I have this with me an aide memoir.
Things to do if lost -possible rescue situation
Stop
Think
Orientate
Plan
Put on warm gear.
Climb higher to orientate better.
Find shelter-under tree branches, next to a rock. Put up a stuff sack, or similar, as flag.
Make a signal fire in a raised position, make smoke during day, flames at night.
On the trail make a triangle sign (the international rescue signal)i.e A bandana in triangle with three rocks, also three twigs straight/parallel with trail with a direction of travel arrow.
I am reading an old US bushcraft book i,e Trappers; who speaks of walking in a 200yd circle to recover a trail.Not sure how to keep the circle.On the AT I did come across a guy who had lost the trail and said he quartered it to find it again.Not sure how that works either.