What to Do in An Emergency

Winter morning at Capulin Volcano

NPS Photo

Have you ever been involved in an emergency situation at a national park site? Did you wonder what caused the accident and how it could have been prevented? The easiest way to avoid this situation is doing your research; make sure you are aware of any safety concerns and the environment.

Checking the Park website and social media pages can answer a lot of questions including, general park information, trail information, and weather conditions. When you do go out to hike or travel to Capulin Volcano, it is highly encouraged to tell someone where you will be and what time you expected to return. The Hiking Preparedness on the Park’s webpage is structured and designed to help you have a successful trip. No matter how much someone prepares, emergencies can happen; this article will explain what to do if there is an emergency while visiting Capulin Volcano National Monument.

In advance to your trip, knowing what to expect and what to pack will help you alleviate a lot of the questions or concerns you might have. Emergencies usually happen when someone is ill-prepared or don't recognize the need to remove themselves from difficult circumstances. At Capulin Volcano National Monument, trails are steep; some trails are rough with uneven terrain as they traverse the volcano's lava flows. When hiking unpaved trails, watch your footing. Wear sturdy shoes and bring trekking poles for extra support if needed; open-toed shoes are not recommended when hiking at Capulin Volcano. The Volcano Rim Trail and Crater Vent Trail are paved; however, both have steep sections with significant elevation gain. Learn more about how to read a park map at Capulin Volcano.

 

Bring a map

Before setting out on a hike, look at a map to identify trail distances, trail intersections, and identifiable landmarks. This information is important to give first responders if they are looking for you. The trail head you parked at, the trail name, and identifiable trail features are all important for pinpointing a location. 

Personal safety is key

Personal safety is key; before exploring an area let someone know your plans, including where you are going and when you will return. Remain in one place if you become separated from your group. Try not to panic in an emergency situation; remain calm, survey the situation, and decide on a course of action. If isolated, call out for help or use a whistle to bring attention to your situation. If you need to move, stay on the trail and head towards the closest trailhead or trail junction. Learn more about safety at Capulin Volcano.

Call 911

In an emergency, call 911 first; stay on the line with the operator for further instructions. Do not hang up unless told to do so. 

Gathering the information

If you are with someone who isn’t injured and can safely find help, have them go to the Visitor Center or find a Park Ranger to help. Make sure they have these key pieces of information—where you are, type of injury, age, sex, and the physical description of the injured person. Make sure the person going for help knows the nature of the incident and how many parties are involved. 

Exact location

Exact coordinates of the incident are preferred if possible; if not, please provide description of the area on the trail. To find the coordinates, open Google Maps or any map app, enable location, drop a pin on your location, it will tell your coordinates. 

When using coordinates, such as 36.782328, -103.972179 (coordinates for the covered bench by the Summit Parking Lot), you are providing the latitude and longitude for an exact location. 

Capulin Volcano National Monument lies between longitude 36.774318 and 36.788925 and latitude -103.958528 and -103.987624. Latitudinal and longitudinal numbers can help first responders to find an incident quickly. Any other information about the location and people involved should be shared as well. 

Clear head

Make sure you have plenty of water and some snacks to enjoy during breaks. Staying hydrated will make the Park experience more enjoyable and help to keep a clear head in an emergency; dehydration can cause dizziness, unclear thoughts, and poor decision making. 

Call out

If an emergency happens when visiting the Park, always try to call 911 first. If there is no cell phone reception, Capulin Volcano is a small park; try calling out or sending someone for help. The most important thing to remember is to keep calm and not panic. The best way to avoid an emergency situation is to do your research and be prepared for what you may encounter during your visit. 

 

Learn more about hiking preparedness at Capulin Volcano.