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Q:
You’re in a real life and death situation and you just made contact for help via cell phone, transceiver or with any other device. Question: What is the first thing are you going to say to the person on the other end and why?!?

Question by Clay Cooper. Uploaded on February 09, 2009

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Answers (34)

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from CPT BRAD wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

Well if said life threatening situation was over I would tell the person the my condition, situation, and location and to send help quick! After ERT or SRT was on the way I would describe in more detail what went down, how I got myself in this situation and my emergency contact info. I'd also confirm my coordinants and let them know if I had any food or drug allergies in case I wasn't consious when the good guys show up. Then I'd try to stop the bleeding or leaking of bodily fluids and sit back and wait and try to remain consious.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from CPT BRAD wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

Forgive my 5th grade spelling...Conscious

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from summit229 wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

I need help - Then give location - if celphone died at least they would have that.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from kolbster wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

i would say. "hey ya i know diner is at 7, but i dont think can make it. unless you come help me.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from bomberpride wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

i got a boo boo and need some help lol

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Edward J. Palumbo wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

Good advice from CPT BRAD. By all means, let someone know where you're going and the route you intend to take. I'd open with the statement, "my name is --- and I need (medical) help. My location is ---, my injuries consist of A, B and C, and I'm losing blood (or consciousness)."
I would certainly add contact information, because my wife seems to know more about my physical condition than I do. If batteries permit, I would remain on the line (or on the air, if it's a radio) in the hope my position can be triangulated, and I would provide updates on my condition or visual contact with an inbound helicopter or rescue vehicle.
Time permitting, tell rescuers what you're doing - "I've applied a tourniquet...a splint...a bandage...etc." Unless pinned in place, try to position yourself to be seen from the air or from a distance. Do NOT take medication unless you are advised to do so. For example, if you're bleeding and take aspirins for a head or leg injury, you will reduce platelet adhesion and extend clotting time. You'll bleed more. If you normally take insulin, advise your contact or rescuers when you last took it or ask if you can take your customary dose. Allergies to insect bites (bee stings, etc)? Ask your physician for a prescription for an Epi-Pen (epinephrine) and include that in your First Aid Kit or scheduled meds. Replace the meds (even the expensive ones) when they expire. Take more water than you believe you'll need and remain well-hydrated.
Experiencing dizziness, nausea, cramps, chills? Advise your rescuers. Have a compass? Take a compass reading on a prominent landmark and report, "The fire lookout tower is in sight, bearing 2-7-0 from my position." Or, "I believe I'm about 300 yards from the stream crossing on the trail."
I'm sure there are ladies and gentlemen with more or better advice than this, but these are the first things that come to my mind. Plan ahead, be careful, and move cautiously.

+4 Good Comment? | | Report
from wally wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

Location. After that start building a smokey fire, use flares, or if during the day use orange and spell out large letters HELP.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Golfing Sportsman wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

Assuming i'm lost i would give a location, nothing else matters if i can't be found.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from george dalton wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

i would start out with my name, followed by the nature of the emergency. next would be the extent of any injuries i have incurred and whether or not i can walk. next, if i have any visual signaling aids i would let them know what they are so they would know what to look for. next would be any landmarks i can see from my present location, and what my last known location was. from there i would try to get a time frame from the rescuers for extraction and then establish time intervals to check in with them via my com device and then break contact to conserve battery power.

-1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

Some of you are "DOA" already!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Alex Pernice th... wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

Edward J. Palumbo had what I would do down to the exact words.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

Key words

you just made contact for help via cell phone, transceiver or with any other device

REMEBER NO LAND LINE AVAILABLE!!!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Richie wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

tell them were im at and wat my name is

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Christian Emter wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

State what damage you have then your position then your name.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Beekeeper wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

If you follow Ed's advice even Chad Love could find you!

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from Jim in Mo wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

Can you hear me now?

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from peter wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

PICK ME UP DUMBASS

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from mdhager115 wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

I'd say DONT HANG UP WHATEVER YOU DO, thern explain my situation quickly(in case i lose a signal or whatever) and in a non panicky way as to not scare the person im talking to. And go from there.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from cjmurdoch wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

Where do you guys hunt? Do you really have phone service? The SPOT (and others like it) hasn't been out that long. I learned how to take care of emergency situations in Boy Scouts. The first thing that I do is give my spouse a time that I will be home, and I also leave her a map of the area that I will be in. If I'm not home by a certain agreed upon time, she calls for help (hasn't happened yet). Common sense plays a big part in my outdoor activity, not reliance on technology.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

cjmurdoch
Not everyone has “SPOT” like you and I. What happened if you’re SPOT failed to work? NOW WHAT!

-1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

PS

SCREW THE MAPS AND ALL WHAT YOU TOLD BEFORE LEAVING, I WISH I HAD A DOLLAR FOR EVERY SEARCH AND RESCUE RESPONCE THE PERSON FOUND, THE IDIOT WAS AT SOME FRIENDS HOUSE WATCHING THE FOOTBALL GAME DRINKING BEER AND EATING PIZZA WHEN HE WAS TO BE OUT IN THE WOODS! BESIDES WHATS THE CHANCES ARE YOU GOING TO BE AT THE PLACE GIVEN!!!!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

Hear is your answer!

