There’s a time for playing it cool but its not when a Blackhawk helicopter is hovering trying to determine if you need a backcountry rescue. A Colorado hunter that got lost between the Surprise Lake and Upper Cataract Lake was reported by rescue crews flying above as partially matching the description provided due to his the color of his backpack (which was upside down and appeared different from description) and did not appear to be in distress because he just waved casually to the helicopter circling above:
“The pilot said, ‘He’s saying hi, he doesn’t seem to be in distress,’ so they left.” –Summit County Rescue Group’s Anna Debattiste
Shortly after a ground crew found the man who was cold, exhausted and dehydrated but otherwise okay. Rescuers say he did do the right thing staying in place overnight and then seeking an open area in daylight to help crews find him. Where he messed up was his nonchalant response the helicopter. He should have waved his arms over his head aggressively or waved a brightly colored piece of clothing to drive the point home: “Hey!! I’m the guy you’re looking for!!”