SURVIVAL101
WHEN IS SELF-RESCUE THE BEST IDEA IF YOU’RE LOST?
PHOTO BY PASSIFLORA70
“Hug a tree and don’t move if you get ALLEN lost.” MACARTNEY A lot of kids learn this outdoor mantra, and it’s a classic rule for adults too. But not always. Sometimes it makes sense to try to walk out, to find your own way back to a car or cabin. So when should you break the hug-atree rule? Let’s take an extreme example. In October 1972 a chartered Uruguayan airliner carrying a rugby team and friends crashed high in the Andes Mountains of South America. A quarter of the 45 passengers died immediately. Survivors had little food and no source of heat in the harsh mountain conditions. Injuries, blizzards, biting cold and an avalanche whittled down the remaining numbers. Long after rescuers had called off the search the victims still waited in desperation. They survived for many weeks by eating the bodies of their dead companions. After two months on the mountain, several of them decided to try to climb down the steep mountain. It took them 10 days to reach help. Within hours the remaining mountaintop passengers were rescued.
Lost? Hug a tree.
18 I ottawaoutdoors
WHEN TO STAY PUT
Anyone getting lost should remember the good news. Rescuers find most lost people within 36 hours. If rescue doesn’t arrive after 72 hours, it might be time to consider self-rescue. Let’s look at some dos and don’ts. When lost in forest, it’s generally best to stay where you are. Preserve your energy, build a simple shelter, make a fire if possible, and stay warm and dry. Sleep at night and stay awake during the day when rescuers are most active. Help is on the way, especially if you’ve told others exactly where you’re going. If you’re injured, stay where you are but keep improving your shelter if you can. Stay visible.
When the Unexpected happens . . .
WHEN TO TRY WALKING OUT
If no rescue appears after that 72-hour mark, consider self-rescue when you’re rested, clear thinking and not panicked. If you’re “bushed,” you’ll likely walk in circles and waste energy unless you have a compass. Leave an arrow-pointed branch on the trail indicating your direction of travel. Before leaving, develop a plan. This will keep you focused, on-program and give you confidence. Depending on your surroundings, one strategy is to find a stream and follow it downward. You’ll always have water, and it will eventually take you to a pond, lake or river where you might find cottages or food sources (e.g. clams or berries). Following a stream provides a better chance of eventually finding civilization. Begin walking in early morning when conditions are good, not late in the afternoon or evening when darkness is approaching. Walk slowly. This will allow you to see and hear things better, like sensing that break in the trees with a power line or road, or hearing distant vehicle sounds or rescuers calling. Going slow also minimizes the chance of injury. If possible, mark your trail so you can retrace your steps if your attempt fails. Getting lost is never fun, nor is finding a way out. Hugging a tree is always the first choice. Allen Macartney is an experienced wilderness camper and canoeist.
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