SAR responds to two injured hiker incidents

Rescue crews search for hiker Photo: Courtesy of Summit County Search and Rescue

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Summit County Search and Rescue (SAR) teams conducted extractions of two separate injured hikers over the Pioneer Day weekend.

The first hiker was rescued in the Long Lake area and taken to the nearest medical facility on Saturday, July 23. The second hiker, in the Yellow Pine area, was extracted to the trailhead. The Summit County Search and Rescue ground team, Summit County Sheriff’s Horse Posse, U.S. Forest Service, Summit County EMS, and Intermountain LifeFlight responded to the incidents.

Lt. Alan Siddoway of the Summit County Sheriff’s Commander for Search and Rescue offers these tips when heading out into the backcountry:

• Go prepared with your proper hydration
• Go prepared for changing weather conditions
• Tell people where you are going, including what trail
  • If possible, it is best not to hike alone
• Carry some device that provides GPS location
  • an SOS-capable device is recommended
• If possible, move to an area where a 911 call
  • Enhanced 911 system better provides coordinates
• If lost and in a safe area, stay put as it is harder to find a moving target
• Carry essentials like a flashlight, first aid kit, extra clothing, fire starter, water, etc…