If WSAR is coming

The call

Call Wilderness Search and Rescue: 021 937 0300. Tell them your name, your location by peak or trail name, what happened, and whether anyone is injured. Stay on the line if you can.

While you wait

Stay put unless you are in immediate danger. WSAR will tell you if you need to move. Keep the injured person warm, still, and calm. Monitor them for any changes. If you lose signal, call back as soon as you can.

The helicopter

Move to the most open, visible space you can reach. Lay out bright clothing on the ground. Remove loose items that can blow into the rotors. Do not approach the aircraft until the crew signals.

Improve your visibility

Bright colours facing up
Mirror — a phone screen works
Whistle — three blasts
Headlamp — flash a pattern

Helicopters can't always land. They might lower a paramedic on a line. Stand back — don't grab the line until they signal.