ST. GEORGE — Washington County Search and Rescue a busy weekend with multiple calls for assistance, some of which “worked themselves out,” Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Lacagnina said.
Several Search and Rescue calls were either canceled almost immediately after being issued or when responders arrived.
Lacagnina said the majority of the calls over the holiday weekend could have been avoided if residents would prepare for their planned day of fun. Saturday started out with a call for help from the Chuckwalla Trail within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve from an injured bicyclist.
However, it was discovered that the bicyclist was between SR-18 and the trailhead and WCSO Search and Rescue was not required to assist the injured person off the trail.
“The person ended up crashing, literally just right off the trailhead into the grass,” Lacagnina said. “The responders were able to just park there, walk in there and take care of it.”
The bicyclist was transported by Gold Cross Ambulance to the St. George Regional Hospital.
St. George Fire Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene.
Saturday afternoon at 3:39 p.m., a hiker “ledged” himself while hiking in Rockville nearby Eagle Crags Rd. The hiker was from out of state but visiting family and was stuck on a ledge while hiking. Search and rescue’s ropes team safely down to lowered the older man to the safety using rappel gear. No medical transport was needed and the hiker was “dropped off at his family’s house.”
An hour later, Search and Rescue teams were dispatched to Sand Mountain at about 4:45 p.m. for a report of an ATV rollover nearby Top of the World.
Lacagnina said crews were able to transported the patients using two side-by-sides, including two injured people — woman with a head injury and a man with a lacerations. Both were transported by the Hurricane Fire Department in an ambulance to St. George Regional Hospital.
Utah State Parks, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Hurricane Police Department also assisted in the rescue.
Another call came at about 5:00 p.m., when a vehicle got stuck in an undeveloped area north of Washington City. The Search and Rescue efforts did not respond as the driver was not critically at risk.
“Generally when people are just stuck with their vehicle, if there is no issue with them waiting due to whether it’s hot or cold, they have food and water, and there are no medical needs, then we tell them they need to call an off-road wrecker,” Lacagnina said.
He said situations like these can take them away from calls that require emergency response services. Lacagnina said a deputy did make contact with the stuck party and “they got themselves unstuck and were fine.”
At about 8:10 p.m., responders were dispatched to the LaVerkin Bridge by a family of 10 floating down the river in inflatable rafts. Eight of the family capsized and became stranded on the banks of the river while two continued on in a raft.
The eight family members left to Grandpas Pond where they got worried when the other two were not there when they arrived. However, Lacagnina said, it takes a while from the bridge to the pond when floating and they were still within the time frame of two and a half through three hours.
Soon after, the two family members were able to see the family duo floating in the raft down the river arriving at the meetup spot.
“They were definitely not prepared for it and didn’t realize the time it took to float through all of that area,” he said.
The last call came at 10:27 p.m. from Toquerville Falls. After first responders arrived, they were able to locate a group of residents off-roading in the area and “they were fine and did not need help.”
It was discovered one person threw their phone in the truck which activated the telematic alert for help. WCSO Search and Rescue’s mission was again canceled.
Lacagnina advised residents to do more than just pick a place and show up for the outdoor activity. Research the area and make sure to wear proper clothing and protectant for the activity. This includes sunscreen and plenty of water.
“Preparing would honestly prevent most of our problems,” Lacagnina added.
This report is based on statements from law enforcement officials and first responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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