Emergency Procedures Advice for Leaders in the event of an incident as at 14th January 2016
If the incident involves a fall or other injury make sure that the casualty is not pulled or moved and that they decide when and how to move. Offer help, but do not act precipitously or independently.
If they are in imminent danger from rock fall or the possibility of falling then you may move them to safety, with help and with great care to avoid further injury, particularly if they are unconscious.
Stay calm. Take time to assess the situation and decide what to do. Take charge or appoint somebody else to be in charge. Get organised. Decide who and how many people need to stay with the casualty. Assign specific responsibilities to individuals if appropriate. Make sure that all of those likely to be involved have made a note of all other relevant mobile phone numbers for communication during the incident. Once you have done this TURN OFF all other mobiles within the group to conserve battery life as they may be needed
later in the event that other mobiles run out of charge.
If anyone is injured, remember ABC – airway, breathing and circulation (signs of life/blood loss). Treat any injuries (remember the first principle ‘do no harm’).
Insulate the casualty from the ground, add extra clothing as soon as possible. Place any unconscious casualties in the ‘recovery position’. Make sure that all of those staying with the casualty have sufficient clothing. If necessary “rob” extra clothing from those who are continuing with the walk. Do not wait until it is cold to add extra clothing for all in the group.
Determine your exact position on the map and consider the options.
Determine what to do about the casualty. Can they recommence the walk safely? What help will they need? Organise the group to enable safe removal of the casualty if appropriate. Should the emergency services be called?
To summon help from those nearby the emergency signal is 6 blasts on a whistle within a minute or 6
flashes of a torch, followed by a minutes break . Then repeat.
If you decide you need help and you are calling from a mobile phone –
Phone 112 and explain the incident. If you cannot speak Castellano then speak slowly and
carefully in English and you will be transferred to an English speaking agent. It is likely that
the call will be routed to your nearest call centre.
Try to conserve battery life by having all the details to hand before phoning. A list of the details needed is shown below.
If there is no mobile coverage at your location, consider whether it might be worth moving to another location to make the phone call.
If mobile reception is poor and you are unsuccessful dialling 112 try sending a text to a friend.
Check who else in your party has a mobile phone (and coverage) and evaluate the amount of battery life
available in the event of additional calls being necessary.
When connected provide:
(a) The name, age and condition of the casualty. Details of known injuries. Are they conscious? Are they breathing?
(b) Location of the incident (use all available known references:- Town or village, identifiable features (castle/mountain name/beach/road numbers and km markers). Latitude and longitude.
(c) Number and names of people in the party and their condition.
(d) Any injuries and names of casualties.
Be ready to provide the following additional information:
Telephone number of the phone you are using and any other phones in the group.
The nature and time of the incident – what happened?
Weather conditions including wind speed and visibility at the accident site.
Equipment which is at the accident site (warm clothing, group shelter etc)
Any distinguishing feature/marker/colour at the accident site.
Location of where you are phoning from – if different from accident site.