As digital nomads, we often choose our locations based on access to nature. The freedom to finish work and immediately go for a hike, whether on the trails around Bansko or elsewhere, is a huge benefit of this lifestyle. While our time outdoors is almost always a source of peace and health, there is a rare but real possibility of encountering a serious emergency.
Finding what you believe to be a deceased person is a traumatic and shocking experience. Being prepared with a clear set of steps can help you manage the situation safely and responsibly. This is not about being morbid; it’s about being a prepared member of the outdoor community.
Here are the critical steps to take.
Step 1: STOP. Assess Your Safety Immediately.
Before anything else, ensure you are not in danger.
- Look at your surroundings: Are you on an unstable cliff edge, near a rising river, or in an area with potential rockfalls?
- Consider potential threats: Is there any sign of foul play or that another person could still be in the area and pose a threat? Are there dangerous animals nearby?
- Your safety is the absolute priority. You cannot help anyone if you become a victim yourself.
Step 2: DO NOT Touch Anything.
This is the most important rule. You have encountered what could be a crime scene or an accident scene that requires investigation.
- Do not touch the body, their clothing, or any items nearby (e.g., a backpack, water bottle, phone).
- Touching anything can contaminate the scene, destroying crucial evidence that investigators may need. Stay back a respectful distance.
Step 3: Pinpoint Your EXACT Location.
This is the most critical piece of information you will provide. Emergency services cannot help if they can’t find you.
- Use your phone’s GPS immediately. Open Google Maps, Apple Maps, or a dedicated hiking app (like AllTrails) and drop a pin. Take a screenshot of the coordinates.
- If you don’t have a signal, use an offline map app to get coordinates.
- Note physical landmarks. Look for distinctive trees, rock formations, trail markers, signs, or river bends.
- Take photos of the surrounding area and landmarks, but DO NOT take photos of the body. This is for your memory to help guide rescuers, not for sharing. Respect the dignity of the deceased.
Step 4: Move to a Safe Place and Call for Help.
You may not have a mobile signal at the exact location.
- Move carefully back the way you came until you get a signal. Do not try a new shortcut and risk getting lost.
- Once you have a signal, call the universal emergency number. In Bansko and throughout Europe, that number is 112. In other parts of the world, it might be 911 (North America) or 000 (Australia). Know the local number before you hike.
Step 5: Report Clearly and Calmly.
When you speak to the dispatcher, be clear and concise. State the facts.
- Start with: “I am reporting what I believe to be a deceased person on a hiking trail.”
- Provide your name, phone number, and exact location (GPS coordinates first, then trail name and landmarks).
- Describe when you found the scene.
- Inform them of your current location and confirm that you are safe.
- Answer all their questions and follow every one of their instructions precisely.
What Happens Next
- Follow instructions. The dispatcher may ask you to wait at a safe location, like the trailhead, to guide first responders. Only do this if it is safe for you.
- Do not post on social media. This is someone’s family member. Respect their privacy and the integrity of the investigation. Spreading information online can cause immense pain to the family and spread misinformation.
- Acknowledge the trauma. Finding a body is a deeply disturbing event. It is normal to feel shock, anxiety, or distress for days or weeks afterward. Talk to friends, family, or a mental health professional. Do not dismiss the psychological impact on yourself.
This is a situation no one wants to encounter, but knowing what to do is part of being a responsible hiker and a conscientious person. Stay safe on the trails.