At first contact, I don’t give a rip about your name!

I WANT TO KNOW YOUR LOCATION PERIOD!!!!!

And if I am still in contact with you, then I’ll ask you your nature of emergency followed by other health and vital issues and then your name providing I haven’t lost you by then!

If you have a CB Radio, make your broadcast as short as possible and repeating your broadcast by giving your location and nature of emergency. Even if you don’t hear anyone, chances are someone will hear you!
Cell phones go dead, tropospheric and land conditions will affect your communications.

9 out of ten chances are, your help will only hear the first 3 to 5 seconds of your emergency and that’s it!

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from jbonifer24 wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

My name, coordinates, and my injuries. Then I would discuss what happened, how long I have been injured and any medicine allergies I have or any medications I am currently taking.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 3 days ago

Coordinates is always first, everything else is futile if they cannot find you!

I received a Maritime Mayday back in 1980 on channel 9 in Alamogordo New Mexico and the only thing I got out of him was his engine stopped and had no power

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from CPT BRAD wrote 40 weeks 2 days ago

Clay is Cranky today. :P

CB

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from 60256 wrote 38 weeks 5 days ago

DON'T HANG UP!! I AM IN DANGER AND NEED HELP! Then give name, location. . . .

Nate

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from lovetohunt wrote 37 weeks 24 min ago

I would leed off with "hi".

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Jeff4066 wrote 36 weeks 6 days ago

Well, my cell phone has a GPS built in. Those help.

State your name, any injuries, and why you need help. Any idea you have on how to get to you, like where you left your car/the road, etc.

Since you shouldn't be just dumb wandering around, you would have had a map or compass, so a statement like; "One mile east of the end of highway 82!" would help.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from deadeyedave08 wrote 32 weeks 6 days ago

"write this down this is not a joke"

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Colby Lamarche wrote 32 weeks 1 day ago

ummmmmmmm hey I know it's kind sudden but can you save me

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from FloridaHunter1226 wrote 26 weeks 6 days ago

I would tell them first to not hang up and then tell them my situation and any things I am allergic to as well as my location and to send help immediately.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from JARED WELLS wrote 20 weeks 4 days ago

tell them what you look like what are your injuries

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from CavRecon wrote 19 weeks 4 days ago

My location and condition. Get that established in case the connection fails.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from jordjohn44 wrote 3 weeks 6 days ago

First thing is the location then what the situation is.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report

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from Edward J. Palumbo wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

Good advice from CPT BRAD. By all means, let someone know where you're going and the route you intend to take. I'd open with the statement, "my name is --- and I need (medical) help. My location is ---, my injuries consist of A, B and C, and I'm losing blood (or consciousness)."
I would certainly add contact information, because my wife seems to know more about my physical condition than I do. If batteries permit, I would remain on the line (or on the air, if it's a radio) in the hope my position can be triangulated, and I would provide updates on my condition or visual contact with an inbound helicopter or rescue vehicle.
Time permitting, tell rescuers what you're doing - "I've applied a tourniquet...a splint...a bandage...etc." Unless pinned in place, try to position yourself to be seen from the air or from a distance. Do NOT take medication unless you are advised to do so. For example, if you're bleeding and take aspirins for a head or leg injury, you will reduce platelet adhesion and extend clotting time. You'll bleed more. If you normally take insulin, advise your contact or rescuers when you last took it or ask if you can take your customary dose. Allergies to insect bites (bee stings, etc)? Ask your physician for a prescription for an Epi-Pen (epinephrine) and include that in your First Aid Kit or scheduled meds. Replace the meds (even the expensive ones) when they expire. Take more water than you believe you'll need and remain well-hydrated.
Experiencing dizziness, nausea, cramps, chills? Advise your rescuers. Have a compass? Take a compass reading on a prominent landmark and report, "The fire lookout tower is in sight, bearing 2-7-0 from my position." Or, "I believe I'm about 300 yards from the stream crossing on the trail."
I'm sure there are ladies and gentlemen with more or better advice than this, but these are the first things that come to my mind. Plan ahead, be careful, and move cautiously.

+4 Good Comment? | | Report
from summit229 wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

I need help - Then give location - if celphone died at least they would have that.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from Beekeeper wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

If you follow Ed's advice even Chad Love could find you!

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

Hear is your answer!

At first contact, I don’t give a rip about your name!

I WANT TO KNOW YOUR LOCATION PERIOD!!!!!

And if I am still in contact with you, then I’ll ask you your nature of emergency followed by other health and vital issues and then your name providing I haven’t lost you by then!

If you have a CB Radio, make your broadcast as short as possible and repeating your broadcast by giving your location and nature of emergency. Even if you don’t hear anyone, chances are someone will hear you!
Cell phones go dead, tropospheric and land conditions will affect your communications.

9 out of ten chances are, your help will only hear the first 3 to 5 seconds of your emergency and that’s it!

