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Lost

In many years of outdoor programs we have had only a few incidents where groups got separated. All turned out well. Part of that is due to luck. Part of it is due to training. Severe incidents are usually the result of multiple factors. Good training can mitigate the ignorance factor.

The usual 'lost' training is for the victim to sit still and await rescue. In winter, sitting still gets cold in a hurry. My suggestion is a tiered response based on cooperative rediscovery, and self rescue.

One time we had a team member wander off, not even aware that he was separated from the group. Take this into account when setting up buddies. (See Hypothermia Prevention for the main discussion on buddies.)

The following is presented as a possible action plan. The usual recommendation when lost is to sit still. In winter this is a good way to become a hypothermia victim unless you build a fire. There are many ways to set up a response. Agreement is more critical than details. Everyone must be on the same page.

Ideally it will be a pair, not an individual that is lost. This is how it will play out if you are running your buddy system properly.

Captains should stress the victim's actions if lost at the beginning of each race.

* Ahead of time -- direction to go if separated from the group. Usually a road on the edge of the area being used. This should be reviewed during the day.
* First response: Victim gives "here I am" signal. Repeats once per minute. Victim retraces tracks to move to good vantage point: Hill top, edge of field.
* Second response: Gather most of group together.
* Third response: Group leader gives "Come to me signal"
* Fourth response: Put one person on high point (Up a tree if necessary) He repeats "come to me" once per minute.
* Fifth response: Rest of team fans out, but uses "Where are you" signal once a minute. If a team member hears a 'here I am' he repeats "Where are you" and moves to meet the victim.
* Sixth response. If not found in 20 minutes team proceeds in designated direction to road.

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