![]() The association does not set policy but DeBattiste said the designation of family radio service or general mobile radio service radio Channel 3.0 for search and rescue communications is a recommendation akin to best practices. The Colorado Search & Rescue Association’s designation of that channel for search and rescue operations in the state follows a similar practice established years ago in Wyoming, according to the association spokesperson Anna DeBattiste. Moving forward, Alpine Rescue Group mission coordinators will likely ask those in need of rescue at the start of a call whether they have a family radio service or general mobile radio service radio on them, he added.Īnd, if they do, Smith said, the mission coordinator will direct them to Channel 3.0. Overall, the radios helped make what could have been a difficult rescue go smoother and more efficiently, Smith said. Then, as rescue team volunteers made their way back down the mountain with the injured skier, the uninjured skiers went ahead of them and continued to use the radios to communicate the best path back, he said. Using the radios, rescuers were able to instruct the other skiers on scene to complete basic assessments of the injured skier, giving them a jump start on the medical process before they actually arrived at the skier’s location themselves, Smith said. He was not going to make it out on his own.” “He was actually in better shape than he should have been for that fall,” Smith said. ![]() “Although (search and rescue) teams do not actively monitor any FRS channel, establishing a common go-to channel when (search and rescue) has been activated by other means and are en route can greatly aid rescue operations and ultimately help save lives.”Īfter realizing that the skiers were carrying walkie-talkies, Alpine Rescue Team members - some of whom also happened to be carrying the radios - were able to establish direct communication more than two hours before reaching the injured skier, Smith said.Īll the way up the mountain, rescuers were able to keep in contact with the skiers, who were able to relay their location, the best route in and details about the injured man’s condition over the radios, Smith said. “Having direct communications with rescue subjects can be crucial during emergencies,” Beckman wrote. You can send a donation via mail, or go to to learn more.In a recent position paper, Colorado Search and Rescue Association state coordinator and Alpine Rescue Team member Bruce Beckmann wrote that the association is designating family radio service or general mobile radio service radio Channel 3.0 as the default during search and rescue emergencies in the state. ![]() Portions of those fees are used to reimburse rescue teams like Alpine Rescue Team for repairs, equipment and specialized training.Īlpine Rescue Team gratefully accepts cash donations. Some direct expenses are reimbursed by the Sheriff’s Department and the Colorado-SAR Fund (through the purchase of a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card, a fishing or hunting license, or a boat, ORV or snowmobile registration). Team members receive a text, email and phone call from the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s office when there is a BSAR incident, essentially connecting them to any sheriff’s department in the state.Īlpine Rescue Team is funded largely by private donations and grants. Members donate their time, money, and transportation as well as purchasing their own personal equipment, which can exceed $2000 per year. Often, more time is spent acquiring additional medical or technical skills. What kind of training is involved in being a member?Įach member spends approximately 300 hours in training every year, both in the classroom and in the field. Not surprisingly, most rescues occur on weekends. On average, the Team is called to respond to 130-140 incidents annually. How many missions does the Team respond to per year? At any time, day or night, members will stop what they are doing and respond immediately to the call for help. Delay can cost life, or limb.Īlpine Rescue Team currently consists of 50-70 dedicated and highly trained non-paid professional rescue mountaineers. We don’t want anyone to consider postponing a call-for-help because of a financial concern. Why doesn’t the Team charge money for its services?īecause a delay in calling for help increased the risk to subjects and rescuers alike. By Colorado statute, the county sheriff is responsible for all wilderness emergency responses and can be reached by calling 9-1-1. Who Should I call if I have a wilderness emergency?Īs with any emergency, dial 9-1-1 and explain your situation to the county sheriff’s office. ![]() Alpine Rescue Team has responded to wilderness emergencies since 1959, providing mountain search and rescue – We are Ready, 24/7.Īlways free to any individual or agency in need of our expertise and assistance.
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