Blog: An Ambulance At The Bottom Of The Cliff?
There are a number of ways to look at safety in the outdoors. It’s nothing new of course, ‘safety’ has been a discussion point for many generations.
The poem below from Joseph Malins is a quirky yet timely reminder of the value of prevention.
The Fence or the Ambulance — Joseph Malins (1895)
’Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed, Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant; But over its terrible edge there had slipped A duke, and full many a peasant; So the people said something would have to be done, But their projects did not all tally.
Some said, “Put a fence around the edge of the cliff;” Some, “An ambulance down in the valley.” But the cry for the ambulance carried the day, For it spread through the neighboring city, A fence may be useful or not, it is true, But each heart became brimful of pity For those who slipped over that dangerous cliff; And the dwellers in highway and alley Gave pounds or gave pence, not to put up a fence, But an ambulance down in the valley.
Then an old sage remarked, “It’s a marvel to me That people give far more attention To repairing the results than to stopping the cause, When they’d much better aim at prevention.
Let us stop at its source all this mischief,” cried he. “Come, neighbors and friends let us rally: If the cliff we will fence we might almost dispense With the ambulance down in the valley.”
Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old, For the voice of true wisdom is calling: “To rescue the fallen is good, but ’tis best To prevent other people from falling.”
Better close up the source of temptation and crime Than to deliver from dungeon or galley; Better put a strong fence ‘round the top of the cliff, Than an ambulance down in the valley!
Helpful resources
Safety is an outcome of good planning, and good decision making. Below are a list of virtual ‘fences’ to help prevent the need for help at the bottom of the cliff, so to speak.
