Lost in the Black Hills
As the Search and Rescue Director for Custer County, Sam has seen firsthand the situations people can find themselves in when exploring the beautiful, but sometimes challenging, terrain of the Black Hills. One of the most common scenarios he encounters is individuals getting lost. And while every situation is unique, there's one piece of advice that rises above all others: if you realize you're lost, stay where you are and call for help.
It sounds simple. But in the panic that can set in when you're disoriented and unsure of your surroundings, the instinct to keep moving can be overwhelming. However, this often makes things worse. Wandering aimlessly can take you further from established trails, make it harder for first responders to track you, and deplete valuable energy and resources. And from a wilderness medicine perspective, it can also increase your risk of further injury.
Here's why staying put is so crucial from a Search and Rescue perspective, and how it ties into preventing further harm:
GPS Coordinates: When you call 911, dispatch can often pinpoint your location using GPS coordinates. This gives first responders a precise starting point for their search, dramatically reducing the time it takes to find you. Think of it as giving them a map directly to your location. This is vital because the longer you're lost, the greater the chance of an existing injury worsening, or a new injury occurring.
Tracking You: Staying in one place makes you a much easier target to find. Searchers use various methods, including aerial searches, ground teams, and even tracking dogs. If you're constantly moving, you're essentially making their job exponentially harder. And if you're injured, moving unnecessarily can exacerbate the injury, making it more complex to treat.
Conserving Resources: Getting lost can be physically and emotionally draining. Staying put allows you to conserve energy, stay hydrated (if you have water), and focus on staying warm and safe. This is vital for your survival and well-being. Conserving energy is especially important if you have a pre-existing medical condition or an injury. It allows your body to focus on healing and maintaining its core temperature. Hypothermia is also a real threat when you're lost and forced to spend unexpected time in the cold, even if temperatures seem mild at the start of your adventure. The threat of hypothermia is exacerbated when you are lost as your body's ability to regulate its temperature can be compromised by stress and exertion.
Now, what if you don't have cell service? This is a valid concern in some areas of the Black Hills. Here's what we recommend:
Attempt a Call or Text Anyway: Even if you think you're out of range, try calling or texting 911. Sometimes, a signal can flicker in and out. If you manage to send a text, it will likely go through as soon as you come within range of a tower. Similarly, even if a 911 call drops, some GPS data might still be transmitted, providing us with a crucial starting point.
Find an Open Area: If possible, try to move to a location with a clearer view of the sky. This can sometimes improve your chances of getting a signal. However, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid moving into areas that could pose additional risks, such as steep cliffs or unstable terrain.
Conserve Battery: Avoid constantly checking for service, as this drains your battery quickly. Instead, try a call or text periodically and then preserve your battery for emergencies.
Signal for Help: If you can't reach 911, try other methods of signaling for help. Build a signal fire (if conditions are safe), use a whistle, or create a large "SOS" signal on the ground using rocks or branches.
The bottom line is this: If you're lost in the Black Hills, don't panic. Stay put, call for help if you can, and know that responders are doing everything they can to find you.
Here’s a link to a news story and video with Sam’s advice.
Don't Panic LLC, based in the Black Hills, is dedicated to empowering individuals to "Respond with Confidence" in any emergency. We offer a range of wilderness medical training courses, from basic first aid and CPR to more advanced wilderness medical techniques. Our courses are designed to equip outdoor enthusiasts with the skills and knowledge needed to handle emergencies in the backcountry, including how to prevent injuries in the first place. We offer the following courses:
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
WFR Recertification (WRC)
Wilderness EMS Upgrade (WEMS):
