Do I need accident insurance?
Yes. If you are a non-Chilean, be prepared to pay for your own medical care immediately. Insurance will likely need to repay you. Closely check the terms of your insurance policy to ensure that hiking is covered.
Who administers First Aid?
In case of injury, someone will need to take responsibility for First Aid.
In every group, someone should be assigned the role of First Aider. This person must be confident, competent & certified in First Aid, preferably in the speciality of Wilderness First Aid. It's worth having someone in your group take a course before your hike.
Do not count on help from Paine Park staff.
Who rescues me in case of emergency?
You might get assistance from Park Rangers at campsites who might have radio phones.
This is not guaranteed. Paine Park has no rescue team at the ready.
The injured hiker should first try to reach a Trailhead on their own feet. Easiest exit points include:
- Refugio Grey
- Refugio Lago Pehoe
- Hosteria Las Torres
If the injured hiker cannot move, they should remain in a safe place. Don't leave them alone. Send other hikers to find help. Go to the closest Refugio or campsite — which might have radio phones.
Ask at the Park entrance (when you pay entrance fee) for up-to-date advice on what to do if injured.
It is better not to hike alone. Carry an emergency whistle just in case you fall out of sight and need to alert other hikers. The international emergency signal is 6 blasts on the whistle, a pause, & then 6 more blasts. Use your flashlight, at night, to signal emergency. Again it is 6 flashes, a pause, then 6 more flashes.
