By Shannon Lukens.  Photo of Routt County Search and Rescue truck on Buff Pass today courtesy Karina Schwartznau.

 

Routt County Search and Rescue helped a snowmobiler up on Buffalo Pass this afternoon. The out-of-state visitor activated a personal GPS location device, after possibly crashing their snowmobile into a creek. Routt County Search and Rescue headed up to the location which was near Fish Creek Reservoir. Because the extent of the injury wasn’t known, they called Classic Air Medical to fly in and get the person and take them to UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs.

 

A second incident on Friday also involved a GPS personal locator, but with a phone. Two out-of-state snowmobilers were in an area near Dumont Lake and they needed help getting safely out of the area. They were able to speak with Routt County Search and Rescue who helped them get out safely, since RCSAR could see their location. Incident commander Krista Check-Hill said they were able to help because their phone was 85% charged so they could talk the men out.

 

Be prepared when going into the backcountry. Routt County Search and Rescue has some tips.

• Be prepared

• Know where you are going and know the terrain.

• Don’t go alone.

• Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back.

• Make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged.

• If in trouble, call 911, stay where you are and wait for rescue.

• Carry the following if headed out:

• • GPS, map or compass.

• • Sun protection, sunscreen, glasses, a hat

• • Insulation with layers, gloves, handwarmers

• • Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries

• • First Aid (bandaids and wipes)

• • Fire (lighter or waterproof matches, fire starter)

• • Tools (knife, zip ties, duct tape, a whistle, avalanche gear, shovel)

• • Nutrition such as high-energy snacks ( jerky, trail mix)

• • Hydration (water purifier and a cup to melt snow)

• • Shelter (sleeping bag, tent, tarp, space blanket)