Crews from the Intermountain Life Flight air rescue programs are kept busy every summer helping people who’ve become stranded on a ledge or are injured from a fall while in the backcountry.
Their advice: Follow the Boy Scout motto of “Be Prepared’ – it just may save your life.
Here are four safety tips to consider before heading out into the wilderness and beyond:
1. First and foremost: Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back so that in the event of injury or illness they know where you are and when to seek help.
2. Make wise decisions before you head out
-Ask yourself: Are you in proper physical condition for the trip?
-Plan to stay hydrated - take water (maybe even a water filter).
-Wear proper clothing and footwear.
-Pack the "10 Essentials".
-Know how to find the safest route if you’re hiking; avoid hazardous terrain.
-Know the weather forecast for the area.
3. Consider the consequences of the decisions you make while you’re in the backcountry
-Always stay with your group – don’t wander off alone
-Be cautious when jumping or running on rough terrain, or when swimming
-Avoid risky situations, like off-trail traveling or scrambling
-Control your ego – you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone by doing something stupid
-Be responsible for yourself, partners and children
4. If you have a problem, remember that a rescue may take a while – so pack food, water, clothing and other resources you may need. Here’s why:
- It takes time for search and rescue teams to deploy
- Other factors that may delay a rescue include weather, terrain, and time of day or night