www.SMSR.org
Posted 2/4/12 –
During the month of January Sierra Madre Search and Rescue (SMSR) responded to five calls for assistance.
Overdue Hiker, Chantry Flat: The Team was called out on a report of a dayhiker missing overnight in the Chantry Flat area. SMSR members immediately set out to search high-probability areas. Assistance was requested from Altadena Mountain Rescue, Montrose Search and Rescue, and an L.A. County volunteer search dog team. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Air-5 helicopter conducted an aerial check of several possible trails. The subject returned home safely while search teams were in the field. While on a search assignment an SMSR crew was able to assist another hiker who had an ankle injury.
Medical Emergency, Big Santa Anita Canyon: SMSR was called out on a report of a medical emergency in Big Santa Anita Canyon. While Team members made their way toward the location on the ground, an L.A. County Fire Department paramedic was inserted near the location via helicopter. The subject was located and flown to the hospital. While heading back to the trailhead, SMSR team members encountered hikers engaging in high-risk activities in the canyon and were able to practice their PSAR — or Preventative Search And Rescue — skills, advising the hikers on how to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Missing Bikers, Mt. Wilson: A report of overdue mountain bikers sent Team members up Mt. Wilson on a nighttime search, while members of a neighboring search and rescue team began searching the area around Mt. Wilson’s summit. The cyclists were located safely and the search was secured.
About the world famous Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team
In 2011 Sierra Madre Search and Rescue commemorated 60 years of service to the community; it was also one of the team’s busiest years on record. SMSR volunteers responded to 95 calls for help in 2011, coming to the aid of 108 people. And since one of the Team’s core missions is education, members also participated in 25 PSAR events, where they educated nearly 2,000 adults and children about wilderness safety.
SMSR members live by their motto: “Anywhere in the wilderness that someone needs help…” and the Team never charges for any of its services. For more information or to arrange a wilderness safety demonstration for your school or group, visit www.smsr.org.