Howdy Wastelanders!
Everyone survive this weekend? We alive? Hope ya’ll have recovered/are recovering well! As you noticed, this game was a little warm and sunny. Which is fantastic! The sun is burning, the birds are singing, the bugs are biting, the chafing is kicking in…ugh. It’s not fun. Real talk - with the season steadily turning from spring to summer, we’re going to be experiencing not only some potentially high temperatures but the fight with ticks, mosquitos, scorpions, and so much more. If this is your first time, let’s talk about surviving our game out of character in the summertime.
I know I’ve introduced a lot of folks to you in the pro-tips this season alone. But there’s yet one more group that is very important for you to familiarize yourself with. And that is our medical staff. We have three folks at our game who are trained for medical emergencies. We have Nyx Carvello (he plays Grimm and Charlie), Ciann Turner (she plays Harmony of the Red Rovers and can be found tending the bar), and Greg Eckhoff (Kokotni and can be found in Frown Town in the wastes). Combined they have a rich medical background as a military medic, ICU nurse, and a paramedic. If you don’t know who they are in game, please find a guide or employee and they will be happy to point you to them.
Let’s talk about Heat Advisory Hours. Nearly 98% of our game takes place outdoors. You are very exposed to the elements that mother nature has to offer as well as the elements that the Experience Design team has in store for your character. That’s why as the weather gets warmer, our chapter practices Heat Advisory Hours. During 1PM - 5PM on Saturday, no mods go out. Since it’s the hottest time of the day, that’s the best time to NOT be running or fighting for your character’s life. We want everyone to have some in character down time to cool off and stay out of the beating sun.
Heat exhaustion is no joke and something we take very seriously. If you or anyone around you are experiencing any of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, please notify at the very least a guide. If you can’t find one of the medical staff members at first, notify a guide and ask them for medical help. We have roughly 20+ on our team who can assist you. Then go straight to medical cabin and cool down. I’ve attached an informational document from the CDC about the signs of heat-related illness and what to do if you’re in that situation. Please listen to your body and keep an eye on your friends. Curtis wrote some wonderful tips and tricks on how to prep for summer games in AR! Check it out here - https://www.dystopiarisingar.com/unvarnished-truth/2022/7/7/pro-tip-thursday-7-7-2022nbsp-hail-hydrate
Finally, the pests that IRL that you’ll encounter at game. As stated above, our game is very exposed to the elements of nature. Even though Larry (shout out to the best ranger ever) and his family treat the site for wasps, ticks, and so on, the probability of you still experiencing bug bites, stings, etc. are high. Make sure you are checking yourself constantly for ticks and spraying yourself regularly. In addition to preparing for bugs, we’ve got critters that are running around. Here’s some steps to take to when potentially encountering wildlife:
Try not to go on trails solo - take a friend or check-in with the Post Office when going out on trails for an extended period of time. Check in with them upon your return.
If you hear rustling in the woods and you’re unsure if it’s an animal or not, call out “Clarify - are you a mod?”
Wait for a response. If there’s no response, move around it or back away.
If you see an animal that could potentially be a threat, get away from it calmly.
Notify a guide immediately.
And there you have it! Hydrate, know what the symptoms of heat exhaustion looks like, apply sunscreen and bug spray religiously, and keep an eye out for the wildlife.