Whether you’re trekking through rugged terrain or navigating open waters these holidays, being prepared can make all the difference. Thanks to comms tech company GME, survival expert, MICHAEL ATKINSON (aka Outback Mike) shares his crucial survival tips to help you travel safely on your next adventure…
PACK THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Every journey should start off the same way, and that’s making sure you have all of the gear you need. To start, always ensure you have enough drinking water – at least four litres per person per day, with more needed for strenuous activities in hot conditions. Depending on the duration and conditions of your trip, consider bringing a portable water filter or purification tablets to treat local water sources in an emergency.
Staying connected is also key. If you’re heading beyond phone coverage, consider bringing a backup communication device, such as a satellite-capable phone or UHF Radio. A device such as a GME Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) for marine travel, is also a fantastic option. A PLB is a compact device that sends a distress signal and your location to rescue services via satellite when activated, meaning it is a lifesaver in emergencies when phones are out of range. An EPIRB serves a similar purpose for sailors and boaters. If you can’t afford your own PLB, check the local National Park visitor centre to see if they have them available for hire. Pack other essentials tailored to your journey, such as a first aid kit, waterproof fire-lighting tools, weather-appropriate clothing and navigation gear. Proper preparation helps you handle unforeseen circumstances, ensuring your trip is both safe and enjoyable. For a checklist of items to pack, read on.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Map out paths and trails you intend to follow, and study potential hazards that could pop up along the way. This includes understanding the terrain, weather conditions and any other environmental factors that might impact your trip. Consider the most likely problems you may encounter and how you’d handle them, adjusting your plan and packing list as needed. Seek local knowledge on track conditions, alternative routes, and nearby support facilities. Check mobile phone coverage in the area you’ll be travelling. Coverage can vary significantly depending on your location, so knowing where you can expect to have service (or won’t) will help you plan accordingly.
COMMUNICATE YOUR PLANS
It’s critical to communicate your plans before embarking on any journey, especially if you’re headed into remote areas. Inform a friend or family member about your trip details, including your planned route and expected return time. Ensure they clearly understand your route and key checkpoints along the way. Provide them with detailed information, including start and end points, duration, planned stops and check-ins. This helps them monitor your progress and alert authorities if needed. Most National Parks offer trip intention forms, which can be shared with your emergency contact.
If you have an EPIRB or PLB, log your trip details with AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) on their beacon registration page. Instruct your contact to call 000 if you fail to check in by the expected time. For water travel, particularly open water, register your trip with local marine rescue services. Many offer apps to track your journey and will follow up if you don’t report your safe return.
KEEP CALM IN AN EMERGENCY
If you find yourself in danger and require assistance, it’s important to remain calm. Panic can cloud your judgment and impair decision-making. Take a few deep breaths and assess your situation. Prioritise your immediate safety by addressing any imminent danger. Try calling for help on 000 (or other two-way communication methods if available). If you have a GME Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or EPIRB, activate it activate it carefully, ensuring the antenna and GPS components are unobstructed. These devices send your location to rescue authorities via satellite, emit a homing signal and feature a strobe light for visual identification.
Equipment Checklist
■ GME Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) for marine travel
■ Satellite phone or communicator / UHF Radio for long-distance communication
■ First aid kit
■ Adequate water supply (minimum four litres per person per day)
■ Portable water filters or purification tablets for treating water sources
■ Clear plastic bags (for water collection via transpiration)
■ Fire-lighting equipment (preferably waterproof)
■ Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS device)
■ Weather-appropriate clothing
■ Sea dye for water-based signalling
■ Bright materials (tents, tarps, space blankets, reflective devices) for enhancing visibility
■ Light sources for night-time signalling (such as flares or flashlights)
■ Food supplies and emergency rations (if relevant to the journey)
GETTING WELL EQUIPPED
Assess the equipment you have on hand to support you and prioritise your survival needs across four key categories: protection, location, water and food. The order of importance may shift based on your situation.
Protection:
● Seek shelter from the elements, maximise clothing use, and, if possible, stay in or under your vehicle, set up a tent, or create an improvised shelter.
● Administer first aid and, if conditions allow, build a fire for warmth.
Location:
● Maximise visibility for rescuers by moving to open areas or staying near your vehicle, as it is easily spotted from the air. Use bright items like tents, tarps or space blankets.
● During the day, use reflective devices such as mirrors or a mobile screen (even if flat) for signalling.
● Consider a signal fire – a pile of green foliage thrown onto a fire creates an effective short-term visual signal. Keep the materials ready to quickly ignite when rescue assets are nearby.
● For night signalling, use light sources or fires. If possible, set up three fires spaced in a triangle, a recognised distress signal.
● If you’re on the water, always wear your life jacket. Be prepared to use signalling devices like flares or sea dye when rescuers are nearby. If possible, try to stay in one location to make it easier for rescuers to spot you.
Water:
● If water is scarce, seek natural sources to filter or purify with tablets or by boiling.
● Minimise sweat loss by reducing physical activity to conserve water.
Food:
● Although rescues can be quick, delays due to weather or distance may occur, so ration the remaining food carefully. If foraging, only eat foods you know are safe.
About GME
For more than 60 years, GME has been an industry leader in the communication technology space. Proudly 100% Australian owned GME takes immense pride in the quality of their products designed to meet or exceed not only Aussie but International CE, FCC and Cospas-Sarsat standards. For more information check out www.gme.net.au
Mike Atkinson is an ex-military pilot, adventurer, and filmmaker, who is passionate about authentic survival experiences. He dislikes staged survival shows and instead films his own solo adventures. With a background in teaching survival skills to military personnel, Mike has put his expertise to the test in various expeditions around the world. His award-winning film Surviving the Outback has garnered international recognition, and he recently completed a solo journey up the Great Barrier Reef in a dugout canoe, which will be the subject of his next feature film. Follow Mike on social media or his website to learn more about his adventures and films.
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