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Tips for Wilderness Travel
IN NEW MEXICO, THERE IS NO CHARGE TO THE PUBLIC FOR ANY SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORT BY STATE OR VOLUNTEER RESOURCES. (Does not apply to commercial air or ground ambulance transportation). If you feel you or someone you know is in trouble in the wilderness, do not hesitate to call 911 or your local New Mexico State Police district office. Alerting the authorities in a timely basis could mean the difference in life or death.
No one plans on going out and getting lost or hurt in the wilderness. That’s why when it does happen it’s called an accident. But if it ever does happen to you, here are a few things you might want to consider.
PLANNING A WILDERNESS TRIP
Prior to any trip, take the time to WRITE DOWN a comprehensive PLAN to include the following:
- Destination
- Departure time and date
- Expected return time and date
- Type of activities planned
- Needed supplies
- Needed clothing and foot gear
- In-Case-Of-Emergency considerations
- Personal description
- Vehicle description, plate number and planned parking location
- Any medical or physical disorders; medications
- Cell phone numbers of you and anyone else with you
Leave this plan with a reliable person who could notify the authorities, on a timely basis, in case of a suspected emergency. (In New Mexico, those authorities would be the New Mexico State Police).
Don't forget to put these Ten Bare Essentials in your pack:
THE TEN BARE ESSENTIALS OF WILDERNESS TRAVEL
- Water
- Emergency food
- Topographic map, compass, GPS
- Sun protection; hat, sunglasses, sun screen, emergency blanket
- Extra clothes - wool hat, gloves, socks, rain gear
- Signaling devices: Whistle, signal mirror and cell phone
- Flashlight with fresh batteries
- Knife, firestarter
- Matches, candle
- First aid kit; include needles, thread, safety pin
WHAT TO DO WHEN HOPELESSLY LOST?
When hopelessly lost, do the following, UNLESS there are sound reasons to do otherwise:
- DO NOT PANIC! Sit down, take several deep breaths, eat some food, drink some water and take it easy until you calm down. Remember, people lost in the wilderness are typically found within 72 hours. If you have to move, mark your direction of travel in an obvious fashion. It will make it easier for search and rescue teams to track you.
- Stay in the location where you are rather than travel further into the unknown. It is a lot easier for search and rescue teams to find a stationary subject than a moving subject.
- Send off emergency signals: THREE shots, and/or whistle blows. Pause, then repeat.
- Make a fire IF conditions permit.
- Stay warm and dry as possible.
- Make and consume warm/hot liquids as circumstances allow. Even hot water is good.
- If necessary, make a very simple shelter. Protection from high winds and cold rain are the main concerns. In New Mexico people can get hypothermia even in the hot summer. If there is sufficient snow cover on the ground, a simple hole scooped out and lined with vegetation, such as pine branches, will provide more warmth than exposed terrain. In cold climates snow is an excellent insulator. Consider using the base of a large tree or overhanging rock.
- Try your cell phone. You might successfully make a 911 call even if you are not in your phone company’s service area. All cell phone providers are required to let a 911 call through on their system. Try calling from a high area if it is safe to do so. And even if your phone has no reception, it can still be useful. If you hear a helicopter at night it is probably out searching for you. The light from your screen could be used to attract their attention. Please conserve your batteries.
And one more time — DO NOT PANIC!
