If you saw a signaling mirror or heard a whistle, would you investigate or run away?

[CWL]

Hi All,
I was thinking about this today.
If you were on your own in a remote aria and saw a signaling mirror that will take you far away from your path, would you go there? What if it is a mile or 5 from the trail and you are unarmed?

My concern is what if you are being tricked into a trap by some psycho?
If I did not go and called the authority, could i be charged with disturbing the authorities if they found nothing? If I did not go, wouldn't it be kind of hypocritical for me to carry a mirror and a whistle hoping that if I get hurt, someone would help me?

YES I watch too many movies.

Thanks

You sound like someone who should never go outside. You may get a sunburn or something.

For others, I'd render any assistance I could, given the circumstance/conditions of the distress call.

Next time, it may be you there needing help and some dumbasses may decide to ignore you.

 

[Codger_64]

You sound like someone who should never go outside. You may get a sunburn or something.

For others, I'd render any assistance I could, given the circumstance/conditions of the distress call.

Next time, it may be you there needing help and some dumbasses may decide to ignore you.

I am thinking that there are quite a few differences in social customs and circumstances around the world. I would be hesitant to judge the reaction of others elsewhere on this subject based entirely upon my own social circumstances. What may be appropriate behavior in one place may not be in another. FOr instance, I can openly carry a firearm and a large knife or two when out in wilder places here, but I am sure that is not the case everywhere, even here in this same country.

 

[CWL]

I am thinking that there are quite a few differences in social customs and circumstances around the world. I would be hesitant to judge the reaction of others elsewhere on this subject based entirely upon my own social circumstances. What may be appropriate behavior in one place may not be in another. FOr instance, I can openly carry a firearm and a large knife or two when out in wilder places here, but I am sure that is not the case everywhere, even here in this same country.

I've traveled, worked and lived-in quite a few countries, I've also spent time working with NGOs on post-war infrastructure rebuilding.

I can tell you that even in the worst places, a cry for help is responded to by those able and capable.

Even when exposed to unreasonable risk such as after an earthquake, mudslide or bombing, people will still stand up to do what's right.

 

[Codger_64]

I've seen people turn their heads and keep walking while a person was being robbed or beaten, possibly to death. I've seen people drive by accidents with people obviously in need of help. I've seen people mock and kick disabled beggers on the sidewalk. I suppose a lot depends on social conditioning. Not everyone, everywhere will even percieve someone else's distress. And not everyone will be moved to become involved and do something about it.

 

[ukknifer]

I never said that I would walk away from someone injured.
I would never walk away if I saw someone in distress if I saw the situation in front of me.
the scenario I posted is if I have to go out of my way with out weapons a mile or 5 miles into the unknown just because I heard gun shots or a whistle or a mirror.

I don't understand why people got upset with my post.

 

[crafty]

I never said that I would walk away from someone injured.
I would never walk away if I saw someone in distress if I saw the situation in front of me.
the scenario I posted is if I have to go out of my way with out weapons a mile or 5 miles into the unknown just because I heard gun shots or a whistle or a mirror.

I don't understand why people got upset with my post.

In remote area, gun shots would make me think it's just hunters. If it's signals of distress like a whistle or mirror in a remote area I would investigate. I would check on a map my location and location where signal is coming from. Try to answer the signal by whistle/mirror. Then call search and rescue and discuss with them if I could be of help going in (I would give both positions). If I don't contact SAR, but decide to go in I would at least inform someone at home about situation, locations/directions and report later (at specific time) what I found. If I don't contact in time they can call SAR and allready know my approximate location.

 

[RickJ]

A point I would like to make and it may have been said already, Yes you should tell a responsable person where you are going and how long you will be gone but you also need to leave a list of Survival items especially the signal items so SAR knows how you may be trying to get help, if you have a mirror they will know to look for mirror flashes for an example. I think a complete signal kit should be brought on any outing, 1. Whistle 2. Signal Mirror 3. Marker Panel 4. Strobe, they all would help in different situations, and if you have the money a PLB.

 

[Mistwalker]

If I thought I could help, I would. If not, I would report it. I'd not ignore it, as if it were a situation where someone was lost or injured, I'd feel bad if it appeared on the news a day or two later, knowing I could have helped in some way. If I were in that situation (lost) I wouldn't want people to ignore my signaling.

This^