BLANCA MASSIF — On July 27, Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR) received a call regarding a severely injured climber in the hourglass on Little Bear Peak, elevation 14,037 ft.  

The reporting parties, who were witnesses to the accident, played a crucial role in the rescue operation. They immediately activated the SOS feature on their Garmin Satellite device, providing the exact location of the incident. It was reported that the climber had been struck by a large rock in the hourglass and had fallen approximately 30 feet. The climber was not wearing a helmet and was found to be unresponsive with severe injuries. 

AVSAR initiated a response by requesting air assets from the Colorado Army National Guard for a hoist extraction of the injured climber. A second request was placed to Reach Air Medical to transport team members by helicopter to the scene. 

Ten team members also embarked on the drive up the Lake Como Road in specialized vehicles, loaded with technical gear, while three team members were inserted into the Tobin Basin by helicopter via LIFELINE5, a Reach Air Medical helicopter.  

The three team members began the climb out of the Tobin Basin to the hourglass to assess the situation. At the same time, the reporting parties, including a nurse, stayed with the injured climber, keeping them stable. 

Upon arrival at Lake Como, teams began redirecting climbers attempting to ascend Little Bear Peak. This was done to minimize the number of people and hazards on the scene, ensuring the safety of both the climbers and the rescue team. The teams at Lake Como prepared for a technical lower in case the hoist operation was unsuccessful. 

A National Guard helicopter arrived with two rescue technicians to attempt the hoist operation. First, two rescue technicians were inserted to move the climber into a stable flight bag for hoisting. Then, the injured climber was hoisted out with the assistance of one rescue technician. Following the successful hoist, the injured climber was transferred to the care of LIFELINE5 at the Lake Como Road Helipad for critical medical attention. 

The injured climber was then flown to a hospital in the Front Range. The National Guard Blackhawk returned to the hourglass to hoist the remaining rescue technician out of the field. The three AVSAR team members began their descent down to Lake Como to reunite with the truck teams and exit the area. 

AVSAR extends its gratitude to the reporting parties and the public for their assistance in staying on the scene for multiple hours to aid the climber's needs during this crucial time. This mission would not have been possible without the interagency collaboration and cooperation. Special thanks to Alamosa County Sheriff's Office, Colorado National Guard, REACH Air Medical Services, and Colorado Search and Rescue Association-CSAR. 

Special thanks to Alamosa County Sheriff's Office, Colorado National Guard, REACH Air Medical Services, and Colorado Search and Rescue Association. 

Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue is, as the name says, a volunteer organization which is comprised of local citizens who donate their time and money to the organization. According to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife study, these volunteers also annually spend about $1,500 of their own money on gear, gas, and other expenses. 

The annual SUDS 4 SAR fundraiser for AVSAR is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16, from 3-10 p.m. at San Juan Avenue and Main Street in Alamosa. The Valley Courier will have more news regarding this event soon.  

If you would like to purchase official AVSAR gear to help support their missions, visit Kristi Mountain Sports, LLC in Alamosa or visit www. Kristimountainsports.com.