June 30, 2019
On June 30, 2019 at 1536, CCSAR was active for its 3rd mission in a week. Pueblo County requested assistance with a lost hiker in the Blue Lakes area near North Peak and Greenhorn Mountain. CCSAR deployed 3 members to the staging location with extensive knowledge of the surrounding area to act as advisors and a back-up hasty team should the Pueblo Incident Commander request an actual insertion. While Pueblo County Dispatch remained in contact with the lost subject via cell phone, Flight for Life performed an overhead search and located the subject. Through coordinated efforts of the multi-agency teams, the subject was extracted unharmed and returned to their vehicle. CCSAR members were released from the scene at 1747.
When venturing into the backcountry, please keep a few things in mind:
- Carry the 10 Essentials and know how to use them.
- Do not rely on cell service or cell phone battery alone for navigation and/or communication.
- Know how to use a physical map and compass.
- Be prepared to give a GPS coordinate set to any emergency service if you are able to make a phone call.
Below are links to instructions for finding your coordinates on iPhones and Android based phones. - iPhones: https://www.idownloadblog.com/…/how-to-find-gps-coordinate…/
- Android based: https://www.techjunkie.com/find-gps-coordinates-android/
- Monitor weather closely before your trip. It’s the time of year in CO to be off peaks before noon to avoid rain and lightning.
- Leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted family member or friend. Example: https://29q9t7284nc82nlnydnt2k0p-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/…/…
Please plan ahead and be prepared for your outing but DO NOT wait to call for help if you find yourself in trouble. Remember, SAR responses in CO are provided free of charge. That said, your attention to the below information is appreciated.
Purchase a CORSAR card to help offset the costs incurred by SAR teams during the execution of a mission: https://dola.colorado.gov/sar/cardPurchase.jsf
Nearly every SAR team in CO is comprised of VOLUNTEERS who donate their own personal time and funds (for personal safety equipment). Donations to these volunteer teams are VERY APPRECITATED and help cover non-mission costs such as trainings, vehicle maintenance, building maintenance, equipment purchase/maintenance, etc. etc. Donation information can typically be found on each team’s website and/or Social Media page.
