> KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING BEFORE LEAVING THE SHED

> A BAD RADIO IS THE SAME AS NO RADIO
 
> After an incident, YOU DO the cleaning up, restocking of equipments, charging of batteries, etc

Do what you can with what you have, where you are. T. Roosevelt
And let the chips fall where they may. anonymous

Overheard: "If you are going to be dumb, you gotta be tough."

06-58   9-2-06   Biker Down   SRBT or Hells Revenge ?
   Some confusion as to where the subject with a broken wrist really was. Said to be at the Escalator, mile 6. The Escalator is not at mile 6.
   We responded with a Ranger and 3 ATVs and wound up having to search for the subject. In the mean time, the subject had self rescued out to the parking lot.
Responders: Nancy, Dave, John, Melissa, Jim, Barbara, Lee, Margy, Mike, Murray, James, Steve

06-59   9-3-06   Jeep Rollover   Moab Rim Trail
   This jeep was reported to have lost its brakes and rolled backwards. The driver was reported to have jumped out of the vehicle and was hit by the jeep.
   We dispatched a Ranger and 6 wheeler with EMTs to the scene. Air Care out of Farmington was launched. The coordinates from a cell phone were not correct. The subject was flown to GJ.
Responders: Dave, Jim, Lee, Margy, James

06-60   9-11-06   Stranded Motorcyclist   Golden Spike
   Two guys riding motorcycles up Poison Spider to Golden Spike to Gold Bar. They had met just the day before. One guy had fallen over several times. This time his bike wouldn’t start. The other guy went for help.
   We took a Ranger and 6 wheeler to fetch this 62 year old who was sitting out there without water or a jacket. John "Mog" Marshall retrieved his motorcycle later that night.
Responders: Dave, Lee, Bill Stone MPD, Rex, Bego

9-18-06   Bego teaches GPS, Compass and Maps to the Civil Air Patrol Cadets.

6-19-06   Shalla scores, north of Mancos, CO., finding the body of a hunter struck by lightning several days before. His stuff was still in his camp and his ATV was found. The area had been searched extensively by ground and air crews. He was a member of the Snowhomish, WA rescue team. The team fielded 15 members who came from Washington for this search and 20 more were on the way. Shalla picked up the scent at 1 1/2 hours and found the subject at 4 hours. Nancy and Margy were there to help Shalla out. Montrose County.

06-61   9-23-06   Teen (and helpful adult)   Stuck on the Side of Corona Arch
   This started out as a call about a teen rimrocked near Corona Arch. Easy enuff.
   When we arrived at the parking lot, the RP showed a picture of the subject. He was stuck part way up the Arch itself. We sorted some rock rescue gear and hiked up to the Arch. Lo and behold, there was an adult stuck on the Arch also. The guy was going up to help the first guy. Way to go, dude.
   Three of us hiked to the top of the Arch which involves some pretty steep slickrock scrambling. On top are some permanent bolts used by rappellers. Tying the rope to them, we lowered Deputy Archie Walker down to the highest subject. Archie tied a second rope to him and he was lowered to the ground. Then Archie moved down and over a bit to the second subject. Lowered him. Then Archie was lowered also. Now it was pitch dark.
   We cleared the gear from the top, scrambled down and hiked to the cars.
Responders: Nancy, Bego, Lee, Dave, Bill Stone (MPD)
            Deputy Archie Spiderman Walker

06-62   9-24-06   Dead Battery   Book Cliffs
   Some people think this should have been a tow truck type call.....
   Two of us were told this guy had a dead battery and he was two roads east of Three Pines, where the Hay Canyon Road tops out on the Divide. We searched a bunch of side roads, all the while trying to raise him on his cell phone. Found no one, went home.
   On the way home, dispatch radioed that he had given coordinates. What? Turns out, Dave found out the guy had a Nextel phone so it had coordinates.
   The OIC got 4 Ops Period II people to the Shed and we all conferred. The coordinates said he was well WEST of Three Pines and not far off the main Divide Road. In the middle of the night all was made right.
Responders: Dave, Bego, Kris, Lee, Barbara, Sam,

9-29-06   Land Rover Convention
Lee, James, Kris, Dave and Barbara took the Bronco, Ranger and pictures to their trade show. Someone thot of beating up a car with a sledge hammer and charging per hit which raised $288 for GCSAR. Wow.
You think wow. Next night at the banquet, Lee accepted a check for $2000 for GCSAR. Thank you.

