Q.I.
Quite Interesting

999 Emergency

999 EMERGENCY CALL

DOES NO SIGNAL MEAN NO HELP?

You’re isolated in uninhabited wilderness, you’re truly exposed to the elements and now you’ve just had an argument with a sharp rock jutting from a cliff-face – the rock winning the encounter easily and leaving you badly injured. But what has turned this drama into a life-threatening situation is the fact you can’t get a signal on your mobile phone. What can you do?

Well, you may not be totally helpless. There are ways a mobile phone can save your life – even if you can’t get a proper signal!

1. Emergency Calls

Emergency calls can be made on any mobile phone network, not just your own. If you are somewhere where your network doesn't have reception but another does, you might still be able to make an Emergency Call. Your phone will use any available network from any provider, this is called piggy-backing.

2. Intermittent Signal

If have an Intermittent phone signal and it keeps cutting you off because of poor reception for any network, there is still an option, it’s called Emergency SMS. With very poor phone service/reception where it’s not possible to make a voice call, there is still a chance you’ll get a text message out to 999 (the emergency number used in the UK). BUT you need to register your phone first which is easy. All you need to do it text the word ‘register’ to 999, you’ll receive a reply which you need to read and reply to, then that’s it, you’re good to go, you can now text 999.

Please be aware that different countries may have different protocols concerning emergency SMS.

3. No Signal

The Emergency SMS method is worth trying, even if it appears you have no signal at all. Sometimes the signal is too weak to register on your phone but it still may be just enough to get an SMS message out. And should you be mobile enough that you can move around, then you stand a fair chance that you’ll unknowingly move in and out of ‘service’ range and your SMS message may eventually get out.

4. Keep your phone turned on

This may not be as obvious as you would think. Sometimes people who call the Emergency Services turn their phone off to save battery power. This is not a good idea, as even with a low battery you may still have several hours on standby. Turning off your phone not only prevents the Emergency Services from contacting you, should they need to, but it also means your phone cannot be 'found' if you need to be located (it’s often possible that your phone can be triangulated between the nearest Masts and the 'cell' from which you are calling can be identified).

TIPS TO SAVE BATTERY LIFE

If your battery is running low, there are a few things you can do to extend the battery life:-

Turn down the brightness. The backlit LED display is the single biggest power drain. Turn the brightness way down low and set the screen to turn off after 30 seconds or the shortest time possible.
Turn off vibrate. Making the phone vibrate requires more energy than making it ring.
Turn off WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. Even with the phone in sleep mode, these functions keep draining power in the background.
Turn off Data Roaming. Some Apps keep working even when the phone is asleep, receiving updates and push notifications.
Turn off 3G and 4G. There are at least two antennas working full-time in most phones, so unless you really need it, switch them off. You might not be able to make calls but you can still text and this can double the life of a dying battery.
Turn off Voice Control. Most phones now have Voice Activated software such as Iphone's Siri and Google Assistant. Both are unnecessary features you can turn off to save power.
Check your battery. If your phone gets hot, it could be that your battery is losing its efficiency. Replace with a new battery before you set off on your trip.
Don’t charge your battery to full. Charging your phone battery to 100% and letting it drain repeatedly is not good for the battery's memory (its ability to hold a charge). Keep your phone topped up around 40%-80% and your battery will last much longer.

HOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU ARE

There is a good phone app called ‘OS Locate’. When you open it, it will give you your OS six figure grid reference, or if you go into the ‘about’ menu and then ‘settings’ you can switch the co-ordinates to Lat/Long (Latitude and Longitude).

If you’re in an area where you need Mountain Rescue or Coastal Rescue, give them the grid reference.
If you’re on a country lane or similar and it’s an ambulance you require, then Lat/Long is the one to use.

As well as the co-ordinates, always give a visual description of what you can see around you, e.g. you’re standing next to a loch or a cliff etc.

Once open, OS Locate looks like this. The grid reference you would give Mountain Rescue in this instance is SH754,769

Recommended - Smartphone settings and how they can save your life

www.popsci.com/story/diy/phone-emergency-call-options/

Please remember - If you are lost, injured and in need of assistance or in an emergency, dial 999 ask for POLICE then MOUNTAIN RESCUE.

