Tips for Helping Hikers in Rough Terrain

Video Transcript

"So we can help each other get down. We can help each other get up. Again, the principle is, let them stay in control of them self. You're just there as background support. Come on Deb let's show this. So I'm going to stand here and spot while Deb goes up. If it's steep enough that she actually needs a tiny push, I'll give it. On her bottom. One squeeze only. Or on the pack. But the point is I'm not pushing her, or she'll fall forward and trip. Instead I'm letting her stay in control of herself, just being whatever support she needs. And if I haven't mentioned it before, stay hydrated. Every time you think about it, take a sip. Water is our friend. Ok, lets talk some more about how to help each other. There's one thing I'm a real stickler on, and that is the proper hand grip. When somebody is helping somebody else up. Don't go hand to hand, that's not enough. You might slip, and there you go. Wrist to wrist is the better way to do it. Much more secure. And if you do slip you have a little second chance. Thanks for helping me show that Deb. And then the other thing is, when you are helping somebody up a ledge, there is a tendency on the part of the helper to try to pull them up. Well, Deb see if you can show this just play acting a little bit. Wrist to wrist please. But if I pull you, you loose control of yourself. You're not in charge of yourself. We don't want to do that. We see a little tendency for that with husbands and wives. Spouses are famous for this one. But you don't want to do that. You just, as the helper, you just ballast. You're giving them a tiny little pull. But mostly you're just putting your weight back. And it doesn't matter if you are the lesser weighing one, just anchor back a little bit and be there for them. Let them pull against you and stay in charge of themselves. Good job."