I've never been lucky enought to have someone help me, and yes, you need to always be careful and let someone know exactly where you are if you are alone. The linemans belt (actually a harness) has been mentioned but be sure to understand how to use it properly. Anytime you are on the ladder working on the stand or putting the next stick up above you need to strap your harness to the tree so that you don't slide down if you slip. This is my procedure I use most of the time; All my stands have a decent and lengthy cord attached to haul up my pack and bow. I leave the treestand on the ground and attach the end of the rope to my belt loop with a carabiner clip, the other end still attached to the stand, preferably near the seat. Assemble the ladder (sticks or pole-type) as I climb. It is much safer to make sure your last ladder rung is about a foot above where your seat will be on your treestand. It's much easier and safer to step from the ladder down onto the platform. Get comfortable and make strap adjustments if needed when at the top of the ladder and then use the top rung sort of as a pulley for your hoist cord. Then, if you have to stop or it gets tangled you can tie off on the next rung down. Position the stand at the height that you want it and then tie off the cord on a rung that is out of the way. This will allow you to strap your stand to the tree without having to hold it up at the same time. All treestands should come with an instructional video and safety harness. Use them both!