25/10/2021
Some great advice here from Mountaineering Scotland. The 999 SMS service is well worth considering for anyone operating in remote areas - details linked below
A Facebook post has been doing the rounds recently advising people what to do if they find themselves lost or stranded with low battery or no phone signal. It involves changing your voicemail message to give your approximate position and circumstances so that anyone who calls you will receive this information even if you totally run out of battery or signal.
Whether or not this would actually work, it’s hardly the best use of a failing battery.
Mountaineering Scotland’s Mountain Safety Advisor Heather Morning says: “If you are in an emergency situation the most important thing to do is dial 999, ask for Police, and then for Mountain Rescue. A 999 call will get through on any network, even if your own is not available.
“If the signal is poor, it may still be enough to allow you to send a text message to 999, with your position and brief details of the problem. Although you have to pre-register your phone to be able to do this, it’s quick and easy to do.
“You can also find out your exact location using the free OS Locate app, which gives your position in the tried and tested format used by Mountain Rescue Teams.”
Find out more about calling Mountain Rescue and how to register your phone for 999 texts at: https://www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills/essential-skills/mountain-rescue/calling-for-help
Find the OS Locate app: https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/apps/os-locate/
Scottish Mountain Rescue Association of Mountaineering Instructors Mountain Training Glenmore Lodge Sportscotland VisitScotland DMBinS
