Outdoor Emergency Plan
What to do if you get lost or injured while hiking or visiting a park: how to prevent it, call 911, signal for help, and stay safe until rescue. Includes the 10 Essentials list, for hikers and groups.
Source: National Park Service. Not endorsed by National Park Service or the U.S. Government.
Last checked against the source 2 October 2026
How to use this document
Who it's for: day hikers, families and groups heading into a park or the backcountry.
How to read it: The first section, Prevent getting lost or injured, splits into before and during the trip. What to do if you get lost runs in three numbered steps: retrace your steps, call for help (with the list of what to tell 911), and wait for help, including the whistle and flashlight signals. What to do if you get injured separates minor and major injuries, and the last page shows the 10 Essentials.
Read alongside: Hike Smart · Map Reading and Land Navigation
What's in it
- Prevent Getting Lost or Injured
- Before the Trip
- During the Trip
- What to Do If You Get Lost
- 1. Retrace Your Steps
- 2. Call for Help
- 3. Wait for Help
- What to Do If You Get Injured
- Minor Injuries
- Major Injuries
- Someone in Your Group Is Injured?
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