Emergency Contacts & Procedures

🚨 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Life-Threatening Emergency

CALL 911

Police, Fire, Medical

Search & Rescue

CALL 911

Request SAR dispatch

Have Ready

• GPS coordinates
• Nature of emergency
• Number of people
• Injuries/conditions

Emergency Communication Methods

Communication Devices

Cell Phone (Primary)

• Download offline maps before riding
• Carry portable battery packs
• Test signal at trailhead
• Share location with emergency contacts
• Use GPS apps like Gaia GPS, OnX

Satellite Communication

• Garmin inReach (two-way messaging)
• SPOT Satellite Messenger
• ACR ResQLink (emergency beacon)
• Iridium satellite phones

Radio Communication

• FRS/GMRS radios for group communication
• Ham radio (requires license)
• CB radio (some areas monitor Ch. 4)
• Marine VHF in coastal areas

Essential Emergency Information

Location Information

• GPS coordinates (latitude/longitude)
• What3Words location
• Nearest mile marker or landmark
• Trail name and access point
• Elevation and terrain description

Medical Information

• Nature and severity of injuries
• Number of people affected
• Consciousness level of patients
• Known allergies or medical conditions
• First aid already provided

Regional Emergency Contacts

Southwest Region

Moab, Utah

Grand County Sheriff: (435) 259-8115

BLM Moab: (435) 259-2100

Death Valley, CA/NV

Inyo County Sheriff: (760) 878-0383

NPS Emergency: (760) 786-2330

Mountain West

Colorado Rockies

Colorado SAR: (303) 239-4501

USFS Emergency: (303) 275-5350

Wyoming/Montana

Contact local county sheriff

Call 911 for dispatch

Southeast Region

Hatfield-McCoy, WV

WV State Police: (304) 357-0169

Trail Emergency: (304) 682-5108

Tennessee/Kentucky

Contact local county sheriff

USFS Emergency varies by forest

Note: These are examples only. Always research and verify current emergency contact information for your specific riding area before departure.

Emergency Action Plan Template

Pre-Ride Planning

Communication Plan

• Designate emergency contact person
• Share detailed itinerary and timeline
• Establish check-in schedule
• Program emergency numbers in all phones
• Test communication devices

Group Roles

• Designate ride leader and sweep rider
• Identify person with first aid training
• Assign communication responsibilities
• Establish decision-making protocol

Emergency Response Steps

Immediate Response

Ensure scene safety
Assess injured persons
Provide immediate first aid
Call for help (911 or emergency services)
Prepare for evacuation if needed

While Waiting for Help

• Continue monitoring patient condition
• Prepare landing zone if helicopter needed
• Designate someone to guide rescuers
• Keep detailed notes of events
• Comfort and reassure the injured

Emergency Kit Checklist

Emergency Contact Card Template

Print and carry this information on every ride:

Essential Numbers

Emergency Services: 911

Local Sheriff: _______________

Land Management: _______________

Park/Trail Emergency: _______________

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Personal Information

Rider Name: _______________

Emergency Contact: _______________

Medical Conditions: _______________

Medications: _______________

Insurance Info: _______________

Today's Ride Information

Date: _______________

Trail/Area: _______________

Group Size: _______________