06-63   9-29-06   Agency Assist   Search   Arches Natural Park
   A lady from the Czech Republic left the Arches CG at 1 pm for a hike to Dark Angel, about 3 miles away. She was to return by 6:30 pm. At 8:30 pm her companions reported her overdue.
   Arches NP responded that evening.
   In the morning, GCSAR was paged. Nancy and search dog Shalla were paged. The DPS helicopter from Salt Lake City was paged.
   GCSAR took the ATVs north of the Park to cruise the flat country roads in Long Valley and Little Valley that some lost people drift down slope toward. Shalla found a scent article and started in the trail, finding interest in Fin Canyon. The helicopter started searching for footprints in lower Fin Canyon and lower Bridge Canyon. Arches had several hiking search teams out.
   The woman walked back in to the Campground around 11:30 am. A good hiker, well prepared with food and water and coat... just lost for a while.
Responders: Dave, Bego, Nancy, Shalla, Lee, Barbara, Mike, Deputy Sir Mr. Brent Pace 1 T 13

06-64   10-5-06   Jeep Rolls Over Person Twice   Moab Rim Trail
   This happened at the very first rock ledge on the trail just a hundred yards from the parking lot. He was walking beside the rock crawler type vehicle when his foot slipped, down he went and a tire rolled over him. And then again as the vehicle rolled back down hill.
Responders: Rex, Bego, Lee, John, James, Sam, Mike, Kris, Steve

06-65   10-5-06   Persons Stranded by Flash Flood   Courthouse Wash
   The rains came and the water did flow. These people were on the far side of Courthouse Wash on the Mill Canyon Road. John and Melissa in the Unimog almost got stuck in the raging waters but, drum roll..... saved the people and brought them to safety. Paged out at midnight.
Responders: Rex, John, Melissa, Lee, Bego, Matt, Kris

06-66   10-6-06   Motorbiker Down   SRBT
   Reported to be a broken foot and thumb where the SRBT crosses Hells Revenge out toward Shrimp Rock. Just after we left the parking lot in the ATVs, we learned he was catching a ride out in a passing Hummer and would refuse service anyway.
   Just as this was being figured out, the next call was paged.
Responders: Rex, Bego, Steve, Lee, Jim, Cody, Ryan 1T17, Kris

The next 2 incidents ran concurrently--

06-67   0-6-06   Agency Assist   Carry Out   Devils Garden   Arches Natural Park
   An "older" gentleman broke his ankle out by Double O Arch just before dark. Oh boy. Long carry out at night and the rains came, in spades. Several vicious squalls moved thru the area.
   So we started towards Arches NP. The next incident was paged at this time, also in Arches.
   This long, wet carry out got to Devils Garden trailhead at 11:30 pm.
Responders: Rex, Bego, Jim, Mike, John, Lee, Kris, Steve
            Rex went to the Command Post at Arches VC to take up Logistics.
            Dispatched by Nancy Suokko
 

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TBerry: "Why do we keep wanting wilderness places to visit yet we don’t accept the terms of wilderness? Such as not being in complete control and having to deal with a little of the unexpected."
 

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06-68   10-6-06   Agency Assist   Stranded Hikers by Flash Flood   Salt Wash   Arches National Park
   Others of us were assigned to the flash flood problem at Salt Wash, the beginning of the Delicate Arch hike. Twenty four people were at the Arch for full moon but got rain instead. When they got back down to the bridge at Salt Wash, the bridge reached only half way across the raging river. The flood had created a whole new channel on the parking lot side of the bridge and was eating away at the west bridge abutment.
   We looked at the possibility of setting up some sort of Tyrollean traverse. Things were not looking good for that plan. And a violent storm moved thru, increasing the waters and the tension.
   We looked at where the rushing waters crossed the road going to the Viewpoint. Deep and fast. We could tell by road signs the water was maybe 4 feet deep.
   Several other plans were hatched. The NPS River Unit was paged to bring a boat of some kind. The Fire Dept Ladder Truck was offered. Also, there was a Track-Hoe parked nearby so we called the operator to come out. The idea there was to have the Track Hoe go first and test the "road" with its boom. Wayne, chief of maintenance, was sure the concrete parts of the crossing were still intact. If nothing was amiss, we could drive a big, heavy, very high clearance vehicle across to rescue the stranded hikers. And that’s what eventually happened. Todd McDougall driving the Hoe. Kyler Carpenter in the big truck.
   Among the stranded hikers was Evan Stevens, the La Sal Avalanche Forecaster of recent past. He is credited with keeping the folks calm and found an overhang for shelter when the storm hit. Go Evan ! !
   Of note: Next day at noon, the water was a bit higher. Really? Major damage to the hiking trail, no damage to the low water road crossing.
Responders: Rex, Bego, Kris, Lee, Steve, John
            Dispatched by Nancy Suokko             --> Kate Cannon, SEUG Superintendent

