- 1). Determine the intended plan for the hiker or group that has become lost. Consult with local ranger stations or park offices as to any permits or plans on file. Talk with anyone who reported the missing hikers to obtain clues or hints as to the hikers' plans.
- 2). Locate the car or means of transportation to the trailhead. If a car was driven, check for clues as to intended plans or trails to be taken. If public transportation was used, as in a park setting, consult with the driver or other passengers who may have overheard the hikers' plans.
- 3). Coordinate with others involved in the search. If radios are available, make sure all are on the same frequency. Use the radios for necessary communication only, and keep in mind that line of sight greatly affects the transmission distance of the radios.
- 4). Consult a map and determine a search pattern. If multiple individuals or groups are available for the search, make a plan of attack. For example, have one group move down the main trail, a second group to the left of the trail and another to the right. Have each group use a compass or GPS locator to maintain the search pattern. Coordinate movements, keep in contact as much as possible and arrange in advance for communication signals such as whistles or flares.
- 5). Call out the names of the lost hikers or blow a whistle one time every several minutes. Keep in mind that sound travels a great distance in the field. If the search continues at night, shine high-power lights up and through the air to act as beacons that may be seen by the lost hikers. Make sure each search group is carrying food, water, extra clothing, and first aid and basic survival gear in their packs so that the search teams are as prepared as possible to help the hikers when they are found.
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