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Imagine being in a remote location, and something that can endanger your life happens, and you don’t know how to navigate to the closest public safety point. Read on to learn more about navigating emergencies in remote locations when what you do next could mean your survival.

1. Prepare Before You Go Anywhere

The best way to survive an emergency is to prevent it in the first place. Before heading into any remote area, plan meticulously:

• Research the location: Before heading out, understand the terrain, weather conditions, and potential hazards.
• Tell someone about your plans: Share your itinerary with a trusted person, including your expected return time.
• Pack essential survival gear: If you’re planning to hike, your backpack should always contain a first aid kit, fire-starting tools, a knife, a map and compass, emergency shelter, high-energy food, and water purification tools.
• Have a communication plan: A satellite phone can be an ideal option when travelling to a place without phone towers.

2. What to Do If You Get Lost

If you lose your way and you are in unfamiliar territory, panicking can make the situation worse than it seems. Instead, consider taking a deep breath to avoid the urge to wander without a plan while you assess your surroundings to make note of any recognisable landmarks. Observing and checking the trail you’re on for any possible footprints and signs of human activity is important to increase your chances of being found.

Other things to consider include:

• Building a temporary shelter.
• Saving your energy.
• Using techniques such as fire or mirror reflections to signal for help.
• Sending a panic alert via your FREE-to-use iER App

3. Handling Medical Emergencies

Basic first-aid knowledge can be a lifesaver when medical help is hours or days away. You should consider preparing for these common remote-area injuries:

• Fractures and Sprains: Stabilise the injured part using a splint or sturdy branches and keep weight off it.
• Severe Bleeding: Apply direct pressure and elevate the wound if possible.
• Hypothermia: Layer up and protect your body from the cold by creating warmth using heat or fire.
• Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion: Find shade, sip water slowly, and rest until you feel stable.

4. Staying Hydrated

Dehydration can be fatal, and running out of water in an isolated area can lead to severe health consequences. If you don’t have enough water, you should look for flowing rivers or streams and avoid standing pools of water because they can contain harmful bacteria, leading to unwanted infections. Collect rainwater and boil it for at least a minute before drinking it to kill off any potential pathogens.

5. Making Fire for Warmth and Signalling

If you are stranded in a remote location or out with loved ones to hike overnight, knowing how to start a fire can be essential for survival. It will keep you warm, cook food, purify water, and assist with signalling for help when needed. However, if you realise that you don’t have matches or a lighter, you should consider the following:

• You should use a fire starter kit, which should always be with you.
• Try the friction method by rubbing pieces of dry wood together while you blow until you see an ember.
• Reflect light using a magnifying glass if the sun is strong.
• Arrange rocks or wooden logs in a noticeable pattern to indicate distress to aerial searchers.

6. Dealing with Dangerous Wildlife

If you encounter wild animals, it’s important to maintain a safe distance while avoiding sudden movements and noises that can alert them to your presence. If a wild animal notices you, you should avoid making direct eye contact because it can often be seen as a threat, making the animal aggressive. Most importantly, you should avoid leaving food that attracts animals, especially when stranded.

Emergencies in remote locations can be life-threatening, but preparation, knowledge, and keeping a level head can mean the difference between survival and fatality. Being in a remote area can lead to unpredictable scenarios, but with the right mindset and skills, you can handle whatever comes your way. Additionally, the FREE-to-use iER App can be a necessary lifeline and connect you to over 18,000 medical and non-medical responders, nationwide.