Whether you are on foot, in a vehicle or on a bike, the bush is a very big place. You can loose your bearings within minutes. Try and imagine the fear that goes down your spine in that moment when you realise you’re on your own and lost. You might think you’re experienced or can use your common sense but if you’re on a bike and come off , or if your vehicle turns over, you can be concussed, or by just simply becoming lost and dehydrated your judgement will become impaired. Many people we search for had mates all around them just before they went missing.

While the SES volunteers will always give up their time to search for people who get lost we would much prefer not to be needed. The SES is there to help in times of emergencies and is the hazard management agency for storm, flood, cyclone and earthquakes all of which are natural hazards which we have no choice but to face. Getting lost in the bush can be avoided but if it does happen there are a number of things that you can do to help us help you.

Remember these golden rules:

1. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

2. Take water with you.

3. If you breakdown in a vehicle always stay with it. Vehicles are bigger and generally not a natural colour making them easier to find.

4. Try to find an open place where you could be seen from the air.

5. Be patient. If someone knows that you are missing help is on the way.

6. Buy or hire an EPIRB, it might well save your life.

7. Call 000, in some cases your phone signal can be traced to the nearest phone tower narrowing down a search area.