On August 12, AVSAR leadership received a call regarding a missing hiker at the Zapata falls recreation area after she had intentionally separated from her hiking partner, but was now overdue.
The hiker wanted to climb out of Zapata Falls and venture above the falls, but her climbing partner did not feel comfortable, so ahe stayed behind. She was wearing black shorts and a black halter top, but luckily she brought her red hoodie with her. Notably, she was also a type 1 diabetic who relies on an insulin pump. The hikers phone and insulin pump both had depleted batteries and were unable to be reached remotely. Knowing the diabetic condition of the subject, the rugged terrain, and the threat of impending weather, and yet having very little information about her whereabouts or fate, an immediate and extensive response was enacted by AVSAR.
Immediately upon day 1, AVSAR ground teams scoured the Zapata falls area within an appropriate 1 mile radius from the falls. Assistance was received from the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office to search the neighboring campsites and ranches. The AFRCC cell phone forensics team began research. The DFPC Multi Mission Aircraft began searching Zapata falls and the surrounding areas. A colorado parks and wildlife law enforcement ranger deployed a drone and used it to search for the majority of the afternoon until it became too dark. The CPW agent found a peculiarly behaving bear in the vicinity of the subject’s last known location, so the bear was closely monitored until it became too dark to continue.
After nightfall and approximately 10 hours of searching with zero results, teams were recalled to base to regroup and reevaluate the search. Efforts continued throughout the night to find the subject via cell phone forensics and technologically based methods. Many cards were stacked against the subject given the circumstances, and at times the daunting situational elements made the possibility of a positive outcome unrealistic, but team members remained optimistic and dedicated to the mission regardless.
The next morning starting at 0530 8/13, teams reassembled to deploy. Using the resources of CSAR, the state wide Colorado agency that monitors search and rescue operations across the state, AVSAR was able to receive the assistance of 2 Fremont county search dog teams including their handlers and support staff. AVSAR also received support from multiple SAR team members from Chaffee county North and south. A team from the South Fork Fire and Swift Water Rescue team were called in to canyoneer and rappel the multiple treacherous waterfall canyons with steep cliffside faces, and to dive any pools of water to investigate under rocks and other obstructions in the hopes of finding our subject.
At approximately 1100 hours, during a visual search by Guardian1 with an experienced AVSAR SAR tech on board, the subject was spotted thanks to the red hoodie she had with her. Teams were deployed to the area, which was outside the initial search range ring, to intercept the subject. Initial contact was made by Eddy, one of the Fremont county search dogs and certified good boi.
After contact with rescuers, the subject was able to walk back to the trailhead under her own power with assistance from search team members. The subject was evaluated by Guardian1 flight paramedics and released. Despite her harrowing ordeal, the subject only had minor injuries of sunburn and dehydration. Luckily, the diabetic subject had brought a bottle of 50 glucose pills to sustain her, and she stated she only had 2 left upon her rescue. The quick actions and coordinated response of rescuers and all of the agencies involved were able to thwart an imminently more tragic outcome.
Lessons to be learned from this mission are:
-firstly, wear bright colors while recreating in the backcountry. Without our subject’s red hoodie, she may have never been seen
-if you become lost in the wilderness, STAY PUT. Do not attempt to continue farther into dangerous terrain. The farther you venture from your last known position, the more difficult it becomes for rescuers to find you.
-make sure to always carry the 10 essentials, even if you’re only planning on a short day hike. Carry an ample supply of personal medication, more than you think you may need. Our subject’s bottle of glucose pills was likely the single most lifesaving element of this entire operation. Additionally, other especially important things to carry are: some sort of emergency blanket for warmth, a signaling device, and a firestarter. If you need a rescue in the backcountry, starting a smokey fire is the easiest way for rescuers to find you. Alternatively, if you have a glow stick and string, swinging it around in a circle above your head is a surefire way to be spotted by a helicopter.
-be “bear aware.” Know the characteristics and behavior of local wildlife and don’t panic during encounters. The black bears of the Sangre de Christo range are primarily scavengers, and while they may chase you off from their territory, they are highly unlikely to pursue or hunt you. Carry bear spray to use in defense as a last resort.
This mission was only possible because of the professional capabilities of all of the first responders and agencies involved. The years of training and dedication that volunteer search and rescue team members undergo is paramount to conducting successful operations. Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue would like to graciously thank all of the partners and coordinating agencies that contributed to the happy ending of this mission, and we collectively urge everyone recreating in the backcountry to be smart and safe on their adventures.
Eternal gratitude is extended to:
– Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue and their team of capable professionals
– Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office K9 Blits and Handler for their unwavering support and
-Guardian1 helicopter crew and flight medics REACH Air Medical Services Eagle Air Med
-DFPC multi-mission aircraft Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
-AFRCC cell phone forensics division
– Colorado Parks and Wildlife
– Colorado Search and Rescue Association – CSAR
– South Fork Fire Rescue and SWIFT water rescue technicians
-Chaffee County Search and Rescue Chaffee County Search and Rescue – South Chaffee County Search and Rescue North
– Fremont Search and Rescue, Inc. team, their expert search dog handlers, and especially Hamish and Eddy