Technology for outdoor use is improving all the time. That means people are heading further into the backcountry than they ever have before. With a compass on our phones, mapping apps, and GPS communication devices, for those wanting to explore, the adventures seem limitless. The problem with technology: 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥! Batteries can die, the device can stop functioning properly, and buttons get pressed accidentally. With that said, here is how you, and your technology, can help our SAR volunteers:

Make sure you have enough battery for your planned trip plus extra. Accidents happen every day on dry roads, if you think they won’t happen in the backcountry, you are mistaken. Don’t let a dead battery be the reason you can’t call for help!

Make sure you know how to use your gear. Make sure you download maps for offline use, sync your phone to your GPS Communication device (if applicable), etc. Read the instructions, do not assume you can “just figure it out” when you REALLY need it.

Place your GPS communication device in a location you will hear it if it goes off and where you won’t accidentally activate the SOS function (clipping it on a backpack near your shoulder is a great place). Having it buried in a backpack can not only cause a loss of signal but makes it hard to hear if someone is trying to communicate with you. We often spend several hours searching for people who are not having emergencies.

Let someone know you are going to be overdue. Your extra-long adventure is probably causing someone some stress and/or anxiety; which often leads to a 911 call. We will gladly respond to these calls, but the Nervous Nellie in your life would appreciate a “we’re ok, just running late” message a lot more than you may ever know.

Get the technology! GPS Communication devices save lives all the time. Sure they might cause some trouble, but we would rather have them in everyone’s hands than no ones. Learning the shortfalls and maintenance is well worth the benefit!

You don’t have to spend a day creating some elaborate plan, but taking 20 minutes at the beginning of the day could save you in the end. Decide where you want to go. Tell someone or leave a note for someone – this should include when you are leaving, the route you are planning to take when you plan on being back, and what time they should call for help. Maybe most importantly, once you decide where you are going, 𝗗𝗢. 𝗡𝗢𝗧. 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘. your plan without updating your note and/or the people you told.

Bring everything you will need if things go wrong. This includes extra water, extra food, extra clothing, a first aid kit, something to start a fire with, bear spray, a portable power bank for your phone, a GPS communication device, etc. If you get into trouble and have to wait for Search and Rescue to respond, keep in mind it takes as long as it took you to get there, for them to get there. If it is getting dark, it can take even longer.

If possible, go with someone. While giving a bear options is a nice reason to hike with a buddy, other benefits include; assisting if you are injured or lost, running for help, finding cell service to call for help, providing someone to bounce ideas off of when lost, etc.

Know your abilities and limitations. Know when to say no. If you do not feel comfortable continuing, it is ok to turn around. The trail will be there when you are ready to try again.

Check the weather before you go. We all know in Idaho there is a chance of experiencing all four seasons in one day. You should be prepared for that. If it’s 90 degrees and there isn’t a cloud in the sky, you could be safe, but you might still want to have a plan in case a thunderstorm pops up. Make sure you are prepared for changing weather. Always.

When you call 911 they will ask questions to see if you have adequate water and food, if you are dressed for the weather, how many people are in the hiking party, etc. We love when we get calls that say the missing or injured party has everything they will need until our team can get to them!

Call for help as soon as you need it. While trying to self-rescue is always an option – make a reasonable decision, and if you don’t think you can make it, call 911. Waiting only means it is going to get darker and colder; which results in a longer and more dangerous rescue for all parties involved. If you have an overdue party that left a note saying to call for help if they aren’t back by 5:00; don’t wait until 6:00 just in case. Trust your gut and trust their note!

As a first-party caller, once you request assistance, DO. NOT. MOVE. We all know how well our cell phones work in the backcountry. If you were lucky enough to get a call out, don’t move from that location. If you had to leave the injured party to get cell service, make sure you relay the coordinates of where you will be going back to. Then, once you get there, DO. NOT. MOVE. We know it sounds silly to say it like that, but just know that is SAR speaking from experience. This brings us to our next point, if you are lost, stop where you are and DO. NOT. MOVE. We have a surprisingly thick book on the data of Lost Person Behavior, and let’s just say, when people are lost…they move. We will find you, but the time it takes to do so will be a lot less if you DO. NOT. MOVE.

Answer the phone or text once you have called for help or if you are lost. We will probably call you, just to check in on your status and reassure you help is coming. Speaking from experience, I don’t answer calls from people I don’t know – but you bet your bottom dollar if I need help, I will answer all incoming calls, and you should too!

Do not be ashamed or embarrassed to call for help. We have volunteers who absolutely love what they do and are eager to help in any way they can. In fact, they are some of the nicest and most humble humans you will ever meet – trust us when we say, they are who you want to see when you need help! You are not the only person who has ever been in that situation and you certainly won’t be the last. Call us when you need us!

Thank you for being part of our community – whether it’s living here or visiting. Continue to live an adventurous life. Be prepared for anything. Call us when you need us.