What to do when a group member becomes lost hiking

Responding calmly and decisively when someone is unaccounted for

A missing or unaccounted-for group member is a serious situation, and what the rest of the group does in the first few minutes matters more than anything else, because panic and rushed decisions are what actually turn it into a dangerous one. So the approach here is to stay calm and deliberate: work through the immediate actions, the communication, and the decisions that keep both the missing person and the rest of the group safe.

What to do the moment you realise someone’s missing

Stop the group and don’t keep walking while you try to resolve the situation. Do a formal headcount so you know exactly who is unaccounted for, then establish the Last Known Point, which is exactly where and when the person was last seen. Try calling them and sending a text message, because a text can often get through in areas of low reception where a voice call fails. Back that up with regular, loud whistle blasts to signal, since a whistle carries much further than the human voice.

From there, avoid assumptions and base what you do next only on confirmed information. Try to work out the missing person’s likely intentions, were they stopping for a photo, a toilet break, or struggling with the pace, because understanding their physical and mental state at the Last Known Point is what actually tells you how urgent this is.

Deciding whether to search, and when to call 000

Don’t split the group up unnecessarily. Sending people off to search without a clear plan can result in additional members becoming separated. If a brief backtrack to the Last Known Point is safe and appropriate, it should only be undertaken by experienced group members, with a clear turnaround point and a reliable way to remain in contact with the main group. If the missing person is not located quickly, or there are concerns about injury, weather, daylight, terrain or their ability to cope alone, call 000 and ask for Police.

While that’s happening, don’t neglect the rest of the group. Make sure they stay sheltered, warm and hydrated, because the guide on how to keep yourself safe on a group walk explains why individual safety is critical during an incident like this too.

If initial communication and a brief search fail, or if daylight is fading and weather is deteriorating, escalate immediately. In Australia, call 000 and ask for Police. Be prepared to give them your location as coordinates or clear landmarks, along with the Last Known Point; the missing person’s name, age, fitness level, and any known medical conditions; what gear, food and water they’re carrying and the colour of their clothing and pack; and your own current location, your group size, and your plan for the next hour.

If you have a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and believe there is a genuine risk to life, activate it without delay. Don’t wait for conditions to become dire before seeking help, since search and rescue teams can take time to mobilise.

Once it’s over, work out why it happened

Once the situation is resolved, look at what actually contributed to the separation. Often it’s a pace mismatch within the group or a failure to regroup at track junctions, and our guide on keeping your hiking group together goes through stronger on-trail protocols so you’re not managing the same situation again on your next walk. Getting the response right on the day matters, but the better outcome is a group that never puts itself back in this position.

Explore related guides

• Plan your hike like your life depends on it
• Trip Intentions and Rescue Planning for Hikers
• Keeping Kids Safe on the Trail
• PLB or Satellite Communicator?
• What Happens After You Activate a Personal Locator Beacon
• The Stages of Search and Rescue in Australia
• Signalling for Help When Lost or Injured on a Hike
• A Practical Guide to Survival Priorities
• What to do if you get lost hiking in Australia
• What to do when a group member becomes lost
• What to do if a child becomes separated on a hike