Preparation and a plan for a backcountry emergency is always a smart idea. The first step is to ensure that you prepare so an emergency does not occur. You should check the weather and avalanche forecasts, tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, avoid travelling alone, especially on more technical terrains, make sure everyone in your party has gear for avalanche emergencies, have a fully charged cell phone, consider bringing a satellite communication device, download a GPA app, and carry essentials for survival in your backpack.
Even with preparation, emergencies can still occur. It is important to follow these steps to ensure you have proper communication and location tracking abilities: if others are nearby ask for help, call 911, provide first aid for those you can, preserve you phone battery by texting instead of calling, know and share your coordinates with law enforcement and first responders, and warm up your phone in your coat if it gets too cold.
Once a report is made, stay where you are because an emergency response team will be coming to help at your last known coordinates. Keep your group together and take steps to keep everyone warm. If met with wind, consider making a snow shelter and minimize cold contacts with the ground by sitting on packs.
Finally, if you need help, do not wait to call! Colorado Search and Rescue (SAR) teams are there to help provide assistance whenever necessary.
If you’ve been injured in a ski or snowboarding collision, call the experienced ski injury attorneys at Bloch Ongert right away. We can help you recover the money you deserve. Call Bloch Ongert today at (970) 926-1700 to speak directly to an attorney for a free consultation.
The information for this post was sourced from The Denver Gazette. The article can be found at https://www.denvergazette.com/outtherecolorado/2025/11/12/how-to-handle-a-backcountry-emergency-prevention-when-to-call-for-help-and-more/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=OutThere%20Colorado%20Here%20%20Now%2011126&utm_content=OutThere%20Colorado%20Here%20%20Now%2011126+CID_2686dced6586517340204c0d2689f40a&utm_source=campaign_monitor_email&utm_term=CLICK%20HERE
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