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Inyo's trusty rescuers in need of help |
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Monday, 28 April 2008 |
 Inyo County Search and Rescue volunteers man the Gear Heads Fundraiser at last year’s Choo Choo Swap Meet. This year, the team will be selling everything from hiking, skiing and climbing equipment to Christmas decorations. Photo by Mike Gervais By Mike Gervais
Register Staff 4-26-2008
When something goes wrong in the backcountry of Inyo County, it’s the local Search and Rescue team that provides aid. But, with spring in blossom and the big recreation season on its way, the SAR is the one looking for help.
The team, which has already responded to six calls this year, is asking for help from residents and business owners as it prepares for its annual Gear Heads Fundraiser and its flag display fundraiser.
The Inyo County Search and Rescue Team operates with about 30 dedicated volunteers who, in addition to time on rescue missions, spend approximately 3,000 hours training each year.
A majority of the money raised at the Gear Heads Fundraiser and the flag fundraiser will help team members pay for that training.
“Those classes they attend cost money and (team members) are on their own” to pay for it, said Inyo County Sheriff’s Sergeant Keith Hardcastle.
“The Sheriff’s Department helps with purchasing the required materials; building, vehicles and some equipment,” said Hardcastle, but for a majority of their supplies, SAR team’s volunteers either foot the bill or utilize money that has been donated or earned through fundraisers.
Reliable equipment and adequate training are necessary tools for a search and rescue team that conducts most of its missions in one of the most rugged areas of the U.S.
According to Hardcastle, the SAR team conducts most of its missions in the Eastern Sierra between Mt. Whitney and the Palisade Glacier area. But team members are often required to carry out rescues in the Death Valley and Bishop areas as well.
Rescue missions in the backcountry are a challenge, Hardcastle said, “Because you’re dealing with extremely low temperatures and keeping victims warm” when they are injured and often bleeding.
“The majority of the calls are generally overdue, lost or injured” hikers or backcountry recreators, Hardcastle said, with some of the more difficult calls coming in for climbers who have fallen.
Despite the difficulty of a mission, Hardcastle said, anywhere from 6-12 out of the 33 SAR team members respond to each call.
In extreme circumstances, when a recreator is gravely hurt, or stranded in a remote location, Inyo County SAR can appeal to outside resources for aid. The team works with the U.S. Forest Service, the Victorville field office of the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Fish and Game when it requires a helicopter for a rescue.
In extreme circumstances, such as in March when a 58-year-old climber on Mt. Whitney suffered severe injuries due to a 1,000-foot fall, the SAR can contact the State Department of Emergency Services and get the National Guard and other military resources on board for the rescue.
On that mission, the SAR began its rescue efforts in the CHP helicopter out of Victorville. But that crew had to turn back due to the rugged terrain and the coming darkness.
In order to get the climber off the mountain as soon as possible, a Marine helicopter crew from Edwards Air Force Base was called out through the State Department of Emergency Services.
That crew was able to complete the night mission and rescue the injured climber.
Each year the SAR solicits donations from businesses on Main Street and Line Street in Bishop. In exchange for a $50 gift to the flag program, the SAR will post American flags outside of a business on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veteran’s Day.
In addition to its flag program, SAR team members are preparing for the annual Gear Heads Fundraiser, held in conjunction with the Laws Choo Choo Swap Meet.
The team has spent the past few months gathering donations from citizens and businesses that will be up for sale on Saturday, May 3, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
“We take anything, because it’s all in fun,” said SAR Team member Anne Stanley.
Currently the SAR headquarters are stuffed with everything from snowboarding and climbing equipment to Christmas decorations and furniture.
“I’m hoping we’ll get some more stuff this week,” Stanley said, noting that some of the climbing guides who usually donate to the event have yet to contact the team.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 June 2008 )
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