A:\FUNDR\WHIF.ASC

From: Ventura County Search & Rescue / Ed Petru 1/1/85

Subject: What if I Take A Hike?

modified 10/03/02 6:34 PM Michael J. Fink, Larimer County Search & Rescue, Colorado

WHAT IF I TAKE A HIKE? ======================

WHAT SHOULD BE CARRIED?

The items listed below should always be taken on every hike.

* Maps-Topographic maps of the area in which you

will travel.

* Compass(know how to use...What's declination?)

* First Aid Kit containing at least the

following items.

1 gauze roll

4 3x3 gauze pads

1 roll 1" adhesive tape

1 large triangular bandage

1 pair tweezers

5 assorted band-aids

5 antiseptic swabs

6 aspirins

1 small tube burn ointment

2 dimes (emergency phone call)

* Flashlight

* Multi-blade pocket knife

* Extra clothing-this might include a wool cap, wool mittens, long underwear, sweatshirt, long

sleeve shirt, long pants, jacket or space blanket (depending on the weather)

* Food-at least 3 cold meals(candy bars, energy

bars, peanuts, raisins, sandwich, fruit cup)

* Water-2 qts.(minimum)

* Matches-windproof/waterproof

* Fire Starter-a road flare works well (use with

extreme caution)

* Two large plastic trash bags-these can be used

as a rain suit, a jacket, or to carry trash out

* Whistle

* Signal mirror

WHAT SHOULD BE WORN?

Several layers of easy-on-easy-off, light-weight clothing offer the best defense against extreme loss of body heat. The layers are removed as the day warms up or they are added as the temperature goes down. The advantage of several thin layers, is that the numerous layers each trap a layer of dead air, which also acts as an insulator to keep body heat in. Woolen or polypropylene fabrics are preferable because they don't absorb water, which reduces the insulation value of most fabrics.

Hiking shoes should have good ankle support and a lug type sole design to eliminate slips and falls. Always remember to keep your head warm...a major portion of your body heat is lost through your head. As the body temperature goes down, your ability to think rationally decreases. When your feet get cold, put on a hat.

Sunglasses & sun cream-we are closer to the sun and the damaging ultra-violet rays are more intense.

WHAT PLANS SHOULD I MAKE?

Plan to hike with at least four persons, this way if someone gets hurt, one person can stay with the injured hiker, and the other two can go for help.

(Option: Hike with at least one other person and make sure you leave information with someone at home or document your plans and leave the information on the dashboard of you vehicle at the trailhead. NEVER TRAVEL ALONE AND NEVER SEPARATE FROM YOU HIKING PARTY.)

Prior to leaving on your hike, leave the following information with a responsible person:

A copy of the route you plan to follow, who is with you, what you are carrying, your departure time, and your expected time of return.

It is also advisable to have a photocopy of the bottom of each persons boots. If this is not possible, then lay out a piece of aluminum foil on the carpet and have each hiker step on the foil. This will produce an exact copy of each hikers boot print. Mark each print with the hikers name and carefully store where it will not be bent or flattened.

Mountain States Weather 484-8920

Avalanche & Weather 482-0457

The time spent doing the above MAY SAVE THE LIFE of a lost hiker.

HAZARDS!!!

-The weather can change suddenly. If you are in a valley, you will not be able to see approaching

storms. If you are on a mountain top you are in danger of being struck by lightning.

-Hypothermia, dehydration, heat stroke, frostbite, altitude sickness

-Insects(ticks** and spiders), snakes.

-Poison Ivy

-Giardia**

WHAT IF I BECOME LOST?

25 % equipment

ADMIT IT

Say the words out loud: "I AM LOST"; appreciate this courageous act with optimism-it is proof that you have begun to think rationally. It can and does happen to anyone. When you become lost, admit it, accept it, and take actions to be comfortable and in the area when the searchers arrive. Use your head since it is your best survival tool; you can't lose it.

STAY PUT

Don't wander. The search will begin at the place the lost person was last seen. If your child is capable of going three miles in any direction (one study revealed that lost kids averaged four) a search area of up to 28 square miles will be created. Trying to walk out can get you hurt, especially when anxious and distressed. You are not going to be concentrating on how or where you walk. One missed step can compound your problem. There is also a good possibility you may walk right out of the primary search area.

THINK AND REST

Drink some water and eat some food. Think who will notice you missing, when they will do so, and how it all relates to your present situation.

ORIENT YOURSELF

Physically, emotionally,

spiritually. Activate your

survival attitude. Recognize

that your brain is your best

survival tool.

