GEMA/HS Dispatch Sept 2018 | Page 10

Above: Rescuers training. Photo c Natrual Resourc Left: It’s better to courtesy of the G numerous responses led solely by local agencies, and those responses in which responders were dispatch solely to offer immediate assistance. One agency that’s regularly involved in outdoor recovery is the U.S. Forestry Service, which encourages those heading into a wooded area to tell someone who isn’t going on the trip the destination, itinerary, and even specifics like the make, model, www.fs.fed.us/recreation/safety/safety.shtml outdoor activity such as dehydration, overheating and accidental injury. “It can be just as dangerous as it is beautiful,” he said. It’s hard to estimate just how many resources have been used to recover and come to the aid of outdoor recreationists. Strength has assisted with approximately 15 search and rescue operations since the beginning of the year, but that number does not include the