halraiser wrote:
Yes, Sierra Madre is a good SAR team, but it is really common for any decent SAR team to get called to other areas on occasion. When someone needs rescue, authorities tend to call the closest appropriate team first, then if they need more resources they call teams from farther and farther away, sometimes even from other states. I've been on SAR missions in two states and on missions closer to home where teams from other states joined in.
One of the bravest guys I know was an instructor with NYS SAR in the Adirondack Mtns. On a 1000' sheer face he would rappel down about 200' or so to a ledge to be the 'victim'. The trainees would rappel down to rescue him, strapping him into a litter. With him totally unable to move or free himself, not that it would do much good, he would then be lowered over the edge for the 800' descent to the ground! I would, and have, jumped out of planes all day long, but, to be strapped in, totally dependent on someone else, that just sends a chill down my spine. SAR is not for the faint hearted!
BTW, his 'real job' was as a professional photographer! Had a studio in this area for quite some time, until his divorce anyway.