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Cell Phones Critical Search and Rescue Lifeline

Sedona Cathedral Rock

Sedona AZ Cathedral Rock

Sedona AZ (April 11, 2014)The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Search and Rescue volunteers have been busy over the last few weeks helping lost and or injured hikers out of various predicaments. Many of the rescued increased risks and problems because they hiked alone, did not carry adequate supplies, were unfamiliar with trail locations and topography, and or began hiking just before dark.

Fortunately, the hikers mentioned below were able to rely on trained and dedicated YCSO deputies and local search and rescue volunteers to bring them to safety. And, most importantly for the hikers, they carried cell phones which provided the initial lifesaving contact with YCSO dispatchers and rescue personnel.

Time is always a critical factor in rescues. Without a working cell phone, hikers would have likely experienced all night exposure in the desert with risk of serious injury or death.

Sedona, Arizona Bell Rock would become part of the National Scenic Area Designation with U.S. Congresswoman Kirkpatrick's legislation if approved

Sedona Arizona Bell Rock

Shared in the hope that others will not repeat these same mistakes, here are a few brief rescue overviews:

April 4, 2014 – Around 9:00 in the evening, YCSO deputies were notified of a lost 58-year-old California man on Cathedral Rock in the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, Arizona. The call originated from the man’s father in California who reported that his son called and said he was lost without food, water, or any supplies. Additionally, his son’s cell phone battery was almost dead. Very smartly, the father told his son to remain stationary and let rescue personnel come to him.

GPS coordinates were obtained from the hiker’s cell phone which placed the hiker near the top of Cathedral Rock. The Verde Search and Rescue (Verde SAR) team responded and the hiker’s vehicle was found in the Red Rock Crossing parking lot where a base camp was set.

Just after midnight on April 5, Verde SAR found the hiker in good condition and very happy to see the professionals. Within the hour, the man was back to his vehicle returning to his Flagstaff hotel.

April 6, 2014 – At approximately 7:00 in the evening, YCSO deputies were dispatched to the vicinity of Bell Rock in the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, Arizona, regarding a 44-year-old lost female hiker from Grand Canyon, Arizona.

She reported being lost and was trying to return to her vehicle before dark. She was out of water but wearing adequate clothing and did have a light source. The woman was directed to call 911 which allowed dispatchers to access GPS coordinates. Using this information and under the deputy’s direction, she was guided to the correct trail and arrived at the Court House Butte parking area just after 8:00 p.m. The deputy met her there, provided water and a ride back to her vehicle.

April 7, 2014 – Deputies were dispatched to Cathedral Rock in the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, Arizona, around 6:45 in the evening. Two hikers, a 58-year-old husband and his wife, 57, were lost. The couple, from Colorado, called for help with a cell phone. The wife had fallen into some cactus during their attempt to hike out and they could not find the trail, ending up near a cliff’s edge.

The couple was directed to remain stationary. The Verde Search and Rescue team was called into action as deputies plotted GPS coordinates obtained from the cell phone call. The team obtained a verbal response from the couple around 9:00 p.m. as they attempted to reach the identified location. Just before 9:30 PM, the team made personal contact and was able to escort the couple to base camp arriving at 11:45 PM. Fortunately, no immediate medical attention was required.

YCSO deputies noted the following:  The couple was in no way prepared for such a hike. They were out of water, took no food, and wore light clothing and tennis shoes. When rescuers made contact, the female was shaking uncontrollably, her skin was cold and she had a difficult time moving. One of the Verde SAR members provided extra clothing that allowed the woman to warm during the hike back to safety.

Remember, hiking always requires planning and preparation! Always carry a fully charged cell phone, plenty of water, snacks and wear proper clothing and shoes. Northern Arizona desert weather changes rapidly and nights are much cooler than daylight hours so layer up! Always have an emergency contact plan and share your hiking route and anticipated return time before heading out. Your life may depend upon it.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928 -771-3260 or visit the YCSO website at www.ycsoaz.gov.

For the best in Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

For the best in Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

2 Comments

  1. Big Park says:

    Cathedral Rock lies in Big Park not the VOC. The VOC lies in Big Park.
    Big Park is a great place to live.

  2. Steve says:

    — mistakes hiking can be deadly– good to remember & be prepared–

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