Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Calls Ease Up

Though 2011 has been one of the busiest years in the history of Sierra Madre Search and Rescue, in October the team responded to just two calls for assistance. This is a dramatic decline from September, when SMSR responded to 13 calls for assistance.

Missing Hiker, Angeles National Forest: The Team was notified of a solo backpacker missing in the Angeles National Forest, believed to be heading toward Chantry Flat. SMSR immediately responded and was assisted by Montrose Search and Rescue, Altadena Mountain Rescue, San Dimas Search and Rescue, and Antelope Valley Search and Rescue. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Aero Bureau provided air support with Air Rescue 5 and patrol helicopters. Coordinated by SMSR from Station 108, the search continued overnight and into the following day. The subject was able to find their way to a ranger station, and from there were transported to safety. 

Injured Swimmer, Chantry Flat: SMSR was called out for a rescue of a swimmer who suffered a back injury while jumping into a pool near Chantry Flat. The subject was stabilized and evacuated from the scene by Air Rescue 5, which transported them to a hospital.

SMSR celebrated its 60th anniversary during the month of October, hosting a public open house at Station 108.

The all-volunteer SMSR team has been serving the local community for 60 years. Funded entirely by private donations, SMSR provides a range of public programs on wilderness safety in addition to its search and rescue activities. The Team never charges for any of its services.

For more information, including how to arrange a wilderness safety demonstration for your school or group, visit www.smsr.org.

This article was submitted to Patch by Chuck Stoughton of the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team.