Should I keep walking to find the path after I've called mountain rescue?

Do not change position until the rescue team contacts you, and then follow its instructions. Move only if you're in immediate danger, and tell the emergency services about any change of position as soon as you can.

Is it better to send the fastest person down for help while the rest stay with an injured walker?

Keep the group together where practical. If there is no way to call and urgent help is genuinely needed, one or more reliable members may have to go with full incident and location details; at least one person should stay with the casualty.

What if I can't get mobile phone signal to call for help in the mountains?

Try 999 or 112 first. If the call will not connect, consider nearby higher or more open ground only when it can be reached safely. Keep someone with an injured casualty, and if people must go for help, send reliable group members with full details and adequate kit. A 999 text requires prior emergencySMS registration.

If Things Go Wrong

What Mountain Rescue Wants You to Do

Mountain rescue needs accurate information, a known location and a group that avoids unnecessary separation. Call promptly in a genuine emergency, stay put unless directed or in immediate danger, and know how to seek help safely if phone contact fails.

29 August 20269 min read