Lost in desert

●Urgent

Call 112

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Heat stroke
Dehydration
Night cold
Snake exposure

Quick summary

Stop midday. Stay with vehicle. Sip water slow. Signal with mirror.

Do This Now

Step 1: Stop moving in midday heat — make shade immediately
Step 2: Stay with vehicle if you have one — easier to spot than a person walking
Step 3: Ration water — small sips on schedule, not gulping
Step 4: Travel only at dawn and dusk if you must move
Step 5: Signal aircraft with mirror or bright cloth in open ground

Do Not

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT walk midday to save time.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT drink urine or unknown plant fluids — worsens dehydration.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Satellite SOS early — desert rescue takes hours.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 from ridge when one bar appears.

When Professional Care Is Needed

Confusion, no urine, or half water gone with no landmark needs rescue activation.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Heat stroke — hot dry skin and confusion — is life-threatening.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Activate rescue before last water bottle is empty.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Heat discipline and signalling. Desert walkout without water plan kills faster than waiting.

Call 112

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

Call 112

Learn more

When you are safe, you can read more about this emergency.

Full guide and explanation →

Draft guidance — professional review pending.

In a serious emergency, always call 112 for professional help. AidNow content is under active review and should not replace professional medical advice.

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Call 112

Lost in desert — Do This Now | AidNow