Trip Intentions Form (Trip Intentions Form)

A Trip Intentions Form is a great tool to let your friends know what you are planning to do and to give Search and Rescue crews a head start in case something goes wrong. These days barely anyone uses printed forms so we created an online version. 

What does the form do?

First you'll need to fill in your Trip Intentions into an online form. When you click the submit button, the form will convert your answers into a nice PDF and send it to you and your nominated contact. That's already it. 

What doesn't the form do?

⚠️There is no automated alert or monitoring system in the background. If you are overdue beyond your return time, it is the responsibility of your contact to follow up and call 000, if necessary. 

What do I need to do?

Filling out the form is easy and straight forward. Here is an example of the PDF which will be emailed out. It is your responsibility to assure your contact received the completed form and know what to do, in case you are overdue. It is also your responsibility to advise your contact, if your plans change or you want to correct information you entered into the form.

If you think this is a useful service or you have any feedback for us, send us an email adventures@alpenverein.melbourne

Future development

We're looking into developing this form in cooperation with other organisations. If you have any feedback for us or want to be part of this development, send us an email adventures@alpenverein.melbourne

What else should I consider before going on a trip?

You still need to plan your trip according to your skill, experience, knowledge and gear. 

• Research your trip – using a current map and advice from experienced walkers and local authorities.
• Understand the environment you are entering and risks associated with it, plan for the unexpected. 
• Have a backup plan – Emergency response / rescue can take time. Always have an emergency plan factored into your trip.
• Have adequate communication – which enables you to call for help. PLBs are very cheap these days and there is no good excuse not to have one or other satellite communication devices.

Common factors which contribute to persons being lost

There is usually a combination of the below factors which result in problems occurring

• Planning, Lack of planning or no planning of trip
• Terrain, hazards such as cliffs, rivers which may delay or cause injury
• Weather, poor weather in area of search, hypothermia or hyperthermia
• Equipment, poor Equipment – failure of or inappropriate for area
• Ability, Over confidant - skill ability not proven for particular terrain
• Decision-making, lack of leadership within party – leading to poor decisions. E.g. once lost walking in one direction believing they will come across civilisation eventually.
• Fatigue, leading to poor decisions or injury
• Physical ability, poor physical condition
• Lack of food or water, contributing to fatigue and poor decision making
• Medical, preexisting or accident during trip
• Technology, over reliance in technology e.g. flat phone or GPS batteries – no coverage
• Underestimating route, causing delay and/or unable to identify terrain hazards
• No map / compass, contributing to disorientation of person/s

What to do if you are lost

• Stop and think. Stay calm
• Recheck navigation and map
• Re track steps a short distance may assist. Locate your last known point if possible
• Gain some height may assist in orientation but don't go into dangerous territory

If above does not help STAY WHERE YOU ARE*. 

• Find shelter stay warm and dry.
• Attempt to make your position visible to searchers land and air. E.g. fire or bright clothing in open area that can be seen by air searches.
• If you are in a group stay together, never separate.
• Be aware it can take a considerable time for rescuers to reach you so your priority is to remain warm and dry, ration your food and water if necessary.
• If you are lost or require help call 000

* Why should you stay where you are? Good question! In general searchers look for you in the most probable areas and then spread the search radius. If you stay where you are, they will eventually find you. If you're moving, you and the searchers need to be at the same place at the same time which is less likely. You could even walk into an area which has previously been searched and that makes your rescue even less likely.