How to Call for Help – EMERGENCY IN THE HILLS
How to Call for Help – EMERGENCY IN THE HILLS
How to Call for Help – EMERGENCY IN THE HILLS
IN AN EMERGENCY, dial 999, ask for POLICE, then ask for MOUNTAIN RESCUE
Scottish Mountain Rescue (SMR) are delighted to see so many hillwalkers and climbers enjoying the mountains over the recent months. This summer has seen a noticeable increase in the number of people heading for the outdoors and, with foreign travel opportunities still limited due to coronavirus, it’s likely that many will carry on their new hobby throughout the winter. We would like to use this opportunity to remind all hillwalkers on ways to stay safe in the hills and how to call for help.
Scottish Mountain Rescue Vice Chair, Kev Mitchell said, “We are very lucky in Scotland to have a world class volunteer Mountain Rescue service. Help us, to help you, by being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency. If you are lost, in need of assistance or in an emergency, dial 999 ask for POLICE then MOUNTAIN RESCUE. Enjoy our incredible wild places and support our volunteer teams who will assist you any hour, any day and any weather.”
Preparation:
You have packed your rucksack, put your boots on and headed out for an adventure into the Scottish hills but STOP, have you considered what might happen if you get into difficulty and need to call out a mountain rescue team?
Given the increasing number of callouts that all teams across Scotland have attended recently, we need everyone to know what to do to avoid getting into difficulty and, if the worst happens, how to call for help.
Firstly, ensure that you are prepared by:
- Planning your day carefully (weather conditions, equipment, clothing, supplies)
- Registering for the 999 text service:
- Text the word ‘register’ to 999 and follow the instructions.
- Should you have insufficient service to call 999, you can text 999.
- Downloading the free OS Locate App
- Used alongside your OS map, this is a fast and highly accurate means of pinpointing your exact location on the map. It has an inbuilt GPS system, so you don’t need mobile signal. You will need to switch on your device’s location services for this to work.
- Leaving a route card with a responsible person
- These can be downloaded at mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills
- Remember to let your responsible person know when you’re back safe.
- Ensuring your mobile is fully charged and kept in your inside pocket.
- Carrying a map and compass and know how to use them.
- Always be aware of what is around you and where you are.
If you get into difficult in the mountains and need the assistance of mountain rescue, you need to:
- Try to stay calm and take time to assess the situation and decide what is best to do.
- Ensure you/your group are not in any immediate danger
- If anyone is injured, remember ABC (airway, breathing and circulation). Insulate the casualty from the ground, add extra clothing. Place any unconscious casualties in the recovery position.
- Locate your exact position
- Keep warm and decide whether to descend, find shelter or remain where you are and try and conserve mobile phone battery life.
IN AN EMERGENCY, dial 999, ask for Police, then ask for mountain rescue
- Police Scotland deploy all mountain rescue teams in Scotland
The police will require your:
- Location (ideally 6 figure grid reference or named location/feature)
- Casualties – number and nature of injuries
- Group number and equipment you have
- Mobile numbers for you and others in the group
When planning your days out go to www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills for valuable information.