Basic Mountain Safety rules
Never climb, trek or walk alone. Four is an ideal size for a party. ( If someone becomes injured one person can stay with the person and the other two can go for help.)
Choose a route (Take a Map) according to ability, fitness, experience etc. of the party.
If at all possible go with someone who knows the route, or carry a guide-book, map or description of the route from a person who has done the route.
Keep on well used paths, until you get to know the area better Follow the same route down, or one you know well. Heed signs advising of danger and do not take short cuts or go down unknown ravines.
Tell someone exactly where you are going (up and down routes and expected time of arrival back) and stick to this route and plan. Leave a route plan and phone to let them know of your safe arrival.
Every party should have a leader. The larger the group the greater the need for one. Keep together and travel at the pace of the slowest. Do not split the group up and go in different directions.
Always check the weather forecast and go prepared for bad weather and therefore take proper weatherproof clothing (wind and rain proof), torches - with spare batteries and globes, good footwear - strong boots or shoes with non-slip soles, emergency food, a flask of tea or some beverage, a rucksack to carry spare clothing, food, compass and a bivvy bag.
Watch the weather and time - turn back in time particularly in case of threatening bad weather, route taking longer or route difficult to follow.
In case of trouble don't panic -Stay put . Do not try to force your way down in darkness, mist etc. Find shelter - especially out of the wind
If you get lost or find yourself in an area that looks unsafe, retrace your steps - do not push on into the unknown. If you cannot find the path you left look for a safe route - preferably down broad open slopes - making sure at all times that you can retrace your steps.
Should someone have an accident, keep calm, stay together as a party until things are sorted out and ascertain to the best of your ability exactly what the injuries are and attend to them where possible. Do not move the person unless it is necessary to do so for safety reasons. Do not rush off immediately to report an accident. Fifteen minutes or so spent observing reactions and making the person comfortable is time well spent. It happens quite often that even if someone is knocked out temporarily they are not seriously injured and after a rest are able to walk down.
Someone should always be left with an injured person and it is imperative that they remain with them until the rescuers arrive.
For safety send two persons for help. On their way down they should identify landmarks so that they are able to describe the exact location of the accident or to guide a rescue party to the scene.
Participation in mountain or trekking activity places a need for personal responsibility and self reliance. Know you own ability and work within them.
International Distress signal (to be used in emergency only)
Six blasts on a whistle (and flashes on a torch after dark) spaced evenly for a minute, followed by a minutes pause. Repeat until an answer is received.
The response is three signals per minute followed by a minutes pause.
Basic signals to communicate with a helicopter.
Helped needed: Raise both arms above your head to form ' V'.
All OK:Raise one arm above your head and lower the ther arm to form an oblique line with your arms.
Recommended Reading
Safety on Mountains: An Approach to... Mountain Adventure for Beginners; John Barry, Tim Jepson Paperback 37 pages (1988) Publisher: British Mountaineering Council
