Answer

By Country Walking magazine

The hills can be lonely places and never more so than when something’s gone wrong. Here’s advice on staying safe and getting help:

> First tip is to be as prepared as possible so you can minimise the risk of having to call them in that situation. Make sure you’re confident of weather, route, gear and skills of everyone in the group. Accidents can occur anytime, anyplace, but many MR calls are down to people being unprepared or inexperienced.
> Leave a route card with details of where you’re going and when you’re expected back with someone who’ll call help if you don’t return on time.
> Never rely on your mobile – even in busy spots like the Lake District, signal is patchy. Hilltops are most likely to catch a signal so head up if it’s safe. Dial 999, ask for police, then Mountain Rescue. Stay in signal range so MR can call you back with advice and for your help in guiding them to the casualty.
> Try to walk in groups of at least three, so that if something happens, one can stay with the casualty (keeping them warm and as comfortable as possible) and one go for help. Four is even better – two stay and two go.
> Always carry a whistle and a torch so you can signal for help – six short blasts or flashes is the international distress call, repeated every minute. If you hear three short blasts or see three flashes in response then someone is on their way – keep signalling until they get to you.
> Pack an emergency kit – first aid kit, extra layers, chocolate, survival bag – all to help keep you comfortable for what may be a long wait for help.
> If you regularly walk in the wilds, sign up for a first aid course so you know what to do until the emergency services can get to you. See www.remoteemergencycare.com for a list of courses and providers.