This time of year more Coloradans head for the great outdoors, sometimes leading to rescue scenarios that are preventable.
In recent incidents, crews rescued a man who got stuck on a ledge above Horsetooth Falls. Another woman rescued became hypothermic while climbing Pikes Peak. Park rangers with Jeffco Open Space say there’s no single item that can guarantee a safe hike. A good understanding of your destination and your own abilities can go a long way.
“I think people need to know themselves so they don’t make a poor judgment decision,” park ranger John Queen said. “It’s pretty common for people that we see in search and rescue scenarios to make a series of bad judgment decisions.”
Queen doesn’t want to discourage people from challenging themselves outdoors. If you plan to push yourself, Queen recommends you have a friend close by in case there’s an accident. “If you can’t do that, it’s really important to tell someone your plans for the day, regardless of if you’re an expert or a novice,” Queen said. That person can then alert rescue crews if your whereabouts become unknown.
If a rescue is necessary, Queen says you can help crews by giving them a detailed description of your location, any injuries and potential underlying medical conditions.
Beyond wearing the right clothes, and having enough to eat and drink – Queen recommends keeping a headlamp in your pack, in case you’re out longer than expected. Also have a first aid kit and a device with GPS, like a smartphone. Make sure you know how to use both.
