insurance agent.  Optional would be a copy of your social security card and birth certificate.  Keep all of these documents in a single location secured in a small lock box or heavy duty waterproof zip pouch.   Don’t forget your check book.  If you will be receiving a stipend often the only form of payment to you is direct deposit into your checking account.  And finally an accurate list of computer passwords you personally use on your Mac or PC.

You want to stay safe and the park wants you to stay safe.  Most parks have a policy of JUST SAY NO.  If at anytime you feel the situation is unsafe or you are being asked to do something that may be unsafe just say STOP and everyone in the group will cease the activity until it has been discussed and any unsafe issues resolved.  If you are alone, immediately report the situation to your supervisor.  Do not undertake any assignments you do not wish to do.  Most importantly never perform any volunteer work unless you have signed a volunteer contract.  The signed contract provides Federal protection in case of injury on the job.  Work safely and smartly.

You should always travel with one customized for you.  First pack into the kit your personal medications and copies of your prescriptions (including eyeglasses) include over the counter pain reliever (tylenol, advil, aspirin) antacid (pepcid, alka seltzer) anti-diarrheal (pepto bismol, imodium) antibiotic cream (neosporin) band aids, gauze, first aid tape, blister treatment (moleskin) alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, scissors and tweezers, thermometer, anti itch (hydrocortisone cream,) saline (sterile eye wash) allergy medicine (your prescription or over the counter such as claritin or benadryl) and over the counter cold medicine.  Don’t forget protective gloves (disposable latex) and throw in a roll of duct tape.  It improvises just when you are out of other options!