Mountain Rescue

LIFE OR DEATH IN THE HILLS & GLENS

SCOTTISH MOUNTAIN RESCUE

You’re picking your way down the icy winding trail from the summit. As you step on a small rock it abruptly moves under your weight and suddenly you’re tumbling down the rocky mountainside. You come to a sudden and painful halt against a huge granite boulder. You try to move but a needle-sharp pain shoots up your leg. You immediately know you’ve broken something.

You’re miles from nowhere. The sun is setting over the bens and glens in the distance and the temperature is dropping quickly. You can’t even get to your feet. You’re buggered – it’s now life or death.

This is an all too familiar story which unfolds regularly in the Scottish Highlands. In fact there’s over 600 callouts every year, undertaken by 25 brave teams of unpaid volunteers - Scottish Mountain Rescue. They respond at a moment’s notice, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year providing critical assistance to those in need on our hills and glens. They give up their time, their beds, abandon their work, and are often called away from their families in the middle of the night to assist total strangers - sometimes in very dangerous situations and wild weather conditions.

If anyone deserves our gratitude, respect and support it is these men and women.

In addition to the SMR there are Search & Rescue Dog Associations, the Scottish Cave Rescue Organisation, the Search & Rescue Aerial Association, plus three Police Teams and an RAF Team. They also liaise closely with Fire and Rescue Services, the Royal Navy, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Scottish Ambulance Service, and other partner agencies.

With the apparent necessity for such a heavyweight rescue infrastructure, it is quite obvious that our Scottish terra firma and totally unpredictable weather conditions is not to be taken lightly. Very experienced Mount Everest climbers have even been caught-out in mid-April on our wee Scottish mountains – see Chris Whyte’s story on the SMR website:

www.scottishmountainrescue.org/news-and-updates/

Proper preparation and following some basic rules is key

Winter conditions in Scotland are prevalent for many months a year. Additional items are required, such as extra clothing, helmet, ice axe, crampons, winter boots and avalanche equipment.

Let a responsible person know the details of where you are going and what you are doing. This can be achieved using an Information or Route Card – these are available from:

www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills/essential-skills/navigation/route-cards

Reliable Sources of Advice

Scotland’s leading mountain skills and safety organisations have joined forces in the #ThinkWINTER campaign. The aim is to direct people to the most reliable sources of advice on winter hillwalking, hiking and mountaineering in Scotland and make it free to all.

Throughout the winter season, information, advice and tips will be shared through social media posts using the hashtag #ThinkWINTER as well as on the organisations’ websites and through a series of talks and online events.

The organisations involved also want to make sure you know how to call for help and what to do when things do go wrong.

Please remember, if you are lost, injured and in need of assistance or in an emergency, dial 999 ask for POLICE then MOUNTAIN RESCUE.

Trusted information sources for hillwalking and mountaineering -

General mountaineering information

Guide to planning, decision making, equipment, winter skills and more:

www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills/thinkwinter

Ordinance Survey – Free OS Locate App: https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/apps/os-locate/

IMPORTANT - you should also carry a compass and a map as back-up

Skills courses and training

Mountaineering Scotland:

www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills/courses-and-events/courses

Glenmore Lodge: www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/winter-mountain/

Mountain Training’s winter qualifications: Winter Mountain Leader, Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor: www.mountain-training.org

Avalanche and weather information

Scottish Avalanche Information Service: www.sais.gov.uk/

Mountain Weather Information Service: www.mwis.org.uk/

Met Office mountain forecasts: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Information about Mountain Rescue

www.scottishmountainrescue.org/

For advice on calling for assistance from Mountain Rescue: www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills/essential-skills/mountain-rescue/calling-for-help

Staying safe while winter hillwalking, hiking and mountaineering in Scotland is all about preparedness and having plenty of reliable information from up-to-date sources. So I hope some of the material provided here and the links provided can help guide you safely in your outdoor adventures. And would really appreciate any support you can offer the real ‘Highland Heroes’, Scottish Mountain Rescue.

