Sometimes things don’t go to plan and a decision is required. How should you respond? 

The outdoors is a changing environment in which to recreate. The weather, the terrain and people may change the situation, sometimes very quickly. Even on a short walk these changes may require decisions to be made under duress. Getting it wrong could have a serious, even fatal, outcome. So, what can be done to help ensure sound decision-making?

Be prepared: There will be more options when you’re better prepared. For example, if you have warm clothes and a raincoat, you can continue, seek shelter, turn back or go another way if the weather turns bad. If you don’t have this equipment, you’ll need to get out of the weather as quickly as possible which may mean taking risks while moving quickly or going more carefully and risking exposure. 

Be aware of the situation: It’s very easy to become distracted by the view, the company or the challenge of the trip and not notice a situation developing until it’s too late. Take time to look about and consider the weather, your location, the people in your group and any other clues that suggest trouble may be brewing. Indicators of impending change in the weather include cloud changes, the wind picking up and the temperature dropping. Are these conditions consistent with the forecasted weather? Compare your surroundings with what you expect from the map. Are you where you expect to be? Is the terrain (treefall, slippery, steepness etc) still suitable for the group? Think about the people you are with; how are they faring?

Take the lead: In an informal group, there is rarely a defined leader. The highest-ranked person may not be the best person to lead. Any person who feels that a situation requires leadership is likely to be a strong leader. Don’t wait for someone else to do it; take the lead.

Stop and think: Often, the first response to a changing circumstance is panic. It is important not to rush headlong into your response. First, stop and think. Being tired, cold or hungry can affect your ability to assess and act – or even be aware of the situation. The factors often go together. At such times, take a rest in some shelter (even if it’s just a rock or lee of a hill), put warm clothing on and have something to eat.

Assess the situation: Consider what your options are. You don’t necessarily need to continue with the original plan. Consider what gear the party has that might help the situation. Look at the map and consider alternative routes, huts, shelters or return the way you came. 

Take action: Weigh up and discuss the pros and cons of each option and then come to a decision and act decisively.

– Heather Grady is an instructor with Outdoor Training New Zealand