Search And Rescue: What You Need to Know, and How / Why You Should Get Involved (Ep.203)

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When things go wrong in the backcountry, your local Search And Rescue organization becomes crucial. But how much do you know about how Search And Rescue actually works? On our Blister Podcast, we talk with our friend, Cy Whitling, about how and why he got involved in Search And Rescue, why we all need to understand how SAR units operate, and why you should consider getting involved.
Cy Whitling

Blister Outdoor Gear review Crested Butte

When things go wrong in the backcountry, your local Search And Rescue organization becomes crucial. But how much do you know about how Search And Rescue actually works? So we’re talking with our good friend, Cy Whitling, about how and why he got involved in Search And Rescue, why we all need to understand how SAR units operate, and why the SAR organization in your community could probably use your help — and in ways you might not expect.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Why Cy is in Crested Butte (3:17)
  • How did you get involved in SAR? (6:04)
  • How SAR works in the USA (12:22)
  • SAR at the local level (14:52)
  • Avalanches & crime scenes (20:02)
  • How long have you been involved (21:40)
  • Contributing to your community (24:48)
  • Becoming a more capable person in the backcountry (29:29)
  • Dialing back risk (32:26)
  • SAR Response Times (39:36)
  • Busiest times of the year for SAR? (44:38)
  • The PRO course here in CB Cy’s taking (50:54)
  • Joining SAR (55:30)

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4 comments on “Search And Rescue: What You Need to Know, and How / Why You Should Get Involved (Ep.203)”

  1. Teton County, WY SAR has a podcast series called The Fine Line, each episode interviews victims and rescuers from a specific rescue.

  2. A question for Cy, which you may or may not be able (or allowed, or willing) to answer: Were you involved in the Relay Ridge avalanche?

    When I read that incident report, and particularly the parts about the incident scene in the aftermath (20 snowmobiles! 4 helicopters!), I felt very sorry for the SAR folks involved. It sounded absolutely bonkers, and I imagine that the wording of that report was softened quite a bit relative to the reality.

    • Never mind, you referenced Relay Ridge (but not by name) at 33:08. I’m so sorry. That must have been appalling on multiple levels.

      • Hi Patrick. Yes, I was on scene for that event, it was challenging on multiple levels. One positive outcome though is that we’re now working with local high schools to facilitate avalanche classes for any interested students, as well as doing avalanche awareness talks at the schools. This tragedy was a good motivator for more preventative education in the area, which is very exciting.

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