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311 Lane Street, Yreka, CA 96097,
Phone: (530) 842-8300
Search & Rescue Team
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The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team
consists of full-time Deputies and volunteers from local communities around Siskiyou
County. SAR is a well-trained department and is divided into two teams: a Field Team and a
Support Team. The Field Team members are proficient in searching for lost people, rescuing
injured people, evidence searches, recovering the deceased, and assisting the county
during natural disasters. The Support Team assists the Field Team by providing
communications and logistical support during SAR missions.
All members are required to attend a set
number of meetings, training sessions and exercises, and call-outs. In addition, each
member must possess basic first aid and CPR cards, as well as maintain required basic
equipment and meet physical requirements. SAR personnel are required to pass periodic
skills/abilities tests and demonstrate proficiency in a variety of search and survival
skills.
 Siskiyou County is loaded with
topographies ranging from swift-water rivers to high
elevation mountains, the highest being Mt. Shasta at 14,126’. The climate offers 4
“real” seasons ranging from whiteout snowstorms to extremely hot summer days.
Siskiyou County is a visitor’s and hiker’s paradise offering diverse terrain,
seasons and environments for the outdoor enthusiast. Along with these come dangers and
challenges that often result in Search and Rescue missions.
 By far the most important element in the success
of search and rescue is the selfless dedication that comes from our volunteer SAR team.
Team members come from most all of our local communities, and serve the public without pay
or compensation. These men and women take time from their jobs and family to provide an
invaluable service to the public. Without them, we could not effectively do search and
rescue, and the thanks for lives saved should go to them.
Things to Consider.
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Boaters and Swimmers:
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Don't drink alcohol while swimming,
boating, or water skiing.
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Always wear a life jacket while in a boat
and while skiing, even if you're a good swimmer.
Hikers and Backpackers:
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Always hike or pack in groups.
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Stay on the trail, if there is one
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Carry plenty of water and make frequent
stops to drink.
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Carry adequate high-nutrition food.
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Outdoor necessities include a compass,
first aid kit, a whistle and mirror for signaling, space blanket, and a detailed map of
the area.
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Familiarize yourself with the area before
you enter, and take someone with you who knows the area.
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Always be specific with friends or
relatives about your planned route and stick to it.
IF YOU GET LOST. . . stay put! Especially at night. Stationary people are much easier to
find.
Mountain Climbers:
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Don't attempt more than you can physically
handle. Mt. Shasta is more rugged and difficult a climb than most people realize.
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Before attempting snow field climbing, get
adequate training in the use of crampons and snowshoes.
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NEVER climb Mt. Shasta alone. . . and
NEVER abandon your climbing partner.
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Always register your climb with the
appropriate agency or friends/relatives. And again be specific with your plans and route.
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Tell somebody where and how you plan to
climb, and what day and time or your return.
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It takes only a moment to sign the
Trailhead register, but that information may save your life.
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Prior to engaging the mountains, check the
weather forecast and pay heed. Temperatures can drop several tens of degrees in a short
period of time. . . even in late Summer.
Hunters:
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Be specific about your hunt area and
boundaries. Tell somebody where you are going and how long you will be gone.
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Prearrange with friends or relatives what
time and day you plan to return.
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Wear the approved clothing. . . bright
orange or colors which can easily be seen.
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Carry the same supplies and gear for
hikers (above).
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Hunting in rugged terrain is strenuous
work. Know your physical limits.
Common errors which lead
to serious consequences . . . (based on actual rescue missions):
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Climbing Mt. Shasta alone. I couldn't find
anyone to go, and I was only going to go a short ways.
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Climbing or traversing ice fields alone or
with a partner who has little or no ice axe arrest skills.
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Leaving your partner behind to
"wait" for you. Usually because they can't continue for whatever reason. If your
partner "can't make it". . . return with them to base camp.
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Not wearing a life jacket. Most drowning
victims are "good swimmers", and they were going to be in the water for only a
"minute or so" (crossing a river or lake).
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Leaving your equipment or summit pack
behind (including medications) because it was heavy, you didn't think you would need it,
and you were just a little ways from the top.
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Novices climbing too difficult a route,
thinking it didn't look that hard, but pushed onward beyond their physical ability to the
point of no return.
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"Desk job" workers trying to
hunt too far in too rugged terrain without first building up their physical stamina and
condition.
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Getting disoriented in a white out blowing
blizzard snowstorm. It came up so suddenly and you end up a "ridge or two" away
from your believed location. You didn't think the weather would change that fast. After
all, it was 70 degrees in town..geeze!!
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A VFR (visual flight regulations) pilot
trying to just "make it" to the next landing field through a summer squall and
thunder storm. Better a day late!!
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Climbing UP a steep rock surface is a lot
easier than trying to climb back DOWN without proper equipment. Think!!
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While hiking around the lake, you couldn't
have been more than a few hundred yards from the child. . .and you told them not to go
near the water. It happened so fast.
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A snowboarder looking for that thrill of
all thrills...back country deep powder...ends up head over heels. Literally. The only
thing visible is the bottom of the board.
Other Search &
Rescue Links . . . check them out!
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