Fallen Hiker – Response

Factors to consider:
Injuries / consciousness
Time-critical injuries such as heavy bleeding, etc.
Hiker’s capabilities
Time of day
Weather
Personnel resources (helpers)
Experienced helpers (climber, belayer)
Supplies (ropes, etc), first aid supplies
Safe work platform, anchor

Other considerations
Do no harm – do not worsen the situation
Know your limits of knowledge, capabilities, experience
Stop, think, observe and plan before acting (S.T.O.P.)
Assess risk vs. gain (low/low, low/high, high/low, high/high)
Assess the supplies available (ropes, etc.)
Assess number of helpers, skill level, knowledge
Double check everything, especially knots, anchors, etc.
Have someone gather information (see below)

Gather information
Have someone record on paper:

• Date and time of fall
• Location (GPS coordinates would be nice)
• Name of hiker
• Gender
• Age
• Phone contact / home
• Injury, if any
• edical/physical disabilities/needs
• Witnesses
• History of event (what happened)
• Time of 9-1-1 call (if any)

As needed: 
Contact family
Contact organization responsible party

If unable to contact via cell phone or radio:

• Send at least two persons out (in case one get hurt)
• Send a copy of info sheet with them
• Ensure they have appropriate phone numbers (and coins)
• Ensure they can return (mark trail, etc.)