5 ways to signal for help in the wilderness
Whether it’s a rolled ankle, a disorienting blizzard, a debilitating fall, or a physical ailment such as altitude sickness or dehydration, outdoor adventurers are always at risk of an emergency situation in the wilderness. In remote areas around Colorado, cell phone connection can be sparse, making it difficult to reach help when needed. Here are five ways to draw attention to yourself if caught in a dangerous situation in the outdoors. Knowing how to signal for help effectively can be the difference between life and death.
Backpacking (Photo) Credit Spencer McKee
Editor’s Note: A cell phone, emergency GPS system, or other communication device should be your first option. Use these to contact local emergency services. However, if you’re unable to do this, consider the options below.
Wilderness Signal (Photo) Credit Everste (iStock)
1. Cast a beam of light with a mirror
The flash from a mirror is one of the farthest reaching (non-electronic) signals for help. A beam during daylight generally reaches 10 miles, hopefully far enough to catch the attention of an aircraft, driver, or another hiker. Although a cell phone won’t reflect a beam as bright as a mirror, it’s a good way to improvise.
Photo Credit: Everste (iStock)
Wilderness Signal (Photo) Credit MargaretW (iStock)
How to aim the reflection of the sun with your mirror (cont.):
When shining a beam of light to signal for help, be sure to aim the beam toward a target, such as a road below or aircraft above. Stretch your arm out and point two fingers upwards in a “V” shape. Then, hold the signal mirror towards the sun and reflect a beam across your two fingers.
Move your arm, fingers, and signal mirror in a straight line and place the target between your fingers to be sure the beam is at an angle the target can see. To flash the beam, slightly slant the signal mirror up and down. Three flashes are most likely to be recognized as a distress signal.
Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock)
Wilderness Signal (Photo) Credit nelsonpeng (iStock)
2. Blow a whistle
Did you know most modern backpacks, such as brands like Osprey, feature a whistle on the chest strap? A whistle is a small piece of gear that can make a big difference in the backcountry. Three blows of a whistle are generally accepted as a universal signal for distress. Check your backpack – if it doesn’t have an emergency whistle, buy one for a few dollars at your local gear shop. This is a piece of equipment that should be on every backpack you use in the field – buy several so you never forget to transfer it from bag to bag.
Photo Credit: nelsonpeng (iStock)
Wilderness Signal (Photo) Credit Dixie Manzanares (Flickr)
3. Create a symbol to communicate with aerial support:
When creating a symbol on the ground to attract the attention of aircraft above, the symbol should be 30 to 50 feet long and 3 to 4 feet wide. The symbol can be crafted by footprints in snow or sand or can be constructed with ground debris such as rocks and sticks – the more color contrast there is between the symbol and the ground, the more visible the symbol will be. According to an international civil aviation board, a “V” translates to require assistance while an “X” means require medical assistance. Remember that aerial support typically runs rescue operations during daylight hours.
Photo Credit: Tech. Sgt. Dixie Manzanares (Flickr)
Wilderness Signal (Photo) Credit frantic00 (iStock)
4. Signal by fire
Signals made by the use of fire can be an obvious sign that help is needed. Start a small fire with dry timber then pile green vegetation on top to produce more smoke than flame. Flares are another piece of equipment that can be used to signal for help. Consider attaching the flare to a long stick and waving it in the air.
Photo Credit: frantic00 (iStock)
Wilderness Signal (Photo) Credit Bahadir Eroglu (iStock)
4. Signal by fire (cont.)
Be extremely careful if using a fire or flare signal in Colorado’s backcountry. High winds and dry timber are common, presenting a serious risk of starting a wildfire. To reduce the risk, clear the area of any debris such as twigs, sticks, leaves, and grass before starting the signal fire. Contain the fire with a circle of rocks on a level surface and slowly add kindling to ensure the fire’s size doesn’t get out of control. Brush up on campfire safety guidelines that translate to building a fire as a signal. Be aware of local fire bans that may be in place, as following these restrictions can help prevent making a bad situation worse by creating a fire that grows out of control.
Photo Credit: Bahadir Eroglu (iStock)
Wilderness Signal (Photo) Credit martin-dm (iStock)
5. Hang bright colored materials
Use that neon windbreaker or a brightly colored shirt to create a sort of banner that stands out against the earthy tones of the forest. Tear a piece of bright colored clothing into multiple pieces to mark a path to your location to help on-foot searchers find you. Remember, gear can always be replaced.
Photo Credit: martin-dm (iStock)
Safety Gear (Photo) Credit gubernat (iStock)
BONUS: Plan ahead by packing essential safety gear
Here’s a look at what Colorado Search and Rescue Association says you need to bring with you for safety on an adventure into the wilderness.
First aid kit
Map and compass
Pocket knife
Matches and fire starter
Emergency shelter (such as a tarp)
Flashlight
Emergency food
Extra water
Extra clothing
Sunglasses
Companion
Photo Credit: gubernat (iStock)
Leslie James
Leslie James is all about Colorado when it comes to writing features, sharing adventures, and creating colorful galleries. She loves camping, hiking, mountain biking and snowboarding. Leslie joined OutThere Colorado in November 2020.
(3) comments
I'm reading Outtherecolorado.com the second year and found it's a great place for CO news and updates. I like this particular article and thanks the author for very important reminds. My personal outdoor activities started pretty late and I'm very upset that probably will be not able to visit many and many beautiful sites. I appreciate job of great people writing here helping me to get closer to my multi-outdoor-dreams alive. Thanks, everybody!
How about just planning properly and not doing foolish things?
Even well planned forays can go wrong. With many moving to this state, important article and reminder even to the most experienced.
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