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Roger J. Wendell
Defending 3.8 Billion Years of Organic Evolution ^SM

From the Sierra Club's Rocky Mountain Chapter Peak & Prairie publication Volume XXIII, Number 3, June/July 1998, page 9 Backcountry Survival 101 by Roger J. Wendell, Rocky Mountain Chapter Outings Chair

In the last issue I talked about the "Ten Essentials" and the hope that we could reduce problems in the backcountry.  Unfortunately, as I write this essay, the bodies of two young hikers have just been recovered a few miles outside of Canon City - both died from hypothermia.  Also, as I write, the search for their adult companion continues, bringing to mind some important backcountry issues:

1. Before any outing, ALWAYS let someone know where you are going, what your expected route of travel is, and when you expect to return.
2. As outlined in the last issue, EACH member of every outing must carry at least the Ten Essentials.  It doesn't matter how short the trip or how inseparable the couple - everyone must individually carry at least the minimal amount of emergency gear.
3. It is very dangerous for individuals to separate from a group; always try to keep the party together.  Assigning a "Rear Leader," to keep track of stragglers, is a common practice for large groups.
4. If you think you're lost, STOP! Look around for other members of your party. Shout or use your whistle, then listen for an answer.  If you don't hear anything, stay calm and use your powers of reason to combat panic.
5. Use your map and compass to figure out your location before forging on.  Scan the landscape for features you can reason from.  If you can't figure out where you are, think back to where you were an hour ago, or to the last location you where exactly sure of.  If that spot is fairly close, within an hour or so, retrace your steps and get back on route.  Otherwise, if you're still confused, STAY PUT!
6. Don't travel in the dark! Long before night sets in you should be constructing a shelter, looking for water, and building a fire.  Not only is a fire comforting, but it can aid searchers in finding your location as well.

7. Make yourself comfortable but keep signaling from time to time.  Eventually you will be reported missing, so STAY PUT until searchers show up.
8. BUY a [Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card] - Available at most hunting, fishing, and outdoors stores, this little piece of paper provides search and rescue organizations state reimbursement should they come looking for you.  At [three DOLLARS] a year there is no excuse not to buy this type of "insurance" - I buy mine in five year sets for each member of my family.

Again, there's more to the study of survival than just reading a short essay like this.  Formal course work, publications like The Mountaineers' Freedom of the Hills, and conscious preparation can keep an enjoyable backcountry experience from becoming a newspaper headline.

©Copyright 1998 Roger J. Wendell

Remember, Stay Calm!

"The panic response triggered by runaway catecholamines* can serve vital ends, as in the proverbial superhuman feats of strength performed by men and women who lift cars off victims trapped beneath the wheels. On the whole, however, the panic is more dangerous than helpful. Thus survival experts teach their students to 'stay calm,' to 'avoid compulsive behavior and don't hurry.' They stand by acronyms such as STOP - 'stop, think, observe, plan.'"

- David Roberts in his book, On the Ridge Between Life and Death
(A Climbing Life Reexamined)

*Any of a group of amines derived from catechol that have important physiological effects as
  neurotransmitters and hormones and include epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Links:

1. Alpine Rescue Team - Evergreen, Colorado
2. Bear Safety
3. Backcountry Skiing
4. Camping
5. Climbing
6. CMC Colorado Mountain Club
7. Colorado Avalanche Information Center (Your contributions help keep this vital service alive!)
8. CORSAR - Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card
9. Food
10. Gear - Stuff for the Backcountry...
11. Hiking
12. Leave No Trace - Center for Outdoor Ethics
13. Lightning Safety
14. Sierra Club
15. Skiing in the backcountry
16. Snow Caves
17. Ten Essentials and then some!
18. Walking Softly in the backcountry
19. Waypoints

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