Simultaneous rescues on Friday keep Mountain Rescue Aspen busy
Anna Stonehouse/The Aspen Times |
On Friday, Oct. 3, at approximately 2:40 p.m., the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of an 80-year-old hiker who sustained a rib injury while hiking on the lower part of the Thomas Lakes Trail, according to a PitkinAlert press release. The injury was called in via cell phone to Garfield County and then transferred to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office; Mountain Rescue Aspen was requested to respond.
MRA responded promptly, according to the press release, after it was determined the injured hiker could not walk out on their own. The hiker was transported to the trailhead on an ATV where their hiking partners assisted them.
A total of 14 MRA members were involved in this mission, and all personnel were out of the field by 5:20 p.m. that day.
Also during the previous mission at approximately 3 p.m., Pitkin County dispatch received a report of a lost hiker near Mormon Lake in the upper Fryingpan drainage, according to the press release. The hiker had become separated from their group and was off trail. They contacted dispatch via text 911, and the dispatcher was able to get the location of the lost hiker. From their location, MRA was able to provide directions and direct the hiker back to the trail. MRA sent a field team to assist, but the hiker was able to find the trail before the team got to the trailhead.
A total of 8 MRA members were involved in this mission, and all personnel were out of the field by 4:40 p.m.
MRA and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office remind adventurers that carrying a dedicated emergency communication device and/or knowing how to use emergency Satellite texting can significantly speed up the rescue process, according to the press release. If you are in need of help, don’t hesitate to press the SOS button — these devices can provide direct communication with emergency services to coordinate a timely response. Keep in mind that satellite texting goes through a 911 dispatch center.
MRA sends a big thank you to the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center for its constant assistance during missions.
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