IN NEW MEXICO, THERE IS NO CHARGE TO THE PUBLIC FOR ANY SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORT BY STATE OR VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

(Does not apply to commercial air or ground ambulance transportation).  If you feel you or someone you know is in trouble in the wilderness, do not hesitate to call 911 or your local New Mexico State Police district office.  Alerting the authorities in a timely way could mean the difference between life or death.  No one plans on going out and getting lost or hurt in the wilderness.  That’s why when it does happen it’s called an accident. But if it ever does happen to you, here are a few things you might want to consider.

Prior to any trip, take the time to WRITE DOWN a comprehensive PLAN.  Leave this plan with a reliable person who could notify the authorities, on a timely basis, in case of a suspected emergency.  In New Mexico, those authorities would be the New Mexico State Police. 

PLANNING A WILDERNESS TRIP

• Destination
• Departure time and date
• Expected return time and date
• Type of activities planned
• Needed supplies
• Needed clothing and foot gear
• Needed clothing and foot gear
• In-Case-Of-Emergency considerations
• Personal description
• Vehicle description, plate number and planned parking location
• Any medical or physical disorders; medications
• Cell phone numbers of you and anyone else with you

TEN BARE ESSENTIALS OF WILDERNESS TRAVEL

• Water
• Emergency Food
• Topographic map, compass, GPS
• Sun protection; hat, sunglasses, sun screen, emergency blanket
• Extra clothes – wool hat, gloves, socks, rain gear
• Signaling devices: whistle, signal mirror and cell phone
• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• Knife, fire starter
• Matches, candle
• First aid kit; include needles, thread, and safety pin