NZ Mountain Safety Council Praises Intentions Form

NEW ZEALAND MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

NZ Mountain Safety Council Praises Tramper's Use Of Outdoors Intentions Form

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council praises the use of an Outdoor Intentions Form by English tramper, James Esbester, who was successfully rescued today by search and rescue services.

'Mr Esbester followed rule number 2 of New Zealand's Outdoor Safety Code and left an 'intentions note' in the hut he had been staying in, which detailed where he was going and when he planned to return, prior to departing on his day trip' says New Zealand Mountain Safety Council's Chris Owens.

'When Mr Esbester became lost and didn't return, the alert was raised and the vital information gave the search and rescue services a good framework in which to base their search and probably saved his life'. Mr Owens added.

The Outdoors Intentions Forms are produced by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council in consultation with other organisations within the Outdoor Sector.

They can be downloaded for FREE from the following link: www.mountainsafety.org.nz/ProductFiles/PMPLTS1.pdf

Trip intentions should be left with a contact person and include:

* Names of group members, experience, fitness, health issues and next of kin phone numbers.

* Emergency contact details including names and phone numbers.

* A description of your vehicle, registration number and where you will leave it.

* Your planned route and possible alternatives.

* Your expected return date and time

* Equipment taken; for example, shelter and communications device.

* And remember to let your contact person know when you have returned.

In addition to completing intentions forms, there are other actions that could be taken such as carrying a communications device designed to work in remote areas. Equipment including a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), a satellite phone or a mountain radio can alert rescuers and significantly reduce response time. This equipment can be bought or in some cases hired from outdoors organisations. When tramping alone, it is highly recommended that one of these three devices is carried.

For further information about safety in the outdoors, courses and training, information on intentions forms or communication devices, please visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz
ENDS

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