Bon Voyage.

Ticks in Winter

LYME DISEASE FROM TICKS IN THE WINTER?

Ticks are not normally a major issue in November, however our winters do appear to be starting a bit later now. This means the wee buggers are active for longer - so maybe we should err on the side of caution – just in case?

Now, anyone used to travelling through country areas in the UK, North America or Europe (as well as most other continents), will be familiar with these horrible little critters. But for those not so familiar with these creatures, or new to spending time in the wild, then this article may be helpful. Much of the information provided here was taken from the NHS website in Scotland, but is relevant in most locations around the world.

The small, spider-like creatures feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including us humans. They vary in size, usually 1mm to 1cm long and surprisingly, have either six or eight legs.

They can be found anywhere there is wildlife and are particularly common between March and late October. The most common tick in the UK is the sheep or deer tick. They do not fly or jump but climb on to animals or humans as they brush past.

Unfortunately the rise of the deer population in Scotland and some other areas in the UK, has meant an almost explosive increase in their numbers.

About tick bites

Tick bites aren't usually painful and sometimes only cause a small red lump to develop where you were bitten. However, they may cause:

swelling
itchiness
blistering
bruising

Do ticks carry disease?

Unfortunately some do! Probably the most common pathogen is Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis). Ticks also carry other diseases (at least 12 that we know of, some of which can cause very serious illness in both humans and animals. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassan Encephalitis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis, just to name a few).

It's thought only a small proportion of ticks carry the bacteria that cause disease. And being bitten doesn't mean you'll definitely be infected. However, it's important to be aware of the risk and speak to your doctor if you start to feel unwell or show other symptoms.

Preventing tick bites

Wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck your trousers into your socks
Light-coloured fabrics help you spot a tick on your clothes
Use insect repellent on exposed skin
Check your skin regularly for ticks – a full-body check including your private parts, when possible
Carefully check the head, neck and back areas of your fellow travelers/children
Make sure ticks are not brought home on your clothes
Check that pets do not bring ticks into your home in their fur

Removing a tick

When bitten by a tick, try to remove it as soon as possible. This will reduce the risk of getting infections.

Using small tweezers, gently grip the tick as close to the skin as possible. If you don’t have tweezers with you, then use your fingertips.
Pull steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing the tick.
Wash your skin with water and soap afterwards.
Apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite.

DO NOT use a lit cigarette end, a match-head or substances like alcohol or petroleum jelly to force the tick out.

If the tick’s mouthparts break off in the skin and cannot be removed, it may cause local irritation but should fall out naturally in time.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

Many people with early symptoms of Lyme disease develop a circular rash around the tick bite.

The rash;-

develops around 3 to 30 days after you've been bitten
can look similar to a bull's-eye on a dart board
will be red and the edges may feel slightly raised
may get bigger over several days or weeks
is typically around 15 cm (6 inches) across (but can be much larger or smaller). Some people may develop several rashes in different parts of their body

Around 1 in 3 people with Lyme disease will not develop a rash. Some people get flu-like symptoms including tiredness, joint pain, chills etc. If you do develop a rash or flu-like symptoms, then see your Doctor as soon as possible. Antibiotics are usually prescribed.

Later symptoms

In addition to above, more serious symptoms may develop if Lyme disease is left untreated or is not treated early. These can include:

memory problems
difficulty concentrating
heart problems

Some of these problems will get better slowly with treatment. But they can persist and get worse if treatment is started late.

………………

IMPORTANT

Essential kit for Tick Bites – Tweezers and antiseptic cream

Insect repellent – Permethrin based spray for clothing, sleeping bag etc. For skin there are many commercial creams, sprays and wipes that will do the job. Be generous on the application.

For a more NATURAL approach – check out the anti-tick tactics and substances recommended The Farmers’ Almanac – https://www.farmersalmanac.com/7-natural-tick-remedies-work-27452 These remedies include natural ingredients like – Cedar Oil Spray, Eucalyptus Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic