Know where each communication method works and where it may fail. Mobile phones, radios, and satellite devices have different limits. No device removes the need for a route and emergency plan.
Test equipment, batteries, subscriptions, contacts, and message procedures before departure. Staff should know how to use the actual device under the conditions expected.
Leave a trip plan with a responsible person who is not on the trip. AdventureSmart provides useful trip-planning resources; the plan should connect the route, timing, people, equipment, and response if contact is missed.1
Define check-ins and what the shore or base contact does when one is missed. Use prompt, risk-based escalation approved for the trip. Do not create an arbitrary long delay because a rescue call might be embarrassing.
Keep messages simple. Include identity, location, event, help needed, and a return-contact method as appropriate. Protect private health information on public channels.
Plan for the lead communicator being unavailable. Another trained person should be able to access the contacts and use the equipment.
Your task: Test the whole chain from field message to base action, not only whether a device turns on.
Sources for this page
- AdventureSmart, Outdoor safety and trip planning. Trip plans, training, equipment, and outdoor activity resources. ↩