Learn How to Signal for Rescue
For those who frequently enjoy hiking and camping in the wild, knowing how to signal for rescue is a vital skill to have.Following these survival tips will greatly help.
Mirrors produced for the purpose of signaling are often resistant to breakage, small, lightweight and produced with an eyelet hole for attaching it by a strap to the neck or waist. Another hole is located in the center of the glass for use in aiming the reflected beam of light. This hole is used by looking through it to direct the light towards specific locations along the ground or in the sky. When looking through the viewing hole, the user can determine the point of impact of the reflected beam and adjust it to catch the attention of emergency personnel.
If no emergency mirror is accessible, another mirror-like object can be employed. A side view mirror off of an automobile, a magnetic compass mirror, a polished compact disc, a mirror from a compact, tin foil, metallic cans, or any other burnished metallic surface will suffice.
Stick aiming and the hand technique are two methods that will allow you to aim reflected sunlight.
To use the hand method, extend your hand and form a “V” with two fingers. Position this “V” so that the object you wish to flash (an airplane for example) can be sighted between the two fingers. Tilt the mirror slightly to move the reflected light beam across your hand towards the center of the “V.” This will allow your light beam to come in contact with your target.
Another way to direct your signal is to find a stick that is chest or head high. Your position should be such that the top of the stick and your mirror are in line with the target. Move the mirror so that the reflected light hits the top of the stick.
Using your signal mirror, cast reflected light over the horizon regularly. You might not be capable of seeing emergency personnel, but they may see you. Also, when you have signaled your object, do not keep going. A signal mirror’s flash can be blinding.
The time to rehearse aiming the mirror is prior to your need of this skill.
There is an assortment of symbols that alert rescuers to a need for aid. These are able to be positioned on level or perpendicular surfaces in order to be viewed at a distance by rescue workers. The frame of a triangle constitutes an emergency signal because it has three sides. Remember, three is a universal signal for distress. Spell the word “HELP” in large, all capital letters. The letter “V” lets rescuers know you need immediate assistance. The letters “SOS” are a call for help. A large “X” signifies a need for emergency medical aid.
You can stamp these symbols out or use tree limbs, rocks, vegetation or brush to make the signal more visible. If in a sandy or level expanse, you can attempt scratching the symbols into the soil. The corners of a triangle can be made more visible by setting fires or flares at each angled point.
If you should have an automobile, cause it to be less concealed from the sky and from a distance by clearing up foliage, using some fabric for a signal flag, or use another imaginative solution. Use fuel and oil to start signal fires and feed them with material from the car that creates smoke. Use your time to place several distress signs around your area, making your position more prominent.
Once rescuers are seen, wave. Be sure to wave with two arms extended, hands crossing over your head. Use the universal signal for distress which is extending and waving both arms while crossing your hands over your head. Waving with one arm is the sign for “All’s well.” It is most beneficial that these NOT be mixed up.
Whenever you feel that the opportunity for a fast rescue is eminent and it requires little vigor for you to alert rescuers, then signaling rescuers is best placed high up on your list of priorities.
Learn specific signal steps and more survival tips by reading the Survival Scoop.
