Search and Rescue Equipment and Training Protect Cortez’s Backcountry Visitors

Montezuma County Search and Rescue, an all-volunteer team, responds to backcountry emergencies across approximately 2,200 square miles, through remote canyons, mesas, and mountains. The problem is the organization doesn’t have the medical equipment it needs to stabilize patients who may be hours from a hospital. Amid growing call volume, one volunteer reached out to LOR with a solution. LOR’s funding will help Montezuma County Search and Rescue purchase a patient litter mount system, vacuum splint, portable AED, pelvic binders, tourniquets, inflatable c-collars, hemostatic gauze, SAM splints, pressure bandages, triangle bandages, nitrile gloves, EMS bags, and roof-mounted emergency lighting. Volunteers will receive hands-on training with the new equipment, improving patient outcomes for Cortez residents and visitors.