EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

  1. Call Wilderness Search and Rescue on 021 937 0300.
  2. Two additional people you can call: 079 814 7801 – Wesley New or 082 403 6994 – Brent Jennings.
  3. Give your GPS position, and contact details as well as other contacts of your group. Activate the satellite locator if you have it.
  4. State clearly the nature of any injury as accurately as possible, and the time it happened. Time is important for rescuers to know.
  5. Describe the detail of your terrain which may be crucial for access.
  6. Describe what gear and supplies you have.
  7. Give details of local weather.

INJURED PERSONS

  1. Do not move an injured person, unless you have to, especially after a fall and possible back injury.
  2. In situations where there is excessive loss of blood, raise the injured limb and apply a pressure bandage. By elevating the injury, one concentrates blood to around vital organs – chest and head.
  3. Keep the patient warm by any means possible. Do not wait until the patient is cold.
  4. One or preferably two persons should stay with the injured person until help arrives. If the injured has fallen and is not reachable it is still essential to remain as close as safely possible and maintain verbal contact, as this can be encouragement, even to a semi-conscious person.

Points to remember:

LOST

  1. When lost, always move to higher ground as it is easier to see approaching people and easier for rescuers to see you. Always position yourself at a well-recognisable point such as a signpost, hill top, river crossing, bridge etc. This makes it easier to explain where you are and for rescuers to use your landmarks.
  2. Preferably wear yellow outer garments since yellow is visible day and night while red appears black at night.
  3. Cameras and cell phones with flashes make wonderful strobe lights and are good for attracting attention at night, again from high ground.
  4. Always carry a headlight with you.
  5. One can stay warm by wrapping oneself in plants, especially Helichrysum: grey shrub.
  6. Stay calm and ration your food and water.
  7. NEVER SPLIT UP YOUR PARTY UNLESS THERE IS VERY GOOD REASON TO DO SO.

MCSA disclaimer: Since mountain climbing has its risks, all who join in Mountain Club outings do so entirely at their own risk. By joining a meet, they agree to place themselves under the direction of the Meet Leader. No sub-parties may be formed or alternate routes followed without the meet leader’s approval.

Those wishing to operate independently should arrange their own outings. An MCSA leader has the right to refuse entry to her/his meet of any person whom she/he feels is lacking in the necessary experience and fitness, or else is felt to be inadequately equipped for the outing.