October 10, 2009
On 10/9 at about 0500, CCSAR was activated to search for an overdue, backcountry equestrian. The rider was riding the Comanche – Venable Loop Trail. She had last been heard from on 10/8, just prior to ascending toward Phantom Terrace. The Terrace is an exposed ridge traverse to or from Venable Basin. CCSAR Ground Teams were dispatched up both the Comanche and Venable trails with the aim of clearing both trails then meeting at the Terrace.
Meanwhile, the CCSAR Operations Team requested an aerial search by Flight for Life (FFL). In the midst of high winds, Lifeguard 4 (based in Pueblo) conducted several surveys of the area. The aircraft located a possible injured person on the Venable side of Phantom Terrace.
CCSAR Ground Teams were recalled to the staging area and a two person hasty team was inserted by Lifeguard 4 into North Crestone Creek Basin. The landing zone was on the opposite side of the divide due to more favorable wind conditions. The hasty team climbed up and through Venable Pass then descended into Venable Basin where they made contact with the subject.
A medical assessment was performed which determined her primary injuries. The injuries, caused by a significant fall from her horse, necessitated a rapid evacuation. However, strong winds prevented both Flight for Life and REACH Air Medical Services (REACH) helicopters from being able to land in any of the surrounding basins. Ground teams from CCSAR and Fremont County SAR were inserted with medical and evacuation equipment. The teams were faced with an approximate 6 mile uphill hike while carrying heavy loads. Due to the subject’s condition, extended weather forecast, and anticipated ground extrication timeframe, CCSAR contacted Colorado Search and Rescue (CSAR) to request Colorado National Guard (CONG) assistance. At approximately 1630, Medic 529 (UH-60 Blackhawk) arrived on scene and made a safe landing in significant winds. The subject and hasty team were evacuated to CCSAR’s Search Base in Westcliffe, CO. The subject was transferred to Custer County EMS and was transported to Parkview Hospital in Pueblo, CO. All ground teams were recalled and were safely out of the field by approximately 1930.
CCSAR would like to acknowledge a number of entities who assisted in this successful mission.
- Several Good Samaritan hikers who came across the subject and activated an inReach device in an effort to assist her. They stayed with the subject until CCSAR’s hasty team arrived ~30 minutes later.
- The subject’s family and friends provided valuable information throughout the search. They also undertook their own search efforts. While CCSAR typically requests friends and family members of a subject to allow qualified SAR teams to undertake the mission to find their loved ones, we understand that urge to do what you can. We thank this family for cooperating extremely well with our search and rescue efforts.
- This mission would have been significantly more strenuous and dangerous to ground teams if Flight for Life, REACH, and CO National Guard Medic 529 were not willing to make every effort to assist. We are thankful for our Air Asset Partners.
- As always, we thank the Colorado Search and Rescue (CSAR), and this week’s on call coordinator (Scott), for the assistance requesting necessary resources such as CONG air assets and cell phone forensics. CSAR’s timely responses to State SAR Team requests is paramount to successful mission outcomes.
- Lastly, we want to thank several SAR teams who responded to our call for assistance in the event a long, ground based carry out was necessary. Fremont County SAR and Western Mountain Rescue Team are valuable partners and never fail to do what they can to assist when we call.
Thank you all!
In closing, CCSAR would like to remind backcountry users to consider the purchase of a CORSAR card (link below) which helps defray the costs of operations for the Colorado’s volunteer-professional SAR Teams, including CCSAR. Further, leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted friend/family member, travel with a companion whenever possible, check the extended weather forecast, and carry the 10 Essentials (link below) appropriate for the season, forecast, and adventure type. When horseback riding in the wilderness, we suggest carrying a fanny pack or small backpack with a few survival essentials in case you are separated from your horse and saddlebags.
We wish our subject a full and speedy recovery.
10 Essentials – https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm?fbclid=IwAR2CClv0O9j9J-0K0POz_bMBTNC1eupeG9IGCwCrswzAE54w1V-3eIryFhU
CORSAR Card- Purchase at a local retailer or online: https://www.colorado.gov/dola/search-and-rescue-fund
