Guide · Signalling

Helping a helicopter find you

A rescue helicopter can reach places nobody else can, but the crew still has to spot you and land or winch safely. Knowing what to do when you hear one can save precious time.

Before it arrives

1. Get to open ground if it's safe and close by. Helicopters struggle to see people under trees or in narrow gullies.
2. Wear or spread out the brightest things you have.
3. Make a large X or V on the ground if you have time.
4. Secure everything loose: tents, tarps, survival bags, hats, rubbish. The downdraft from the rotors is extremely strong and can turn loose items into dangerous missiles or suck them into the engines.

Attracting attention

• Wave a bright jacket or survival bag, but hold onto it firmly.
• Flash a signal mirror on sunny days, or a torch at night. Once they've seen you, stop shining it at the cockpit — it can dazzle the pilot.
• A phone screen or camera flash can be seen at night.
• If you have smoke or a signal fire ready, light it when you hear the helicopter, as long as it's safe. Smoke also shows the crew which way the wind is blowing.

Body signals

Use these widely recognised signals:

• Both arms raised in a Y shape: yes, we need help.
• One arm raised and one arm down, like a diagonal line: no, we don't need help.

Only make the Y signal at a helicopter if you need it.

A landing area

If the crew may land, a good spot is:

• roughly flat and firm, without tall grass, bushes or loose snow
• about 30 by 30 metres or more, with no wires, trees or masts close by
• free of loose material

Stand at the upwind edge with your back to the wind and your arms pointing towards the landing area.

When it lands or hovers

1. Crouch down, protect your eyes and stay still. Expect flying grit, spray or snow.
2. Never approach a helicopter until the crew signal you to.
3. When told to approach, come from the front, in full view of the pilot, and keep low.
4. Never go near the tail. The tail rotor is almost invisible when spinning.
5. On a slope, never approach from the uphill side, where the rotors are closest to the ground.
6. If a crew member is lowered on a winch line, don't grab the cable until it has touched the ground, as it can carry a static shock. Follow the crew's instructions exactly.

Stay calm

Helicopters are loud and the wind is fierce. Keep hold of the group, especially children and dogs, and let the crew take charge.

This article is in the Grid Survivor app, searchable with no signal. Get the app · £4.99