1. Give your phone number and any others in the group. Stay where you are in case you loose the signal and keep all phones on.

1. If you really can’t get a signal then all is not lost. As you go for help keep trying the phone for a signal, it might mean you don’t have to get all the way back to civilisation before calling for help.

1. If you cannot contact anyone, use six whistle blasts or torch flashes, repeated at minute intervals, to signal an emergency. Listen and watch for a reply.

Helicopter evacuation.

If the casualty is to be evacuated by helicopter then secure all loose items that might blow around, remove hats and put them in secure pockets, get all the casualties things together so that they will also go on the helicopter with him quickly. Put rucsacs on your backs.

Attract the helicopter crew by waving something bright or flashing something shiny. If you have flares or smoke canisters then use them when the helicopter is heard.

The recognised signal to helicopter crews is to stand with your back to the wind and hold your arms out in a Y-shape.

If necessary members of the group should protect the casualty from debris thrown about by the downwash by huddling over them.

Once the helicopter has landed do not approach it but do assist the crewman in any way.

Moving a casualty.

Depending on the injuries, moving a casualty can be dangerous and even life threatening and so it should only be considered as a last resort. This very brief note is only intended to make readers consider the dangers and think about what they might have to do.

We have intentionally not gone into detail here because the subject is so large that proper training and practice would be necessary for anyone contemplating such an action.

Generally it is far better treat a casualty in the position where they were found and to leave them there until help arrives but it is sometimes necessary to move them for their own safety.

Further danger might arise from falling rocks or trees, water, traffic, the weather or low temperatures and a decision may have to be made. Remember that a wind break or shelter can be fabricated from branches, coats, pieces of sheet metal, flat pieces of chipboard and similar, or even people. Parties should also carry survival sacks, foil “space blankets” or similar.

Spare clothing or waterproofs donated by others in the party should be placed over the casualty.

Ideally, one person from the group should take charge of the scene and that person should not become involved in dealing directly with the casualty. They should consider what has to be done either on-site or in raising the alarm.

In considering whether to move a casualty it is essential that:

• All practical treatment on site has been completed,
• Help is not expected to arrive quickly,
• Any danger is real and imminent,
• The method of moving the casualty has been carefully thought out,
• A safe place close by has been found.