Canyoneering Emergency Note

IN THIS MODULE

35 Canyoneering Emergency Note

Leave a clear trip plan with a reliable person who will act if your group is overdue. The plan should identify your route, group, expected return, and agreed action time. A vehicle copy is a useful supplement, but it may never be noticed; it does not replace an informed emergency contact.

THE GOAL: Give rescuers a reliable starting point – not a perfect biography of your trip. A short, accurate plan is much more useful than a long note full of vague details.

THREE COPIES ARE BETTER THAN ONE

VEHICLE

Leave a completed copy where it can reasonably be found.

TRUSTED CONTACT

Text or photograph the same note to someone who knows your check-in plan.

YOUR PHONE

Keep a photo so you can resend or update it before losing service.

WHAT MAKES A NOTE USEFUL?

The emergency note fields in this book are still the core of the plan. This makes the information easier to act on if your group is overdue.

1	WHERE YOU ARE GOING – Canyon name(s), planned route, entry/trailhead, exit, and the vehicle or parking location. If the canyon has multiple forks or approaches, be specific.
2	WHO IS WITH YOU – Trip leader and phone number, group size, and first names if practical. Include only medical concerns or allergies that could matter during a rescue.
3	WHEN YOU EXPECT TO BE OUT – Record the start time, expected exit/return time, and a separate overdue action time. The action time is when your contact should actually call for help if there has been no check-in.
4	WHAT MAY CHANGE – List alternate exits, backup canyons, or route changes you might reasonably make. If the plan changes while you still have service, send an updated note.
5	HOW YOU CAN COMMUNICATE – Note whether the group has cell phones, a satellite messenger, PLB, radio, or another device. Do not assume a device replaces the trip note.
6	WHO SHOULD ACT – Identify the trusted emergency contact and make sure that person understands the overdue action time and what information to give emergency services.
THE BIG IMPROVEMENT: Expected finish time and overdue action time are not the same thing. A group can be late without being in trouble. Decide ahead of time how late is late enough to begin an emergency response.

KEEP IT ACCURATE, NOT COMPLICATED

A useful note should be easy to read in seconds. Avoid vague descriptions such as “somewhere near Zion” or “we should be back tonight.” Use the exact canyon, trailhead, planned exit, and a clock time.

PRIVACY NOTE: Only include information that helps an emergency response. Home addresses, account information, and unrelated medical history do not belong on a note that may be visible inside a vehicle.

HOW TO USE THE NOTE

BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Fill out the note before the trailhead if possible. Leave one copy in the vehicle and send a photo or copy to the person who is expecting your check-in.

IF THE PLAN CHANGES – If you still have cell or satellite service, send an update. A last-minute canyon switch, alternate exit, or major timing change can make the original note misleading.

WHEN YOU GET OUT – Check in with your contact as soon as practical and remove the vehicle note. A forgotten note can create unnecessary concern later.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EMERGENCY CONTACT

IF THE GROUP MISSES THE ACTION TIME: Try the agreed check-in methods first. If there is still no contact and the action time has passed, contact emergency services (911 in the U.S. or the appropriate local emergency number) and provide the completed trip note.

WHAT THIS NOTE DOES (AND DOES NOT) DO

IT DOES: give responders a starting location, route, group description, timing window, and contact information.

IT DOES: reduce the amount of guesswork when a group is genuinely overdue.

IT DOES NOT: replace good judgment, canyon conditions research, competent partners, rescue skills, or appropriate communication equipment.

*CASE STUDY: A PERMIT GAVE SEARCHERS A STARTING POINT — THE SUBWAY, 2011

In April 2011, two hikers with a one-day permit for Russell Gulch and The Subway did not return as expected. High, cold water reached a point where they decided it was unsafe to continue, so they waited rather than forcing a difficult obstacle beyond their capabilities. A multi-day search eventually involved 25 park employees and volunteers, a helicopter, dog teams, and ground search teams.

NPS said the successful search was aided in part because the hikers had obtained a backcountry permit containing information useful to searchers. They were ultimately found in safe and stable condition and assisted out.

Lesson Learned: A written trip plan, permit, vehicle information, expected route, and overdue time can turn “somebody is missing somewhere” into a much more focused search. Your emergency note serves the same practical purpose for the people who may need to look for you.

ADDITIONAL READING:

Source: National Park Service — “Missing Hikers Found in Zion National Park” (Zion National Park, April 20, 2011).

Source: NPS — Subway overdue hikers / useful permit, 2011

(PHOTOCOPY•PRINT•OR TAKE A PHOTO OF THIS PAGE)

Leave a copy in the vehicle and send a photo/copy to your emergency contact.

DATE:	CANYON(S) / ROUTE:
TRIP LEADER:	TRIP LEADER PHONE:
GROUP SIZE:	FIRST TIME? / REPEAT?:
START TIME:	EXPECTED EXIT / RETURN:
OVERDUE ACTION TIME:	EMERGENCY CONTACT + PHONE:
ENTRY / TRAILHEAD / PARKING LOCATION:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION + LICENSE PLATE:
PLANNED ROUTE / EXIT:
ALTERNATE EXIT / BACKUP CANYON / POSSIBLE PLAN CHANGES:
GROUP MEMBERS / IMPORTANT MEDICAL CONCERNS OR ALLERGIES:
COMMUNICATION DEVICES & PHONE NUMBER:
IF WE HAVE NOT CHECKED IN BY THE OVERDUE ACTION TIME: Contact emergency services and provide this note.