06-69   10-7-06    Mtn Biker Down    SRBT
   Adult male, broken leg, SRBT Practice Loop, 2 Rangers, 2 EMTs.
Responders: Nancy, Jim, Sam

06-70   10-13-06   Biker Down   SRBT
   She fell down and broke her elbow at the Abyss Viewpoint. Her friend hiked to the top of the nearest dome and cell phoned. ATVs, EMTs, no problems.
Responders: Bego, Steve, John, Lee, James

06-71   10-14-06   Search   Book Cliffs
   Eighteen year old Dalton became separated from the rest of his hunting party when he stopped to P. This was in a roadless area so most hunters are on horse or mule. Dalton had a good mule and he was a good rider. His friends said he wouldn’t always stay on the trail.
   In 10 minutes, Dalton was gone. His party searched for the rest of the day. At sundown, the Dad went down to Thompson to call 911. We were briefed at midnight.
   In the morning, IC Brent Pace 1T13 paged GCSAR, the DPS helicopter and Sgt Mecham, the man who KNOWS the Book Cliffs. We assembled at the Thompson Fire Station with the Dad and others. A plan was formulated involving ATVs and the helo.
   Shortly after flying to the top of the Cliffs, dodging fast moving clouds, Dalton was spotted riding his mule towards the camp. He was pretty cold and wet to the bone. He had stayed on the porch of the cabin (locked) and started a fire. Good thing he had a lighter- it was cold. No sleep.
Responders: Bego, Lee, Mike, Steve
            GCSO: Brent Pace, Sheriff Nyland, Chief Deputy Brewer
            Thompson 1st Responders: Lori Bell
            VSP: Sgt. Mecham, Trooper Webster
            Fish and Game: 1 A 59, 1 A 70
            DPS Helo Pilot: Terry Mercer

06-72   10-14-06   Agency Assist   Carry Out   Arches NP
   This is known by some as the "Pilates, Dude" expedition.
   Way out by Double O Arch, Bethany (26) dislocated her left ankle with 2 fractures of her fibula. Rescue team leader Laura Joss had us carry her out towards Dark Angel where the helicopter had landed.
   Bethany subsequently had surgery and pin placement.
Responders: Bego, Jim, Lee, Matt, Steve

06-73   10-14-06   Agency Assist   Carry Out   Arches National Park
   This is known by some as the "You’re an easy target" expedition.
   As we were returning to the trailhead with the empty litter from the previous incident, Laura (25) "sprained" her ankle on the Primitive Loop. By the time we got an accurate location for her we were at the correct trail junction. Rescue team leader Laura Joss had us turn left. Over the first hill was our subject. She was wheeled out to Devils Garden.
   Turns out, she had a broken fibula and fractures to the ankle bone.
Responders: Bego, Lee, Jim. Matt, Steve
            Both incidents dispatched by Nancy Suokko

06-74   10-14-06   Lights but Dead Batteries   Poison Spider
   These 5 mountain bikers had lights but their batteries went dead. So they cell phoned for help after dark.
   We responded with 3 six wheelers and a load of batteries. They were located north of the Portal Trail on the connector road to Golden Spike. We gave them batteries and took them to the trail, which they hiked down to the paved road.
Responders: Bego, Steve, Lee, Shawn, Kris, Frank

06-75   10-15-06   Motorcycle Down   Determination Towers
   A local man had a motorcycle accident. The first reports of his injuries weren’t so good so we paged St Mary’s helicopter. We responded with ATVs and EMTs. The helo beat us there by 5 minutes. He was flown to GJ.
   Just as we loaded the ATVs on the trailers the next incident was paged.
Responders: Bego, Duckie, Cody, Mike, Lee
            A bunch of BLM people responded also. Good familiarization of area for them.

06-76   10-15-06   Motorcycle Down   SRBT
   Just as we loaded the ATVs on the trailers for the last incident...........this was paged
   Kris was first to arrive at the parking lot so she hiked to the scene. Then we came in with the EMTs.
   This guy broke his leg. We paged the helo again and the same crew arrived.
Responders: Rex, Bego, Duckie, Cody, Mike, Lee, Kris

06-77   10-16-06   Urban Search for 6 yr old Girl
   A frantic Mom, Department heads meet, many people paged out and.......... She was found at a friend’s house. 10- 22
Responders: Rex, Kris, Bego

10-21,22-06   Training for the National Park Service and GCSAR.
   Day 1: Map, Compass and GPS. 3 hour lecture with handout and problems. 3 hour field session.
   Day 2: Rock Rescue. Rappelling and ascending at one station and "pickoffs" at the other.
           Quote of the day from pickoff station: "If you touch me I’ll knock you out."
      GCSAR: Frank, Sally, Bego, Jim, Dave, Barbara, Christa
      NPS: Personnel from Arches, ISKY, Needles and Maze

