DRXC Emergency Response Procedure revised 2024 January

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Emergency Plan Printable version (6 pages)

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Prevention and Safety Precautions 

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1. In advance, find out about the area you want to ski in and  about the trail conditions. Choose trails that are within your  ability. 

2. Bring one or more printed maps (see www.drxc.ca/maps/). 

3. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to  return. 

4. Avoid skiing alone, especially if you are skiing in the backcountry. 

5. Carry a charged cell phone, and keep it in a warm place  (close to your body). Note that cell reception is generally  better at higher elevations. For the trails maintained by the  DRXC, cell coverage as of 2020 is as follows: 

   • Silver Spoon trails (accessed from Balmer Bay Road) –  Generally good on all trails. 

   • Bass Lake (or Cabin) trails (accessed from Bass Lake  Road) – Good within the first 5 km of the trail head, and  spotty beyond that out to the cabin. Beyond the cabin,  cell coverage is poor. 

   • Petawawa Research Forest trails – Good near roads,  and spotty farther into the bush. 

6. When traveling in the backcountry, bring extra equipment  such as: 

   • Energy food and a hot drink in a thermos 

   • Extra warm clothes (e.g., down vest, hat, and mitts)

   • Matches or lighter and a candle to light a fire

   • Chemical heat packs

   • Personal first aid kit, including bandaids and a tensor  bandage 

   • Gorilla or duct tape, rope, handsaw ​

In Case of an Injury on the Trail 

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1. Stay calm and assess the situation. 

2. If the person is able to walk out, accompany him/her and  monitor closely, especially if the situation could worsen.

3.  For all injuries for which a person needs support, phone  volunteers on the DRXC emergency call list (listed below).

4. Keep the person safe and warm (e.g., wrap in blanket or  extra clothing, light a fire, build a snow shelter). If needed,  send someone to get a toboggan and/or supplies from a first  aid barrel (locations listed below). 

5. For a serious medical condition (e.g., unconscious, possible  heart attack, fracture of a major bone, or unable to get out  even with help), phone 9-1-1 immediately. If you are in the back-country, call Renfrew Central Ambulance Communication Centre 1-888-760-2878. Pass on the information. Ask how long it will take for help to arrive. 

6.  If possible, send someone to the trail access point to meet  emergency response vehicles. 

7. If you cannot phone, either send another person for help, or  leave the person in a safe place and go for help. 

8. Please inform the DRXC of incidents so that the emergency preparedness can be improved. 

​In Case of a Lost Person

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1. Phone someone on the General Call List, who can advise on  how to best organize a search (or who can coordinate the  search for you). 

2. If a quick search is unsuccessful, phone 9-1-1.  

DRXC Emergency Call List

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If a skier gets lost or injured on any of the local trails, the following  skiers are prepared to help. Working with the emergency response professionals (contacted through 9-1-1), they can help  with rescues or searches, and suggest the best access points on  the trails for snowmobiles or ATVs. The volunteers represent a  mix of trail knowledge, skiing ability, physical endurance, and first  aid experience.​