Tip Top SAR in action during recent cold snaps
by Tip Top Search and Rescue
December 22, 2016
(Sublette County, WY) On 12/13/16 at approximately 4:54 PM, Tip Top Search and Rescue (TTSAR) received a call from the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) to assist in retrieving an overdue and stuck snomachine rider in the Merna area. An SCSO Sergeant had located the subject but was requesting assistance in transporting the injured party to safety. TTSAR members Cody Wilson, Tyler Pierce and Mike Jackson responded on snowmachines and assisted with getting the subject home safely. Dave Lankford, Jim Mitchell and Steve Kipp were instrumental in getting landowner’s permission to access the stuck machine and rider.
(Sublette County, WY) On 12/18/16 at 3:00 PM, TTSAR was called by the SCSO to locate a snowmachine rider that had broken their lower leg and was needing assistance in the Chair Creek drainage up Horse Creek. Fellow riders with the injured had been in contact with TTSAR members via cell phone to provide an exact location and condition of the rider. TTSAR members John Kochever, Mike Jackson, Wes Allen, Kenna Tanner, and Cody Wilson responded to Horse Creek parking lot and begin the ride in with rescue equipment for the retrieval of the injured party. Cold temperatures that evening presented an obstacle as well as the steep terrain where the accident occurred. Fellow riders were adequately prepared for the cold and knew keeping the injured warm was essential until help arrived. They were able to start small fires nearby to keep the injured warm and to keep the injured party covered with extra gear.
Once TTSAR arrived on scene and began splinting the injury and assessing the injured, Sublette County Emergency Medical Services (SCEMS) was called and responded to the Horse Creek parking lot to stage for retrieval of the injured party. The patient was packaged and brought out of the mountains for further care and transported to St. John’s Hospital in Jackson via ambulance.
Thanks to prepared and educated riders, the injured was well cared for prior to TTSAR arriving. TTSAR administrator Kenna Tanner says, "Please take the time to pack the necessary gear for ‘what if’ situations and know how to use the packed gear. Preparedness and education are key tools to surviving in the outdoors. Enjoy all that Sublette County offers for outdoor recreation over the holiday season. Have a plan, be prepared, stay warm, and return home safely to family and friends."
For more information contact:
Tip Top Search & Rescue
P.O. Box 400
138 N. Bridger Ave
Pinedale, WY 82941
307-367-2849
tiptop@subso.com
www.tiptopsar.com
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