06-78   10-22, 23-06   Agency Assist   Search   Arches National Park
   A tour group of Chinese visited Arches. Somewhere near Navajo / Partition Arch a 52 year old woman became separated from her group at noon. It was reported to NPS at 3 pm. They set up Command and started gathering info and hiking trails.
   In the evening, unpaged, some GCSAR members joined in to help. Nancy and ace search dog Shalla secured a scent article and went to the PLS. Bego teamed up with SCA Kathleen and started tracking a set of suspect prints in a sandy wash. We couldn’t prove these were her tracks but ...
   By 8 pm, doggers and trackers gave it up cuz of difficult terrain and dark. Temps in the high 30’s.
   At first light next morning, IC had many search teams spread out all over that end of the park. Kyler and Bego picked up the suspect tracks with Nancy, Shalla and Margy in the same area. Tracks and scent led down the Moab Tongue Sandstone toward Salt Wash and Mollie Hogans. Tracking was not easy in that area due to immense areas of slickrock and not much dirt.
The DPS helicopter showed up, found us and went in the direction we pointed out. Presto. She was picked up, unharmed but chilly, and taken to safety. Trackers and doggers would have found her in about 2 hours had there been no helicopter.
Responders: John / Melissa, Bego, Nancy / Shalla, Margy

From Laura Joss ---> awesome Superintendent of Arches National Park
   "I'd like to thank everyone who came in to assist with the October 22-23 SAR for Chen Lin Fen. Given the cold temperatures overnight, it was wonderful that she was found safe and sound Monday midmorning. Gary and Nancy did a great job coordinating numerous resources, and special thanks go to Karen and Bobby for keeping watch at the Devils Garden trailhead overnight, and to our friends with Grand County SAR who provided excellent tracking and canine rescue skills. Thanks also to those in the helicopter (Steve Rugg, Jacob Tung, Craig Hauke, Zane Lammert) who spotted and picked up Chen Lin Fen safely."

Arches National Park
Gary Salamacha (IC, Ops Chief, Plans Chief),    Karen McKinlay-Jones,    Jacob Tung,    Nancy Suokko !
Lee Kaiser,    Leo Dutilly (backfilled for Nancy),
Sharon Brussell,    Steve Budelier,    Diane Allen,    Murray Shoemaker,    Bobby Wallace
280 & 281 (Campground Hosts – radio relay and snacks)
Sylvia Levine –SCA,   -->Kathleen Galligan – SCA, tracker

Canyonlands National Park    --> Kate Cannon, SEUG superintendent
Kyler Carpenter,   Paul Cowan,   Bruce McCabe,   Craig Hauke,   Mike Hill(on standby)

Island in the Sky district           Needles district           Maze district
Joe Carlson,   Frank Hayde             Sara Bartels,            Miles Gurtler,

Retired NPS
Pilot Larry Van Slyke,    Glenn Sherrill,    Jim Webster

Grand County Search and Rescue
Bego Gerhart (turned down helo ride),   Nancy May and Shalla,    Margy Baker,    John Marshall,    Melissa Fletcher

Grand County Sheriff's Office                                  Department of Public Safety
Curt Brewer (called for the helicopter),   Zane Lammert,       Helicopter Pilot Steve Rugg

06-79   10-25-06   Biker Down   SRBT
   In-between rain storms, this guy broke his leg. We ATVd in with EMTs and flew him out in the St Mary’s Helicopter. In the party was a surgeon and an O.R. nurse.
Responders: Frank, Bego, Mike, Dave, James, Kris

10-26-06 Mesa County Search and Rescue Control
   A whole mob of Mesa County SAR personnel visited GCSAR with a Power Point presentation and information about their organization. Fun and interesting. Perhaps we should have a joint training in the Dolores Triangle. They have the portable repeater thing well figured out.

06-80   10-28-06   ATV Rollover   White Wash Sand Dunes
   This guy sustained some pretty bad rib and internal injuries when he tried to avoid a cliff and the ATV wound up rolling over him.
   Louis 1 T 9 and ambulance 502 (4 wheel drive) responded as did GCSAR. This is a place where radio relay is definitely needed so GCSAR stayed "up on top" for that purpose. 502 could drive directly to the subject.
   CareFlight was requested and arrived 40 minutes later.
Responders: Nancy, Kris, Lee, Bego, Dave, Barbara, Nancy S

NOTE: The dirt road from the "campground" at White Wash Sand Dunes down the hill to the wash is so rutted out by rain that it’s impossible to get back up. One must go a mile down the main wash to come up nearer the Ruby Ranch Gate.
 

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