By Ovidiu Radu
Once lost
- Do not panic. That is the worst thing you can do and will likely cause things to get worse.
- Follow the STOP rule
Stop – As soon as you realise you may be lost, stop, stay calm and stay put. If you keep going you are likely to get even more lost. Sit down, take some water and eat something.
Think – How did you get to where you are? What landmarks should you be able to see? Were you heading North or West? Where were you when you were last sure you knew where you were?
Observe – What can you see? Where on the map is it? Where is the sun in the sky? Roughly how long until sunset? What does the weather look like it is going to be? What supplies do you have? How long will they last?
Plan – Never move until you have a plan. Based on your thinking and observations, come up with some possible plans and then act on the best one.
- Check for phone coverage. If you have some then you can call for help. They may be able to explain how to get home or they may come to get you.
- Use a whistle to try and attract attention. Three blasts is the universal signal for help.
- If you have any bright items get them out as it will make it easier for a rescuer to find you.
- If you are confident enough you may wish to try and retrace your steps to find the path you were on earlier.
Staying the night
- Find a sheltered spot that will keep you from the rain and wind before it gets too dark
- You will likely need to put on extra layers to avoid hypothermia setting in.
- Do not sleep beside a river as the noise might mean you cannot hear a rescuer.
- Start a small controlled fire. This will give you some warmth but also the smoke is a good way to signal for help.
- Create a HELP or SOS sign with rocks in a clearing. This will make you more visible from the air.
- Hang any colourful items of kit from tree branches around you. This will make it easier for a rescuer to find you.