Stranded Camper Located in Coordinated Search and Rescue Effort by Sublette and Teton Counties

Stranded Camper Located in Coordinated Search and Rescue Effort by Sublette and Teton Counties

Aerial view taken by Dr. Will Smith, on-board Teton County’s S&R Helicopter, during the successful rescue of a stranded camper.

SUBLETTE COUNTY — On March 11, 2015, at approximately 11:00am, Sublette County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the International Emergency Response Coordination Center, regarding a 911 alert from a Delorme satellite message device.  It was reported that a 47-year-old male had been camping alone above the Green River Lakes area.

After no further messages were sent or received from the camper to determine the level of need, on-duty Sergeant Rich Kaumo alerted Tip Top Search and Rescue.

A three-man snowmobile team was dispatched to the last-known coordinates of the subject, but due to severe spring snow conditions, the team struggled to gain access to the area.

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An aerial search was initiated with the assistance of a helicopter from Teton County Search and Rescue.  The helicopter was able to locate the subject and land for assessment by their on-board doctor.  The male subject was then extricated to the Upper Green parking lot where law enforcement and EMS awaited.

The male was released on-scene and all Search and Rescue members returned safely.

Great appreciation goes out to the Bridger-Teton Forest, Teton County Search and Rescue, Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, Kendall Valley Fire Department and the volunteer members of Tip Top Search and Rescue for their cooperative effort in the successful rescue.