The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department -- which lifted another injured hiker from Eaton Canyon Sunday night -- has created a hiking/camping plan form that may help them in the event you're the one being rescued.
Before you leave for your hike or camping trip, please fill out a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue – Hiking Plan sheet and provide it to a friend or loved one who's staying home to hold onto just in case something happens to a member of you hiking or camping group . You can download the form by visiting http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_163961.pdf
The form lists the name, age, address, phone number, and medical issues of the members of your party, along with details such as starting and finishing trailhead, start date, and return date and time. It also asks for camp sites you're planning to use, vehicle information, and what supplies you're planning to take.
(If you really want to cover your bases, we've heard it recommended that you take a photo of the bottom of your hiking boot and make that available as well!)
If you would like more information on how to prepare for your hiking / camping trip, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s camping website at http://www.cdc.gov/family/camping/
