One critical skill that anyone going out into the wilderness must understand is how to signal for help should they become lost or injured.
The methods that we are going to be looking at can be very effective in attracting attention from potential rescuers, but you also need to use them sparingly and conservatively to avoid wasting your energy and resources.
By using the correct signals and remaining alert at all times for any signs of rescue, you can dramatically increase your chances of being rescued in a survival situation.
Signal Mirrors
A good signal mirror, when used correctly, can be seen for miles, allowing rescuers to find your location. There are many types of mirrors available on the market nowadays, in many shapes and sizes. However, this is a piece of equipment that you should attempt to get the best you can afford.
Using a signal mirror is very easy and can be done by:
- Reflecting the sunlight onto a nearby object or even your hand.
- Slowly bring the mirror up to your eye while making sure that the reflective surface is not obscured by your fingers.
- Tilt the mirror up towards the sun (not directly into it, though) until you see a small bead of light.
- Once you’ve found the bead of light, move it towards your intended target. Keep the beam of light in view as you do this.
Whistles
Whistles are always a good addition to any survival or hiking kit. Sure, you could yell if you needed help, but I guarantee that your voice won’t travel anywhere near as far as the sound of a whistle and will use less vital energy to do so.
If you find yourself in a survival situation, emit three sharp blasts to signal distress, repeating at intervals until assistance arrives.
Strip Signals
In order to create strip signals, you need to take a look at the materials around you. You want to be aiming to make a large V, which means you need help, or a large X, which means that you need medical attention. If that’s not possible, spread a mylar blanket on the ground or hang it off a cliff. It’s best to build your strip signal on high, open ground.
Any signal that you are creating needs to be at least 10 feet in length to be seen by aircraft, but the general symbols are:
- V: You require assistance.
- X: Unable to proceed or require medical attention
- N: No or negative
- Y: Yes or affirmative
- Arrow: The direction of the arrow will allow rescuers to know which way you are travelling.
Smoke and Fire
Before getting into this, it is important to choose your location carefully when it comes to having a fire. You want to be rescued, not start a forest fire. The smoke from the fire will attract attention during the day, so if you have a lot of dark foliage behind you, you can make white smoke by adding green vegetation to the fire.
On the flip side, if you need to create black smoke, any plastic trash works great, but you can also use fatwood, the bark of birch trees, as well as St. John’s Wort. If you cannot find any of this where you are, look for dead plants that have an oily residue, but be careful which plants you choose, as some, like poison ivy, you won’t want on the skin or in the lungs.
Find an open area and clear a circle (10 feet in diameter at least) down to the soil with plenty of clearance overhead.
At night, the flames themselves will usually be enough to attract the attention of rescuers, but if you have a bright poncho or other bright material, tying it above the fire will make the flames appear even bigger, giving you a much better chance of being spotted.
Flashlights
During the night, flashlights or headlamps are perfect signalling tools. You can use a flashlight in much the same way as you would use a whistle: by emitting three short flashes, followed by a pause, then repeating. Many flashlights for the outdoors actually come with this feature and can be used at the press of a button. It is advisable to only use this if you are sure that searchers are in the area, so as not to run the batteries flat or reduce it to only attempting to signal once per hour.
Final Thoughts
Every time that you set foot into Mother Nature, you just never know when something may not go as planned. With the knowledge and preparation you have beforehand, you can greatly increase your chances of overcoming challenges and staying safe. Do not ever let your normalcy bias make you believe that just because something hasn’t happened before, it will never happen. Things can go wrong at any time, so be equipped and prepared, practice often, and always let someone know what your intended route is.
