Safety
Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you. (U. S. Forest Service)
Always bring enough water; dehydration is one of the biggest problems on the trail; have food, rain gear and a whistle.
Always bring enough water; dehydration is one of the biggest problems on the trail; have food, rain gear and a whistle.
Trail ProtocolsDefinitions and responsibilities to the group
Leader/organizer
A strong assertive hiker who can modify her pace or a strong, fast assertive hiker who is willing to wait. Someone with a good sense of place who recognizes landmarks and can look around while hiking. Someone who has a good sense of time, keeping the group moving if Someone who likes to chat a lot is probably not the best choice as she will be distracted. Who makes a good sweep? A strong assertive hiker who is not afraid to speak up about the pace or other concerns she sees with certain hikers. Someone who can help make decisions if the need arises. A good map reader; an observant person. a person who has concern about those who may be slower. The sweep often puts in extra fast steps catching up to the sweep after a bathroom stop. Middle of the Pack Slower hikers should be in the middle. That way, they do not set too slow of a pace in the front nor do they lag behind as sweep (a slow sweep will be hesitant to mention pace to the lead and may fall too far behind). People who are not very observant, who don't have a good sense of direction or who like to talk on trail should also be in the middle of the pack. |
If You are LostIf you do become lost. your most important tool is keeping a positive mental attitude.The first thing is to STOP: Stay Put; Think; Observe; Plan
Stop:
|
Searching for a Lost HikerIf a hiker becomes separaated from the group, STOP: Stay Put. Think, Observe, Plan
Stop: Determine if the person is truly missing and not just taking a powder or resting Think: When was the last time someone saw the hiker? Does the person have any health issues? Overnight gear and water? Did the person say anything about being tired or anything else to another hiker? Would the person be able to find her way without assistance? Observe: Do you see any footprints going off trail or going ahead? Did anyone hear anything? What landmarks do you see? What do you hear? Would a whistle carry or is there too much wind? Where was the last trail junction? Assess the state of the rest of the hikers. Can you search and still make it back to your camp/cars? Do you have enough supplies/water/food for the extra effort required? Plan: Make a plan to search or call SAR
|