Using a whistle to signal an emergency and indicate where you are

6 blasts for help, wait one minute for a reply.
(If it is after dark you could also use 6 flashes of a torch.)
3 blasts for reply.
Repeat the procedure as required until your rescuers are within sight

Using your phone to call Emergency Services

Even with poor phone signal from your own network, a 999 phone call could get through, because it will try to connect to any available network. Make sure you have all the necessary information to hand:

o Area you are in

o Terrain description

o Grid Reference + What3Words location if you have it

o Casualty’s name, gender, age

o Nature of injuries or incident

o Any known medical conditions

o Number of people in the party

o Colour of your clothing

Read more: Getting Help in an Emergency

To use what3words, download the app and tap the locate icon to find your current three-word address, or use the search bar to enter a street address or place name to find a specific location. You can then share or navigate to that address by tapping the "Navigate" button, which opens directions in your preferred map app. You can access further information through this link What3Words

1. To find a what3words address for your current location

Open the app and wait for the blue dot to stabilise, then tap the blue compass icon to find your current three-word address

2. To find the what3words for an address or place and navigate to it

Tap the search bar and enter a street address, postcode, or place name

3. Select the precise spot:

Zoom in on the map and switch to satellite view; if the white square is not exactly where you want it, tap the screen to select the exact 3-meter square you need. The new three-word address then appears on your phone.
Tap ‘Navigate’ and a menu will appear with your installed navigation apps (e.g. Google Maps, Citymapper)
Tap the app you want to use and navigate in your usual way

Read more: How to use 'what3words'

Incidents on walks are rare.

If an incident or near miss does occurs on your walk, make sure you make a note of the name and contact details of the injured person and/or any witnesses. You will need to report the incident using the following process

You must inform ECR Chair This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and your Walk Coordinator FIRST if there is an incident or near miss on your walk. If required they can help you with the form.

You will need the name and contact details of the injured walker and any witnesses.

Complete an Incident Report Form as soon as possible, link https://cdn.ramblers.org.uk/media/files/incident-report-form_0.pdf . (or you’ll find it under Walk Leader tab on the ECR website) or ECR Chair can provide it.

To complete the form:

Open the incident report form
Scroll down to the bottom of the form and click ‘Download’.
Save the form and complete it electronically offline, save again
Send the form to the Chair to ensure all the details are correct
After the content has been agreed send it to Ramblers, using the link on the form.

RAMBLERS RECOMMENDED FIRST AID KIT

Exactly what you include in your first aid kit will depend on how long you’re planning to walk, where you’re hiking, the terrain and other conditions.

For short strolls, if you are walking on well-made, low-level footpaths for a couple of hours or so, you shouldn't need to carry much. For longer walks or for walks tackling more demanding trails, it pays to bring a few more items in case of sprains, cuts and other mishaps.

SOME SUGGESTED KITS:

FOR ALL WALKS

Latex-free plasters and Blister Plasters
Sterile cleansing wipes – or clean wounds with clean water
Antihistamine cream or tablets (for nettle or insect stings/bites)
Wound dressings + micropore tape to treat grazes and bigger cuts
Tick-removal tool or tweezers

FOR LONGER SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONG WALKS

Extra water/fluids
Glucose tablets/energy bar

You could also carry:

Triangular and woven bandages + safety pins and scissors for strapping up sprains, crafting a sling for an arm, wrist or shoulder injury
Hand sanitizer or hand cleaning wipes
Foil survival blanket