Hikers in the backcountry, even/especially day hikers have long been advised to always carry with them the “10 Essentials”, items that SAR and rescue groups devised over the years to prevent tragic incidents similar to this.
A high output whistle - like high school football coaches or sadistic Drill Sergeants use is perfect. Lightweight, doesn’t take up much room, or even wear around the neck. Shouting or yelling doesn’t carry that far, and besides, the vocal cords will quickly wear out and lose voice anyway. 3 blasts on the whistle every so often will (eventually) get somebody’s attention. Worth thinking about anyway, even in “civilization”.
We just picked up some hot hands hand warmers for when we’re working outside in the woods on our property. My hands get pretty cold pretty quick even with warm gloves and a change of gloves. I’m hoping they’ll help some.
But my friend was simply taking out the trash to the dumpster.
Hardly ‘the back country’ - it was right in the parking lot!
But that reinforces the point that - ‘You never know…’ - better to be prepared, even if it seems silly.
I keep such a whistle in my walking pack. Hopefully, I never need it, but I would really feel foolish if I fell and didn’t have it.