Search & Rescue
updated: Oct 12, 2012, 8:59 AM

Source: Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department

In the early morning hours of Wednesday October 10th, 2012, members of the Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue team (SBCSAR) along with a helicopter from the Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit rescued two lost female hikers in the Point Sal area south of Guadalupe.

The hikers, who were from Oceano and Arroyo Grande, became disoriented while trying to return from the beach back to their car. SBCSAR team members responded to the location, and were assisted in the search by members of Vandenberg AFB Military Police and Guadalupe Fire Department.

The search for the lost hikers covered the beach at the end of Brown Road, and the adjacent bluff areas. SBCSAR used a Polaris Razor modified for search operations, a thermal (infrared) imaging unit, and night vision optics in near total darkness to assist them in the operation. SBCSAR ground teams were able to track the lost subjects (and their dog) via foot prints and other evidence, along the beach and in the higher bluff areas. Although the terrain was difficult, the ground teams tracked throughout the night and into the morning narrowing down the search area.

Just before daybreak, a helicopter from the Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit was launched from its base at the Santa Ynez Airport, in attempt to locate the lost hikers from the sky. Shortly after being briefed of the refined search area, the helicopter crew found the two lost women huddled under a tree. County Air Support personnel safely landed, boarded the hikers, and flew them out to SBCSAR ground teams. Search and Rescue E.M.T.'s evaluated the ladies who were found to be in good condition despite spending the night out on their own.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 330625	2012-10-12 09:15 AM
We really need to either start charging adults for Non life or limb rescues or just not rescue them anymore. This is really quite ridiculous. If their lives are not at risk, let them figure it out. Either find their way home or sleep outside. Less people will then wander off with out making sufficient plans. Maybe they will also take responsibility for their other actions as well. It could prove to be very good for society in general.
COMMENT 330628	2012-10-12 09:24 AM
Have to agree with 625 on this one... The weather wasnt life threatening, their location wasnt dangerous, yet we send a team and a helicopter to their rescue? what a joke... And on top of that they had a phone and couldn't find their way back? Perhaps a moron tax should be implemented...these people are simply inept.
COMMENT 330629P	2012-10-12 09:26 AM
There is a very cheap solution - a map. Also, is there a device that you can carry with you that can tell you where your car is located. Maybe their dog can be trained to do that - and they can learn to follow their footprints to get back to where they started.
DILLYDALLY	2012-10-12 09:46 AM
Fortunately for all of us we pay taxes so that we can be protected from other peoples ineptitude. Tides change and a lot of that stretch of coast has a high water mark that reaches the cliffs. Do you know how cold air and water needs to be for hypothermia to set in? In 60F water, survival time is 1-6 hours. In damp conditions like a dewy night 50F air can be dangerous if not dressed properly. What would you say if your morning beach stroll was cut short because of dead or unconscious people on beaches or trails? Then you find out the victim called 911 and was told to sort it out on their own. I take comfort in the success our first responders had in finding these people.
COMMENT 330635	2012-10-12 09:47 AM
It is sad that the one that counted (the lady who had the heart attack), rescuers screwed up and didn't launch the helicopter when they should have.
COMMENT 330640	2012-10-12 09:55 AM
Our emergency personnel are very unpredictable in their treatment of problems. When I had severe back problems and was unable to stand, walk or even sit my doctor said to call an ambulance. The ambulance took me to the hospital but since there was no blood they said I could have used other transportation. They charged $1630 for a five mile ride. My medical insurance would not pay as the ambulance was "unnecessary". If you call an ambulance do a lot of screaming.
JUKINJAY	2012-10-12 10:32 AM
A hand-held GPS receiver costs under $100 and many cell phones have GPS built in. Turn it on and set a waypoint at your car before you head out. Follow your track back if you get lost. If you aren't familiar with how to do this, practice on a walk around your neighborhood. You might enjoy some geocaching on your hike (or in your neighborhood) after you get familiar with the idea. Compare the cost of a GPS receiver vs. the cost of a helicopter rescue, no contest.
COMMENT 330655	2012-10-12 10:36 AM
Ugh, 640--that's terrible! Guess I'll be keeping the number for a cab handy...
COMMENT 330665	2012-10-12 11:00 AM
That's the point, the helicopters are FREE! Did anyone see the story on KEYT this morning that the search and rescue people are skirmishing with the Police Helicopter squad? Someone should post a link to that story!
COMMENT 330746	2012-10-12 02:24 PM
What a bunch cold-hearted folks. Maybe these women really did need help that warrants a response such as this. Anyone who calls the Point Sal area a location that is not dangerous obviously doesn't know how rugged and harsh this area can be. More than one two folks have fallen to their deaths at this beautiful hidden gem.
COMMENT 330774	2012-10-12 03:42 PM
The main point here is that emergency personnel should have helped the people but they should pay for the assistance.
YIN YANG	2012-10-12 05:24 PM
I read the article a second time after reading the comments. Nowhere do I see any mention that the hikers had a phone or requested help. Has it occurred to anyone that a roommate, family member or friend called emergency services because they didn't come home that night?!
COMMENT 330824P	2012-10-12 05:39 PM
Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue is a non-profit, public benefit corporation, relying primarily on funding from grants and private donations. Not your tax dollars. But if I was allowed to choose where my tax dollars are spent, I'd certainly pick search and rescue over less valuable programs.

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