When And How To Call Out Mountain Rescue

Mountain Rescue teams are made up of highly trained volunteers who respond when people are in serious difficulty in the hills. Knowing when to call for help – and how to do it correctly – can save valuable time and, in some cases, lives.

These volunteers give their time freely, calling them is never an inconvenience when it’s genuinely needed.

Good preparation, realistic planning, and knowing your limits can help reduce avoidable call-outs.

When To Call Mountain Rescue

You should call Mountain Rescue if you or someone in your party is:

• Injured or seriously unwell, especially if they cannot walk out safely
  
• Lost or disoriented and unable to navigate back to safety
  
• Exhausted, hypothermic, or at risk from the weather
  
• Trapped by terrain, such as on steep ground, crags, or in winter conditions
  
• Witnessing an accident where others are clearly in danger
  

If the situation feels like it is escalating beyond your ability to manage safely, it is better to call early rather than wait until it becomes critical.Mountain Rescue would much rather be called out early than arrive too late.

How To Call Out Mountain Rescue

In the UK, Mountain Rescue is contacted via the emergency services:

1. Dial 999 or 112
   
2. Ask for Police
   
3. Then ask for Mountain Rescue

Make a note of all relevant details:

• Location (with a grid reference if possible)

• Name, gender and age of casualty

• Nature of injuries or emergency

• Number of people in the party

• Your mobile phone number.

If you have a smartphone, apps such as what3words or OS Locate can help provide accurate location information. It is important to stay where you are until the rescue team makes contact – remember they are working towards the location provided so moving only hinders rescue attempts. If you do need to make a further 999 call you need to follow the procedure again in full.  

If you cannot make a call as you have no signal:

• Try moving to higher ground if it is safe to do so
  
• Use the international distress signal: blowing a whistle three times, wait 30 seconds and repeat.
  
• Make yourself visible using bright clothing, a torch, or a headtorch

If you have hearing or speech difficulties, you can contact the 999 emergency services by text. You will only be able to use this service if you are registered with emergencySMS first, so register now — don’t wait for an emergency! Text ‘register’ to 999 then follow the instructions sent.

In an emergency, contact the emergencySMS service by texting 999. Your message should include ‘Police’ + details of incident + location. 

Respect the mountains, plan carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when safety is at risk.