Officials in Colorado are warning hikers to be better prepared after carrying out two search-and-rescue (SAR) missions for injured hikers in two days.
The San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office said rescuers responded to the Bridal Veil Trail in Telluride on Saturday afternoon to assist a 56-year-old Illinois woman who injured her ankle while hiking, and was unable to walk.
Seven SAR personnel and a Telluride Fire crew hiked about three-quarters of a mile up the trail to reach the woman. They placed the patient on a litter-wheel and transported her safely to the trailhead, completing the rescue mission in about two hours. From there, the woman was transported by ambulance to the Telluride Medical Center.
“With a busy Summer season underway, we will see an increase in people venturing into the backcountry. We want to remind folks to be prepared with proper footwear, appropriate clothing, and extra food and water in case of an emergency,” Sheriff Dan Covault said. “For all kinds of reasons, including weather and location, you never know how long it will take rescuers to get to you.”
Covault said it was the second SAR mission in the area in just two days. On Friday afternoon, a 39-year-old Ohio woman sustained a knee injury while hiking Bridal Veil Falls and was unable to walk. She, too, was brought to safety in a litter-wheel, after a three-hour rescue mission.
“I want to thank the men and women on our SAR team who are regularly willing to drop everything and respond to these rescues,” Covault said.
