Situational awareness. Head on a swivel. There are plenty of phrases or keeping an eye out and pointing out anything out of the ordinary. As SAR people we’re pretty good at this; clue awareness, rigging inspection and kit preparation all require attention to detail and are things we train and maintain our skills in.
It can truly be a life-saving practice even outside of the SAR space. In October, a train passenger in Colorado noticed a woman on the side of the Animas River. It turns out the woman had broken her leg and had survived alone in the wilderness for two days before being spotted. That passenger’s awareness initiated a successful search and rescue mission that saved the woman’s life. The incident made headlines across the country with millions reading the storyline about how someone on a seemingly routine ride ended up making a life-saving call.
That “spot” is not unlike what’s required of SAR teams on missions: being aware and analyzing something we think isn’t right whether it’s a track print in the dirt or noticing a change in the snow around your picket anchor. Noticing and acting on even small deviations can be essential to mission success. Each assignment we take requires our focus and an understanding of what to look for or accomplish. But even within the parameters of an assignment, there could still be standout features that raise our eyebrows and suggest a pause for consideration. So as we enter the winter rescue cycle and prepare for the spring climbing season, remember to stay frosty.
Cheers,
Rick Lindfors Meridian Editor in Chief
