Go Prepared
Whether it’s checking to make sure you have your 10 Essentials for a short day hike or creating an itinerary with an emergency contingency plan for a multi-day overnight camping trip, ensure you take the proper precautions before heading out. Far too many of our rescues could have been avoided.
We understand that things do go wrong out there, but if we can all work to prevent situations from happening ahead of time, it makes everyones day just a little bit better in the end.
Create A Plan
Before you leave, give someone you trust a written copy of your trip plan. This plan should include:
- Your estimated time of departure
- Names, addresses, & phone #’s of all group member
- Any relevant medical conditions
- Vehicle’s make, model, and license number
- Expected route of travel
- Turn around time or point
- Your final destination and expected time of return
- Agreed upon procedure for contacting the authorities if you do not report-in by a certain time.
Leave a photocopy of your itinerary in your vehicle. If you change your plans, call your contact before you start and give them the update.
10 Essentials
 Map (waterproof) |
 Compass (magnetic) |
 Sun Protection |
 Extra Clothing (non-cotton) |
 Headlamp |
 First Aid Kit |
 Firestarter |
 Knife |
 Extra Food & Water |
 Waterproof Shelter |
Map (waterproof) |
Compass (magnetic) |
Sun Protection |
Extra Clothing (non-cotton) |
Headlamp |
First Aid Kit |
Firestarter |
Knife |
Extra Food & Water |
Waterproof Shelter |
Weather & Trail Reports
Check the weather well before your trip, including checking again the morning of departure. Weather can change dramatically and make an otherwise easy trip turn into a survival situation. The NOAA National Weather Service is a great reference for mountain weather. In fall, winter, and spring months, check the NW Avalanche Center for snowpack reports as well.
Research your route online and in reference books. Check current trip reports for trail conditions. The Washington Trails Associations is a great reference.
Travel in the Backcountry
Check your map regularly, even if you are on an obvious trail. Keep your group together. If you do get lost, remember STOP:
- Stop: If you feel lost, stop, count to 10, drink some water, eat a snack and assess your situation.
- Think: Where were you last certain of your location? Can you navigate back to an obvious landmark that appears on the map?
- Observe: Can you return to a known trail or location? If not, stay put. It’s easier for rescuers to find you near your original path.
- Plan: If you are with others, discuss a plan. If you are alone, it can be helpful to say your plan out loud.
Carry a whistle within easy reach. Make sure every child has their own whistle. Three blasts of a whistle is the universal signal for help.
Cell Phones & Rescue
While cell phones can be a valuable asset in the backcountry, they are not a replacement for preparation and proper gear.
Cell phones often have no signals even on popular trails, batteries drain, and electronic devices break at seemingly inopportune times.
If you are in need of help, Dial 911. Describe your position and route of travel. Request help, then stay put. Even with no bars, you may be able to get a 911 call out, or ‘digital handshakes’ may communicate your location to cell towers. Text messages may go through when calls don’t. Text-to-911 is not available in WA State yet, so text a friend with your emergency and location. Keep it to 160 characters or less. Request help, then stay put.
Start your trip with a fully charged battery and treat your phone as emergency equipment. Position yourself in a clearing, away from trees, so you are visible from the air. If you make camp, stay away from rushing water that could obscure the voices of rescuers calling.
Hydration & Nutrition
Dehydration is caused by the loss of water & electrolytes. Most backcountry explorers succumb to dehydration due to overexertion, but vomiting or diarrhea can also make a person vulnerable. Drink water before you feel thirsty.
Drink more at higher elevations and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Encourage a dehydrated person to drink at least a few sips every 10 to 15 minutes. Eat carb-rich food regularly, trying to consume food at least every hour.
Make sure you have easy-to-reach water and food accessible.
Cold Weather Injuries
Hypothermia is a significant drop in the body’s core temperature caused by prolonged or sudden exposure to cold. This potentially life-threatening condition is common among backcountry travelers. Hypothermia occurs even in mild temperatures, and wind and wetness can cause rapid onset. Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, and apathy.
To prevent hypothermia, stay warm, dry, and well hydrated. Change wet clothing for dry & warm, including a hat, and consume warm food and beverages.
Frostbite is the freezing of skin and tissue. When afflicted, the skin will appear ashen and exhibit an odd discoloration and hard texture. Treat frostbite by soaking the damaged area in very warm (not hot) water. Do not use a fire to thaw, do not massage, and do not allow treated areas to refreeze.
Heat Injuries
Heat Exhaustion is usually characterized by muscle cramps, strong thirst and sudden, extreme fatigue. Symptoms include excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea and rapid heart rate.
Heat Stroke is an extremely serious condition involving the total breakdown of the body’s heat control system. Heat stroke victims usually suffer from severe confusion, cannot sweat, and in some cases complete nervous system failure. Heat stroke can be fatal. Have the affected person lie down with their feet elevated to keep sufficient blood flowing to the brain. Place anything cold in places where major arteries are located: armpits, groin, neck. Add a wet bandanna on the forehead and fan the person.