www.SMSR.org
Each month, the world famous Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team shares their Rescue Log with us.
Though 2011 has been one of the busiest years in the history of Sierra Madre Search and Rescue, in October the team responded to just two calls for assistance.
Missing Hiker, Angeles National Forest: The Team was notified of a solo backpacker missing in the Angeles National Forest, believed to be heading toward Chantry Flat. SMSR immediately responded and was assisted by Montrose Search and Rescue, Altadena Mountain Rescue, San Dimas Search and Rescue, and Antelope Valley Search and Rescue. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Aero Bureau provided air support with Air Rescue 5 and patrol helicopters. Coordinated by SMSR from Station 108, the search continued overnight and into the following day. The subject was able to find their way to a ranger station, and from there were transported to safety.
Injured Swimmer, Chantry Flat: SMSR was called out for a rescue of a swimmer who suffered a back injury while jumping into a pool near Chantry Flat. The subject was stabilized and evacuated from the scene by Air Rescue 5, which transported them to a hospital.
SMSR celebrated its 60th anniversary during the month of October, hosting a public open house at Station 108. The open house was a huge success and gave the Team an opportunity to thank the community for its continuing support, while giving guests an inside look at SMSR’s equipment and techniques. (Editor’s note: we’ve posted a gallery of our photos and a video of SMSR Frequently Asked Questions here.)
Also in October, SMSR team member Jon Pedder was recognized by the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation for his work on the Map Search & Rescue Initiative, which has developed a system to apply GIS software–a type of high-tech mapping–to wilderness search and rescue operations. The foundation flew Pedder to Washington, D.C., for a formal reception and awards ceremony.