How to Signal & Guide Helicopter Rescue

On the job – Mountain Rescue helicopter flying in the Austrian Alps

By Gillian Boyd Published 25 March 2026

Learn what to do if you come across an accident on the mountain and how to signal and guide helicopter rescue. It could help save a life.

This blog has information every skier, snowboarder, mountain biker and hiker should know before they venture into the mountains. Weather can change rapidly and clear communication is vital.

What if you come across the scene of a skiing or mountain bike accident?

Block the way to prevent further injury.
Administer first aid.
Inform the rescue service as quickly as possible. The phone numbers are printed on ski and hiking maps. Or call the police and they will put you through or tell the nearest lift station.
Provide as much detail as possible on location such as lift/slope number and type of injury. Apps such as What 3 Words provide precise location information to 1m anywhere in the world.
If helicopter rescue is needed, is there space to land? Think of a square 10m by 10m and clear of overhead wires.

Signals to Guide Helicopter Rescue

Rescuers in helicopters look for visual clues. Bright coloured clothing helps and so do arm signals. During a helicopter flyover or aerial survey, you can signal

YES, I need help – Stand straight up and raise both arms up into a Y shape
NO, I don’t need help – Stand straight up with one arm up and one arm down forming an N shape

In snow, you may need to be the visual guide for the helicopter to land as he cannot see the ground or know the snow depth.

Stand upright with arms in the YES, I need help Y shape
Hold your position as the helicopter approaches. DO NOT MOVE AWAY even though it is really loud and the snow is being whipped up and it feels very close.
As the helicopter lowers, drop to your knees and maintain the Y shape arms position.
The helicopter will land when he is certain where the ground is.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to signal and guide a helicopter rescue is one of those things you may never use, but it could help save a life if you do. So please teach children not to wave at a helicopter, as it is distracting to their important rescue work.

Never miss an Adventure!

Emergency phone numbers on ski map in Austria