Emergency and SOS signals

Whistle code

Sound signals with whistle

3 short blasts = SOS / I need help
1 long blast = Response / I'm on my way
6 short blasts = International distress signal (used in mountains)
3 blasts, pause, 3 blasts = repeat until found

Tip: Include a pealess whistle in your emergency bag. This type works even when wet, dirty or in extreme temperatures, unlike traditional whistles with an internal ball.

SOS in Morse code

The world's most recognized signal

SOS = · · · --- --- --- · · · (3 short, 3 long, 3 short)

Can be made with: whistle, torch, tapping on surface, mirror
Short interval (dot): ~0.5 seconds
Long interval (dash): ~1.5 seconds
Pause between letters: ~1.5 seconds
Pause between repetitions: ~3 seconds

Listen to and practice SOS in Morse

· · · = S --- --- --- = O · · · = S

International ground-to-air signals

Symbols recognized by aerial rescue teams

These symbols are internationally recognized by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and used by pilots and search and rescue teams.

V I need help

X I need medical care

I I need medicine

F I need food and water

→ I am heading in this direction

LL All OK

N No / Negative

Y Yes / Affirmative

Tip: Make the symbols at least 3 metres long to be visible from the air. Use contrasting materials: dark stones on light ground, light clothing on dark ground. Branches, backpacks, sleeping bags or any available object can be used.

Signal mirror

Long-distance visual signaling

A signal mirror can be seen up to 15 km away on a clear day. It is one of the most effective and simple rescue methods.

How to use

Hold the mirror close to your face, at eye level
Extend the other arm with 2 fingers in a V
Point your fingers at the target (helicopter or rescue team)
Tilt the mirror until the light reflection passes between your fingers
Flash the reflection repeatedly: 3 times = SOS

Alternatives to signal mirror

CD or DVD: effective reflective surfaces
Mobile phone screen: even when off, the glass reflects sunlight
Aluminium foil: smooth it over a flat surface
Any reflective surface: bottom of can, watch, glasses

Note: Works best on sunny days. Even on cloudy days, try using the mirror when there are breaks in the clouds. Sunlight reflection is more visible than any other long-distance visual signal.

Nighttime signaling

Signals visible in the dark

Torch

SOS in Morse: 3 quick flashes, 3 long, 3 quick
Point at the sky on clear nights
Point directly at helicopters or teams
Keep spare batteries always available

Fire as signal

1 fire = campsite (not a distress signal)
3 fires in triangle = universal distress signal
Distance between fires: ~3-5 metres
Keep dry material ready to light quickly

Smoke signals (during daytime)

Add green leaves or damp grass to create thick smoke
Green branches produce white smoke (better against dark background, like forests)
Rubber or plastic produce black smoke (better against clear sky)
3 fires with smoke = distress signal
Always keep dry material ready as base to light quickly

Warning: Exercise extreme caution when lighting fires, especially in Portugal during summer. Check if it is not a critical wildfire period. Fire can easily get out of control.

Universal distress signals

Body and gesture signals

🙌

Arms in Y

Both arms raised above head. Means: I need help.

🙋

One arm raised

Only one arm raised. Means: I'm OK, I don't need help.

Waving colored clothing: wave a brightly colored garment (red, orange, yellow) above your head. Visible at great distance.
Silent distress signal (domestic violence): show open palm, fold thumb inward, close fingers over thumb. This gesture was created during the 2020 pandemic and is internationally recognized.

Remember: In aerial rescue situations, slow and repeated movements are easier to identify than quick gestures. Make wide signals and stay in an open and visible location.