MOUNTAIN LIFE - Coast Mountains | Winter Spring 2020

not go to a local call centre (SPOT’s is in Texas) so it can take up to two hours to be redirected to the right Search and Rescue (SAR) team. Not ideal, but you can speed up this process and keep time on your side by directly messaging a local contact who can alert local authorities. And because you are smart, responsible and proactive, you provided someone with a copy of your trip plan before heading out on your epic. (Always do this, I’m serious.) Once you’ve made that call, stay put. It’s natural to want to move, but unless you are in immediate danger, you want to avoid sending SAR on a wild goose chase. Be patient and when you finally hear that heli, don’t rely on that flashy $700 outwear of yours to score a ride home—movement is what’s going to catch that bird’s eye. Wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care and that uber air should find you in no time. 4. WARM & DRY = LIFE No matter what went wrong, if you can’t self-rescue, your number one priority should be hypothermia management. Hypothermia can turn even the smallest injury into an epic, and aside from the obvious (like covering the person up with warm layers) the most important thing is getting them off the snow. If you’re on an overnighter, that sleeping pad will do the job perfectly. Otherwise, some backpacks come with a foam insert that will work nicely. You may also have HotShots in that pack (if not, get some!). Give them a shake and put them to work. Never hesitate to rewarm someone. We all have that one friend who packs hot fluids—if your injured party is alert enough, allow them to take small sips. And finally, remember what your momma taught you—we lose a lot of heat from our noggins, so get a toque on. Much more can go wrong out there, so consider taking wilderness first aid training… and if you already have, take another one! Yes, training can be expensive and may mean having to resist buying that new piece of gear, but if shit hits the fan out there you will be happy you did. Remember, “Safety third! FIRST!” Necessities of a big tour. STEVE OGLE • New Residential + Commercial • Service upgrades baseelectric.ca 604.902.6073 [email protected] Let us take the fear out of your next electrical project • Maintenance • Renovations Denim Boot with Leather Sole. $99.95. Also available in Slip-on and Shoe in 7 colours. Warmth is a place called Glerups.