What to do when your snowmobile rolls? - An Alaskan Tale

Chris Erickson was a veteran mountain ranger in Denali when he was faced with a crevasse rescue that was deemed impossible: extricate a fallen climber from a 60 foot depth of a crevasse what was only 12 inches wide on the bottom.  His story is a true example or heroism and perseverance that you may only find in rare rescue stories told by seasoned experts. This episode will make you believe in magical outcomes which in fact is the result of human persistence and the belief that every life counts no matter what you need to do to save it.  What can you do to prepare for glacier terrain and to avoid falling into a crevasse?  Should you rope up? Is it better to ski? When odds of your survival are against you, all you can do it trust your mountain rescue team and hope they are like Chis Erickson and his team who's tenacious fight to save a life will blow your mind.

Hosted by Ania Wiktorowicz, Created by Mari FeherAndrew Holman is a Portland, Or transplant living and climbing around Anchorage, Alaska. In the process of climbing all the peaks of the Chugach  Mountain range near Anchorage, one night he found himself tumbling 500 ft on the South side of Avalanche Mountain  (5,050 feet) . What do you do with one microspike on a side of a 45 degree icey slope? As a BCEP grad from the Mazamas (an established climbing and mountaineering club in Porland, OR), luckily Andrew knew just what to do and ended up in a helicopter rescue with some friendly humanoid aliens. helpful links: mazamas.orggarmin.comhttps://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-personal-locator-beaconhttps://www.alaska.org/destination/chugach-state-park

Hosted by Ania Wiktorowicz, Created by Mari FeherEric Gagnon has been in Search and Rescue for 25 years.  He has been in helicopter rescues for 10 years with King County Sheriff's office in the state of Washington after a start at the Coast Guard. Not only is he a rescue specialist, a hoist operator but currently he is training incoming new members on how to conduct rescues. Having numerous back country helicopter rescues under his belt, he is here to tell us what it takes to be a helicopter rescuer, what the process looks like and  what you, as a backcountry enthusiast can do to be most helpful should you find yourself an active participant in an aerial rescue. Helpful links:kingcounty.govnols.eduwildmed.comavtraining.orgamericanavalancheinstitute.comavalanche.org

Created by Mari Feher, Hosted by Ania WiktoroviczIn July of 2022 Jaden Stewart of  Gallatin County Sheriff SAR in Montana, Karel Kaiser and their partner set out to summit Mt Rainier in the state of Washington via the Ptarmigan Ridge route. As they started out from their high camp in 30+ miles /hour wind, they noticed a lone headlamp from the party ahead of them giving off SOS signals. At this point, the team knew there would be no summit bid in their day as the terrain became increasingly dire with truck size boulders coming loose as they happened  upon  a climber with a crushed leg. The saga of their 24 plus hour rescue complete with a Chinook and aided by their Inreach and medical training is fascinating to say the least.   

Hosted by Ania Wiktorowitz, Created by Mari FeherWe all have a connection to nature and the mountains. It is unavoidable to experience some stress, trauma or even loss and grief while you are on your favourite pitch or route. How do you cope when you are under stressors? Do you have the necessary tools to overcome this experience  or the need to reach out to your community for help? If you ever felt you are alone feeling anxious on a climb and you must be the only one that experiences fear while your partners do not have a shread of doubt, think again. This episode will be very helpful to understand the natural element of fear and how to accept it. Your guide, Tiffany McClean is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, LPC  and a therapist at Climbing Grief Fund, a fantastic support organized by the American Alpine Club. Climbing Grief Fund — The American Alpine Club

K9 Rook is a human remains detection K9, a  Belgian Malinois that works for the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office along with his handler, Terri Hines. What does Rook do exactly? What is the certification process for your dog to become a SAR dog? How many different kinds of search dogs are out there and how are they trained? If you ever pondered any of these questions or simply love and appreciate working dogs, come and listen to Terri, who will walk you through the process of a K9 training. You may even find out how you can help a search dog train. Rook has his own Instagram:sar_k9_rook

Hosted by Ania Wiktorowicz, Created by Mari FeherIn June of 2022 Sam Kang was leading a 5.6 trad route on Unicorn Peak in the Tatoosh Range in Washington, when a microwave-size rock came loose, sending them to a 25 foot fall, landing face up on the ground.  Freak accidents like this can happen to anyone and on routes that you have done a thousand times before.  Petra Lebaron-Botts who is a trainee with Portland Mountain Rescue and Roberta Zouain an instructor with the Mazamas were the climbing partners that provided excellent immediate care and aided in the helicopter rescue. Climbers of Color is well known if you are a climber in the Pacific Northwest. Not only Sam Kang is the founder of Corvallis Climbers of Color in Corvallis, Oregon  and a pillar of the community  but also a solid and experienced climber.  If you wish to contribute to their recovery, follow the links below. Sam's Gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-sam-kangCorvallis Climbers of Color: https://valleyrockgym.com/corvallisclimbersofcolorLinks where you can find courses in first aid and medical training: nols.edumazamas.orgncascades.orgredcross.orgwildmed.orgcascadewildernessmed.comwildsafe.org

Hosted by Ania Wiktorowicz, Created by Mari FeherIn today's episode Ania is talking to Gabe Kitter. He was featured on Garmin.com when his inReach Mini and his trusty friend Steven Jensen saved his life after his 800+ pound snowmobile rolled over him a few times in Cantwell, Alaska. Alaska can be desolate just like many outdoor locations all through the Pacific Northwest. Are you prepared to act if an accident happens when you are cut off from civilization? Are you planning a backcountry trip to Alaska? Make sure you are covering all bases and follow along to see  what you can do to be ready when the unforeseen happens to you.Links mentioned in the episode: Garmin.comLifemedalaska.com

Cheri Higman is the first female chair person of Seattle Mountain Rescue,  unravelling  her first mission that turned into three separate call outs within 24 hours. 

Hosted by Ania Wiktorowicz, Created by Mari FeherDid you know that after an avalanche  you, as a back country recreationist are the strongest link in the chain of survival? Heiko Stopsack is a paramedic with the King County Medic 1 and King County Sheriff's Department's Air Support, also a member of Hood River's Crag Rats rescue team.  He is here to give you advice on how you, as an observer can be the most valuable asset and strongest aid in the rescue of your team member or friend. Links mentioned in the show: Nols.eduRedcross.orgHeart.orgNationalcprfundation.comCprcare.com