PSR ExpertPrimitive Survival Rating

Navigation & Signalling

STOP and terrain association

Search-and-rescue teaching emphasises stopping the panic walk and rebuilding a mental map from ridges, drainages and last known point.

1 min readLow energyHigh reliability

At a glance

Energy investmentLow energyThinking is cheaper than walking wrong for hours.
ReliabilityHigh reliability
Time10–20 minutes to a plan

Materials

  • Last known point memory
  • Watch/sun if visible
  • Markers (blazes you can undo)

Steps

  1. 1Stop moving. Sit, drink, calm breathing.
  2. 2List facts: last trail, sun direction, time, terrain slope.
  3. 3Identify handrails (streams, ridges) you can follow without cliffing out.
  4. 4Choose: return to last known point, follow handrail to help, or stay and signal.
Terrain association kit: a pack set down by a stone cairn, an open brass compass, and a ridge and drainage map sketched on bark
Stop the panic walk, mark where you are, and rebuild the map before you take another step.

Common mistakes

  • Continuing downhill blindly
  • Night travel without need
  • Erasing your own breadcrumb trail

Other methods

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