Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with signaling rescue, use emergency mode.
Do this nowThis content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. It is provided for preview while expert review is in progress.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lost hikers or injured party need aircraft, ground teams, or passersby to locate them.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Stay put if safe. Three signals. Big ground letters. Bright cloth on ridge.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Helicopter audible but not seeing you.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Overdue — no one knows exact position.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Search grids start from last known location.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Moving targets expand search area exponentially.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Move to open ground with contrast.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Start whistle pattern immediately.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lay SOS or HELP with rocks/logs 3m tall.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Smoky fire by day — bright flame at night if safe.
When and how to get professional help.
Injury, hypothermia, or no food water plan triggers formal search — activate early.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Signal consistently. Leave trip plan with someone who calls when overdue.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — 112 when signal returns on ridge.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — PLB or InReach one-button SOS if equipped.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT hide under canopy during active search.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT scatter group — stay together unless sending runner with note.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Keep walking until you find a road — search will find tracks
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stay put unless you know direction and distance to certain help. Tracks erase in rain.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Missing search corridor entirely.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Desert survival
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lost or stranded in arid terrain with extreme heat and scarce water.
Wilderness hypothermia
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cold, wet, windy conditions causing shivering, confusion, or stopped shivering in remote setting.
Wilderness shelter
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lost or stranded outdoors with night approaching — need protection from cold, wind, and rain.
River crossing
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Trail blocked by river — need to ford without drowning or hypothermia.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rescue teams bring medical care — signal early before collapse.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Continue first aid while waiting visible in open.