Bedford County Wilderness Search Team Inc.
Every year approximately 10,000 search and rescue incidents occur in the United States. These incidents occur for one of three reasons. People either ignore the signs of changing weather, are improperly equipped, or attempt to travel too far - too fast. The best way to deal with search and rescue incidents is to prevent them from happening in the first place. True accidents rarely happen in the wilderness. These incidents that are claimed to be accidents typically are caused by one of the above reasons.
Before venturing out into the wilderness be sure to check the weather forecast for the area you will be in, including the extended forecast. Find out if any unique weather situations occur in that area. Even after examining all of this information be sure to equip yourself for any weather situation. Finally when in the wilderness always keep an eye on the sky for changing weather conditions.
People typically consider themselves in better physical condition then they are in. This is often the cause of many wilderness emergencies. Elevation gain and loss will play a factor in how far someone can travel in the wilderness. If you are able to travel a certain distance in an urban setting, you may not be able to travel the same distance in the wilderness in the same amount of time. A good rule to follow is to give yourself twice as much time to travel that distance in the wilderness than it would than it would take you in an urban environment.
The lack of proper equipment or an improperly equipped person is probably the most common cause of accidents in the wilderness. There are "ten essentials" that all individuals should carry with them. These items should be carried in a daypack of a fanny pack.
The 10 Essentials
Topographical map and Orienteering compass
Flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs
Extra clothing / Raingear
Insect and Sun Protection
Food / Snacks
Fire Starting Materials
Pocket Knife
First Aid Kit
Emergency Shelter Material
These items should not only be carried on hiking trips but all types of outdoor adventures.
Before going on an outdoor adventure, leave an entire trip itinerary with a responsible adult. This will ensure that help will be sent to you in the event that you do not return as expected. In addition leave a copy of your trip itinerary in the glove compartment of your car. A search team that needs to find you can access this information with help from law enforcement and the information will aid them in finding you.
Drugs and alcohol have detrimental effects on the body in the outdoors. Many of these substances prevent your body from maintaining its proper temperature. These substances also alter your perception which can lead to accidents.
Cell phones and GPS devices can be an invaluable resource when they work. The devices require good batteries and a signal. Many times cell phone service is poor in the wilderness and the canopy created by the trees can cause a loss in your GPS signal. Remember there is a good chance that when you need these devices the most, they will fail.
If you become lost, immediately STOP and think. Many people make very poor decisions and mistakes in the initial phases when they are lost. This is caused by the panic state one has if they do not stop and think. Conserve your heat and energy. Build a fire and an emergency shelter. Stay where you are. Do not attempt to find your way out. This action typically gets an individual even more lost.
Before going on an outdoor adventure become familiar with or reacquaint yourself with your equipment. Make sure you know how to operate and set up all of your gear. Remember your brain is your most important piece of equipment.
The Bedford County Wilderness Search Team offers an assortment of lectures and classes on outdoor safety topics. The classes range from 1 to 8 hours and can be brought to your organization's location. We also offer to the public at various state parks. More information on classes offered and our current schedule of classes can be found on the Public Education page.
More information on outdoor safety can be found at PA DCNR Preventive Search and Rescue and by clicking on our Outdoor Safety Flyer.
Bedford County Wilderness Search Team Inc. PO Box 445 New Paris, PA 15554 bcwst@bcwst.org
©2007 Bedford County Wilderness Search Team Inc. All rights reserved.
Website designed and maintained by Jacob Berkey.
Revised: March 13, 2007.