What to do if it goes wrong?
It probably will not go wrong, Mountain Rescue call outs are pretty rare as most people are well prepared, well kitted out, self reliant and well organised. But if it does go wrong………
Once you realise that you need outside help you will either have a mobile signal or not.
If No signal……………..
Try to move up hill and gain height if possible. In Penrith Mountain Rescue Team’s patch we have a lot of ‘Black Spots’ away from direct line of sight to the M6. The higher the better, though it may seem wrong, it gives you more chances.
If there is no chance of you moving but there are reasonably competent people in your party or who join you. Lie in the lee of walls, rocks whatever. Use the group shelter if you have one with you. Put on all your spare clothing before you are cold. Get a written message out. Write down the details to include your location by grid reference, the nature of the problem, who is involved and any medical conditions. Send that message ideally with two people. (They should follow the advice below in Call 999). Use the whistle and torch. Wave, shout and display in whatever way is possible to attract attention.
If there is no chance of you moving, getting help and no signal, then get out of the weather by finding whatever shelter is nearby. Lie in the lee of walls, rocks whatever. Use the group shelter if you have one with you. Put on all your spare clothing before you are cold. Start trying to attract attention. Use the whistle and torch. Wave, shout and display in whatever way is possible.
If there is a signal…………..hoorah!
Call 999 and ask for Police. Make sure you are talking to Cumbria Police and not a call centre elsewhere.
Tell the operator that you need Mountain Rescue.
Be prepared to give…..
Location, preferably by grid reference and the name of where you think you are.
(There are many Raven Crags and even more Newbiggins.)
Nature of the incident, who is involved and any medical/trauma information.
Your Contact Number.
You do not need to ask for an ambulance as well.
Stay by the phone and in a place where you have a signal and can receive incoming calls. A Rescue Controller will call you back on the number you have given and will want more information. The local mountain rescue team will be called and be with you as soon as possible.
Try to resist making any further calls…you would be engaged at a time when you are trying to be contacted by the local mountain rescue team.
Hunker down using whatever shelter and put on whatever warm clothing you have. Start attracting attention. Don’t move away unless you have told your Rescue Controller that you are doing so or you are advised to do so.
