When to call for help

It is easy to hesitate. You do not want to bother anyone. But mountain rescue teams would far rather be called out early than search for you in the dark. If you or someone in your group cannot get yourselves off the hill safely, that is the moment to call. A twisted knee that stops you bearing weight, a wild swimmer who cannot stop shivering after a cold tarn, a navigational error as cloud descends, or a friend who is exhausted and slowing dramatically — these are all valid reasons. Do not wait until you are benighted or hypothermic.

In the UK, dial 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue. In Scotland, you may be asked for the police first, who will then task the team. If you have no voice signal, you can try sending an emergency text to 999, but you must have registered your phone beforehand. If that fails, move to higher ground, a ridge, or a clear open area — even a few metres can make a difference.

• Injury or illness that prevents safe movement
• Hypothermia or uncontrollable shivering
• Lost, with no clear route and darkness or bad weather closing in
• Stuck on steep or unstable ground
• Wild swimmer in difficulty or unable to get out

What to say when you get through

The call handler will guide you, but having key facts ready saves precious minutes. Speak slowly and clearly. Give your location first — even if it is approximate. Then describe what has happened, how many people are in your group, any injuries, and the weather conditions. Provide your name and mobile number. Keep the phone on and stay on the line until you are told to hang up. If the signal drops, try again; the team may already have your number.

• Location — grid reference, three-word address, or clear description
• Emergency — what happened and what help is needed
• People — number in party, ages, any vulnerable individuals
• Injuries — conscious? breathing? bleeding? able to walk?
• Conditions — wind, rain, visibility, temperature
• Your details — name, mobile number, and whether you can stay put

Sharing your location accurately

This is the hardest part of any call. A grid reference from a paper map is ideal: two letters and six or ten figures, such as NY 123 456. If you have a GPS device or mapping app, give latitude and longitude in decimal degrees. A three-word location system is also widely used by rescue teams — three words, each within a 3-metre square. If you cannot give any of these, describe landmarks: a named crag, a stream junction, a path bend, a style, a lone tree. Use your compass to give a bearing and distance from a known feature.

Practise using these methods before you need them. Download offline maps. Learn to read a grid reference. Carry a paper map and compass as backup. If you are with a casualty, send someone to a nearby high point to make the call while you stay warm and monitor them.

After the call: what to do while you wait

Help may take an hour or more to reach you. Keep your phone on, but reduce screen brightness and close unnecessary apps. Put on every spare layer you have. Insulate the casualty from the ground — sit on a rucksack or emergency shelter. Give them food and a warm drink if they are fully conscious and not at risk of choking. Use a group shelter to block wind and rain. Do not move them unless they are in immediate danger.

Make yourself visible. A torch, a whistle (six blasts, pause, repeat), or a bright jacket can guide the team. If a helicopter arrives, do not approach until the crew signals. Keep low if the rotors are turning. Stay calm, keep talking to each other, and conserve your energy.

Before you set off: prevention and preparation

Most callouts are avoidable with good planning. Check the mountain weather forecast and think about how conditions will change during the day. Tell a responsible person your route, your expected return time, and what to do if you are overdue. Carry a map, compass, torch, spare batteries, first aid kit, emergency shelter, extra food and water. Charge your phone and bring a power bank. Register your phone for emergency text before you leave.

For wild swimming in remote tarns or llyns, the same principles apply. Check depth, temperature, currents, and exit points. Never swim alone in cold, deep water. Cold water shock can overwhelm even strong swimmers. If you feel yourself losing control of your breathing or limbs, get out immediately. Warm up slowly with dry layers and a hot drink.

Mountain rescue teams are volunteers. They train for years and give up their time freely. Calling them is not an admission of failure; it is a sensible decision that keeps you and your group safe. Learn the skills, carry the kit, and know when to ask for help.