PLAN

Empty your pockets and backpack (if weather conditions permit) and examine your resources. Many persons had the equipment they needed to help themselves, but forgot about it. (10 essentials)

FIND SHELTER

Teach your children to use ready made shelters that nature has partially or completely made. The leeward side of a downed tree, a hollow log, or a large boulder pile are excellent choices. It is a dangerous waste of energy to construct sophisticated shelters when satisfactory ones exist. The trash bag (with a hole in it to breath) seems to offer just about everything. It can be folded into a small package and become a "pocket hotel" or rolled so that it can be worn around your waist by inserting it through the belt loops of your pants.

CONSERVE ENERGY

Teach your child to get out of the hot sun, rain and cold wind. Rationing water is medically unsound; drink if you're thirsty. "Save sweat, not water" is the survival message here. Also, since snow is mostly air, it takes about 20 mouthfuls of it to produce one mouthful of water, and you dangerously rob your body of heat by making it melt the snow into usable water. It's far better to melt it first (you can put some snow on or in your black plastic trash bag and expose it to the sun) or even eat ice which has relatively little air in it.

MAKE YOURSELF BIG

Jumping up and down beneath overflying search aircraft may feel useful and effective, but your shouts will never be heard up there and the only part of you that is likely to be visible is your head. Teach your child to expose his entire body by lying down on his back and spreading his legs and arms. Wear a red or orange shirt or jacket when you go hiking. Make crosses or "SOS" in broken shrubbery, rocks, or by dragging your foot in the dirt. You can also signal for help with a mirror or a whistle. Three blasts from any noise-maker means that you require assistance. A whistle will carry further than your voice and takes less energy to use. Use your mirror to signal aircraft, it can be seen as far as 10 to 20 miles away.

WHAT IF THEY DON'T ARRIVE HOME ON TIME?

=======================================

CALL THE SHERIFF QUICKLY! DIAL 911 IN MOST AREAS

Ask that they alert the Search and Rescue Team. The search area expands so quickly due to the victim's possible movements that rapid response is critically important. A call to the Sheriff which is cancelled gives the searchers practice and helps keep them alert. A slow response is dangerous, especially if bad weather wipes out the track, and exposure is a consideration. A few trained searchers can search an area more effectively than many untrained searchers. Trained searchers are taught to be aware of clues and how not to destroy an area from yeilding potential clues. There are many resources available in Colorado in addition to the local SAR Team.(C.S.R.B., military)

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

The normal procedure is that a Sheriff's Search and Rescue Coordinator will contact you, and conduct a thorough interview with you about what happened. This initial interview is extremely important, and can save hours of search time. No time is being lost, because while you're being interviewed, other SAR (Search and Rescue) members are already in the process of getting the search started.

WHAT WILL YOU BE ASKED?

Good search technique dictates that the SAR team know as much about the missing person as possible. You will be asked to give a complete and accurate physical description of the person, as well as a description of all the clothing and equipment he or she is wearing or carrying. And when we say ALL clothing and equipment, we really mean it! Everything from the hat on his head to the soles of his shoes. (this is where the photocopy or the impression on the tin foil are needed)

The size and color of the clothing, pocket contents, rings, watches, glasses (if prescription glasses, can the person see without them and does he carry an extra pair?) Does he have a backpack, flashlight, matches, food or water? Is he under a doctor's care (what for?) Does he need to take medication? (A SAR trained doctor can be called in to render immediate assistance if needed.)

You say he smokes? What brand? Menthols, filter or non-filter, regulars or "100's." How about his personali-ty? Is he a calm person or nervous? Will the stress of being lost cause him to panic and do dangerous and unexpected things? What is his ability in the wilderness? Is he

familiar with the area? Does he know the trails well? Where was he last seen, where was he going, and what route was he going to take? Did he have any alternate plans or destinations?

You will be asked questions like these, and many more. Your honest and frank answers to these questions will allow the SAR Team to put together an effective search strategy.

IS THAT ALL I NEED TO DO?

Maybe not. At the discretion of the Search Coordinator, you may be asked to come to the SAR Command Post, in case you are needed to answer more questions. A search is like a puzzle, and the SAR Team has to fill in all the pieces. Information is continually being updated and given to the field teams, and it's very important that the information be given is accurately and on time. Consequently, it's necessary to have you available, either in person or by phone to supply us the needed information.

WHAT NOT TO DO

Do not forget the HAZARDS listed above!