Needle rescue underway

[Monster5]

Just wait for the Accidents in North America summary and insight written by an intern based on a news article and SAR script like the rest of us.

I, for one, have successfully avoided all accidents caused by a single contributing factor since I started reading how to properly armchair.

[gurlyclimber]

This sounds like a similar situation I was in years ago up there. We had a forced bivy in an awkward chimney crack somewhere below the summit on the descent. At first light, we were able to safely get down, only to be met by SAR at our truck.

[TallGrass]

This sounds like a similar situation I was in years ago up there. We had a forced bivy in an awkward chimney crack somewhere below the summit on the descent. At first light, we were able to safely get down, only to be met by SAR at our truck.

I was wondering about that too.

[pfiore1]

So, to clarify, I was one of the two hasty team members for this mission. To reply to some earlier comments (not sure if some were sarcastic or honest), we are not activated by the Sheriff Department and go out on missions to help those in need "just to get outside." Also, this mission report will not be in the Accidents in NA Mountaineering journal. We have two missions that will be in the 2016/2017 edition and the submissions were not "written by some intern in Denver." All of our mission reports are listed on our website http://www.custersar.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; however give us a few days after the mission to get it written and posted (this one is not posted yet as we are a bit busy helping with the fire) and we also post updates on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/CusterSAR/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Although the climbers did not sustain any injuries, there were more than enough variables and circumstances involved that required our assistance. Being on the summit of the Needle at 21:30, extremely scared, underdressed and equipped, 30 degrees F, 40mph sustained winds with 50-90mph gusts is more than enough reason to help them. A climber does not need to already be injured, dead, or lost to initiate a response, if someone's life is at risk no matter the circumstances (even if it's due to their own poor decision-making), we go out to help prevent any further incident as long as we are not putting our own lives in jeopardy.

Also, once the sun came came up and they realized they could probably safely descend they did try to call dispatch and call off the mission and stand us down but their phone battery was dead. Although, our assistance was necessary and needed and may have prevented something catastrophic. There are a lot more details about this mission but don't feel like writing a book. If you haven't already, everyone please buy for $10 a charged phone charger, it will fully charge a dead phone battery.

Be safe out there, have fun, and please don't second guess or question SAR's decision-making. Many small mistakes quickly add up to a problem, very seldom an incident is the result of only one bad mistake. Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

[Tornadoman]

Thanks for your post and what you guys do! I have nothing but respect for SAR teams and I am glad that this mission ended successfully!

[ulvetano]

Thanks SAR. So annoying to see the <dribble> written that you felt the need to respond to. Most everyone is curious about incidents, but some don't have a filter. Sounds like a rough night out for the party!

agh, yes, sorry for the slacker spelling. Drivel indeed. No basketballs in the mountains please.

[TallGrass]

Thanks for info and helping those two out. Hypothermia and exposure to the weather are no joke and can even make simple tasks impossible. The Arete is one of those committing routes with a descent path on the opposite side of the mountain where weather can be 180 from what it was on the ascent leaving no easy options -- class 3 in bad weather or trying to rap class 5 in the dark. Glad you all made it out safely.

[smoove]

Thanks SAR. So annoying to see the dribble written....

Eh, drivel?

[DArcyS]

Thanks SAR. So annoying to see the dribble written....

Eh, drivel?

Or maybe dribble bounced around.

[lodgling]

Grivel

[Kent McLemore]

-
A simple, affordable way to support Colorado SAR units:

https://www.colorado.gov/dola/search-and-rescue-fund" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MikeK]

-
A simple, affordable way to support Colorado SAR units:

https://www.colorado.gov/dola/search-and-rescue-fund" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for posting this link. I just purchased one.