What information needs to be shared in an emergency phone call?
At Locate Global we often find ourselves educating travelers on the importance of being able to communicate at all times — even in remote locations. A two-way communication solution is essential if you have an emergency when you are off the grid.
At Locate Global we often find ourselves educating travellers on the importance of being able to communicate at all times — even in remote locations. A two-way communication solution is essential if you have an emergency when you are off the grid. But what information needs to be shared with rescue operation professional in an emergency phone call or e-mail?
ONE: Share Your Plans
Setting up a contingency plan before your trip is critical, and when visiting remote, austere or backcountry environments with a higher risk, this information must be more specific.
TWO: Provide Details
Share more than your destination with your emergency contact: friend, family member or colleague. Give specific details.
THREE: Be Specific
You’re also going to provide a departure time and an estimated return time. This includes setting up a check-in time with your emergency contact.
Step one to three can also be recognized as an acronym called GOTWA, a brief outlining your essential travel details used by the military during patrolling operations. While created for military operations, it is very suitable for civilian activities such as survival, camping, backpacking, hiking, fishing, hunting, and any other outdoor activities. GOTWA stands for:
• Going (G) where are you going?
• Others (O) Who is going with you?
• Time (T) How long will you be gone?
• What (W) What to do if you do not return in that timely manner?
• Actions (A) What actions to take if you do not return?
FOUR: Info for Rescuers
The more details rescue operation professionals have related to your situation, the better they can facilitate the most appropriate rescue assets for you. Without these details, your rescue can take much longer or be more complicated, or both. So what are the critical pieces of information you need?
• Name.
• Location and description.
• Situation.
• Requirements.
• Intentions. Share your plans, supplies, and equipment.
FIVE: Don’t Panic
Emergency situations can be scary, but try to remain calm and ensure all relevant information is communicated in a clear and concise manner.
How can our solution help?
The Locate Global app is designed to ensure traveler safety and automate emergency situations. Alert-based technology and escalation measures ensure that incidents are reported rapidly, alerting emergency contacts, response teams, and emergency services if required. Two-way communication features provide direct communication lines with responders and ensure critical information is passed on in real time. Not only that, but users each have their own individual profiles to ensure medical information and personal details are readily available. Traveling individuals can also ‘check-in’ at any stage of their journey, and set journey timers to automatically raise the alert should they overrun.