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from CPT BRAD wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

Well if said life threatening situation was over I would tell the person the my condition, situation, and location and to send help quick! After ERT or SRT was on the way I would describe in more detail what went down, how I got myself in this situation and my emergency contact info. I'd also confirm my coordinants and let them know if I had any food or drug allergies in case I wasn't consious when the good guys show up. Then I'd try to stop the bleeding or leaking of bodily fluids and sit back and wait and try to remain consious.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from wally wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

Location. After that start building a smokey fire, use flares, or if during the day use orange and spell out large letters HELP.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Golfing Sportsman wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

Assuming i'm lost i would give a location, nothing else matters if i can't be found.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Richie wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

tell them were im at and wat my name is

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Jim in Mo wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

Can you hear me now?

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from CPT BRAD wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

Forgive my 5th grade spelling...Conscious

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from kolbster wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

i would say. "hey ya i know diner is at 7, but i dont think can make it. unless you come help me.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Alex Pernice th... wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

Edward J. Palumbo had what I would do down to the exact words.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from peter wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

PICK ME UP DUMBASS

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from mdhager115 wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

I'd say DONT HANG UP WHATEVER YOU DO, thern explain my situation quickly(in case i lose a signal or whatever) and in a non panicky way as to not scare the person im talking to. And go from there.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from cjmurdoch wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

Where do you guys hunt? Do you really have phone service? The SPOT (and others like it) hasn't been out that long. I learned how to take care of emergency situations in Boy Scouts. The first thing that I do is give my spouse a time that I will be home, and I also leave her a map of the area that I will be in. If I'm not home by a certain agreed upon time, she calls for help (hasn't happened yet). Common sense plays a big part in my outdoor activity, not reliance on technology.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

PS

SCREW THE MAPS AND ALL WHAT YOU TOLD BEFORE LEAVING, I WISH I HAD A DOLLAR FOR EVERY SEARCH AND RESCUE RESPONCE THE PERSON FOUND, THE IDIOT WAS AT SOME FRIENDS HOUSE WATCHING THE FOOTBALL GAME DRINKING BEER AND EATING PIZZA WHEN HE WAS TO BE OUT IN THE WOODS! BESIDES WHATS THE CHANCES ARE YOU GOING TO BE AT THE PLACE GIVEN!!!!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from jbonifer24 wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

My name, coordinates, and my injuries. Then I would discuss what happened, how long I have been injured and any medicine allergies I have or any medications I am currently taking.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from CPT BRAD wrote 40 weeks 2 days ago

Clay is Cranky today. :P

CB

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from 60256 wrote 38 weeks 5 days ago

DON'T HANG UP!! I AM IN DANGER AND NEED HELP! Then give name, location. . . .

Nate

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from lovetohunt wrote 37 weeks 24 min ago

I would leed off with "hi".

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Jeff4066 wrote 36 weeks 6 days ago

Well, my cell phone has a GPS built in. Those help.

State your name, any injuries, and why you need help. Any idea you have on how to get to you, like where you left your car/the road, etc.

Since you shouldn't be just dumb wandering around, you would have had a map or compass, so a statement like; "One mile east of the end of highway 82!" would help.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from deadeyedave08 wrote 32 weeks 6 days ago

"write this down this is not a joke"

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Colby Lamarche wrote 32 weeks 1 day ago

ummmmmmmm hey I know it's kind sudden but can you save me

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from FloridaHunter1226 wrote 26 weeks 6 days ago

I would tell them first to not hang up and then tell them my situation and any things I am allergic to as well as my location and to send help immediately.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from JARED WELLS wrote 20 weeks 4 days ago

tell them what you look like what are your injuries

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from CavRecon wrote 19 weeks 4 days ago

My location and condition. Get that established in case the connection fails.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from jordjohn44 wrote 3 weeks 6 days ago

First thing is the location then what the situation is.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from bomberpride wrote 40 weeks 6 days ago

i got a boo boo and need some help lol

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

Some of you are "DOA" already!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

Key words

you just made contact for help via cell phone, transceiver or with any other device

REMEBER NO LAND LINE AVAILABLE!!!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Christian Emter wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

State what damage you have then your position then your name.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 3 days ago

Coordinates is always first, everything else is futile if they cannot find you!

I received a Maritime Mayday back in 1980 on channel 9 in Alamogordo New Mexico and the only thing I got out of him was his engine stopped and had no power

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from george dalton wrote 40 weeks 5 days ago

i would start out with my name, followed by the nature of the emergency. next would be the extent of any injuries i have incurred and whether or not i can walk. next, if i have any visual signaling aids i would let them know what they are so they would know what to look for. next would be any landmarks i can see from my present location, and what my last known location was. from there i would try to get a time frame from the rescuers for extraction and then establish time intervals to check in with them via my com device and then break contact to conserve battery power.

-1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 40 weeks 4 days ago

cjmurdoch
Not everyone has “SPOT” like you and I. What happened if you’re SPOT failed to work? NOW WHAT!

-1 Good Comment? | | Report

Post an Answer