physical state, how many of you there are, and the extent of your sup
plies. You should also mark your direction of travel with an arrow. Rocks
and branches can be laid on the ground to point rescuers in the same
direction, or you can use your knife to cut directional signs into trees.
When Rescue Arrives
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOUR SIGNAL ACTUALLY WORKS? Assuming you are now in
the clear can be a big mistake.
If you are being rescued by an aircraft such us a light plane or heli
copter, remove all loose materials from the landing area to prevent them
from being sucked into propellers and rotors. Sometimes a helicopter may
not be able to land where you’re stranded, so they may need the aid of a
device to lift you from the ground. In all cases, follow the instructions of
your rescuers to the letter.
Group Versus Solo Survival
ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN A GROUP is that you have more eyes and
ears trained on the possibility of rescue, and more people available to
attract attention when the time comes. You can also build more and big
ger signals, and, if necessary, spread them out over a greater area.
As in all aspects of survival, adaptability and ingenuity are paramount
when it comes to making a rescue signal. Some victims have cut or burned
down a hydro pole. When hydro workers eventually came out to fix it, the
lost were found.
Set fire to a small island if you have to. If it were me, I wouldn’t hesi
tate if it meant seeing my family again. I could live with myself if I had to
take drastic measures to be rescued. How about you?
Signaling (^) | 65