Page 11 - Desert Lightning News 12-4-15

Desert Lightning News December 4, 2015 11

Hiking Safety www.aerotechnews.com/davis-monthanafb
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Commentary by Tech. Sgt. Lucas Mielke around lunchtime. After arriving at the trail- that I have assisted. In some cases we’ve utilized
head, we received our task from the Deputy and horses, dogs and even aircraft to help find or care
755th Operations Support Squadron

TUCSON, Ariz. -- With scenic views and an Operations Chief and started on our way. Two for the patient(s).
amazing variety of ecosystems within a short other SARA members and I were the third group As an Airman and NCO, I am able to use the
walk, Tucson is known for its hiking. to begin and we were tasked with hiking up and
helping carry gear to the patient. skills the Air Force has given me to help people
As with any recreational activity, there are within our awesome local community.
risks with hiking. Especially in Tucson, the heat As I mentioned before, this is one of the
and the terrain can be very unforgiving at times. most grueling trails in Tucson. It gains 1,500 In two years of volunteering with SARA, I’ve par-
ticipated in 34 missions totaling 123 hours helping
Even being prepared with everything going right, feet of elevation in about a mile. It’s almost 48 people and five dogs return safely to their fami-
like a rock staircase. lies. In addition, I’ve dedicated another 308 hours
accidents can still happen. to technical and medical training. It’s also allowed
This happened to a gentleman who was vis- As rescue technicians, we carry a pack that
iting Tucson Oct. 21, 2015. He was hiking one weighs around 35-40 pounds, in addition to rescue
of Tucson’s most beautiful and grueling trails, gear, which weighs about another 18 pounds. me to meet some of the best people in Tucson: my

Blackett’s Ridge, when he injured his ankle to the Once we arrived to the patient, we made sure his fellow volunteers and search and rescue deputies.
point where he couldn’t walk and called 911. injury was properly splinted and carried him down. This type of volunteer work is by no means easy
Most people don’t realize that ambulance Again, this was a very steep trail, and because as it requires dedication and sacrifice. I could not
crews can’t always respond to your exact loca- of the midday timing of this particular call out, we have done it without the support of my wife, chil-
didn’t have many people show up. The timing also
tion in the wilderness. meant that we didn’t have many people to rotate dren and squadron.
That’s where I come in. I am a volunteer with carrying the patient. Tucson is a beautiful place and people should

the Southern Arizona Rescue Association. If Because of the steep terrain, we attached a line get out there to see it; just stay safe and be smart.
you get hurt or lost in the vast wilderness of to the rescue basket to help ensure the patient Know that if something does go wrong out in the
Pima County, we answer the call. SARA re-
ceives notification from the Pima County Sher- had a smooth descent. We carried him all the wilderness, there are great volunteers willing and
iff ’s Department that assistance is needed and way down without incident, and transferred him able to help you out of a bad situation.

its members respond. to a waiting ambulance. If you interested in helping or want to know more

SARA was notified about this particular call This rescue was just one example of the many about SARA, visit the website at sarci.org/sara/.

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