Tips from Taos Search and Rescue

Preventing injuries

1. Wear proper equipment. Hiking boots that go above the ankles will help prevent ankle injuries.

2. Consider using trekking poles to take pressure off joints (especially knees on the downhill).

3. Stay hydrated and don’t overexert yourself. Stay within your personal limits.

4. Pay attention. All it takes is a simple sprained ankle to turn a fun hike in the woods into a lifethreatening situation, especially if hiking alone. Watch where you place your feet and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

How to decide when to call Search and Rescue

If there is any significant risk to life or limb then call 911 immediately. Taos SAR, as well as all other New Mexico SAR teams, are all volunteer. We do not charge for rescue, so if there is any doubt as to the immediate safety or health of the individual then SAR should be called.

On locator beacons

There are two primary types of beacons:

1) Satellite Messenger Beacons (e.g., Garmin inReach or Spot Messenger) allow one to send an SOS signal, as well as communicate via text message to the outside world. This can be handy to SAR because we can text with the subject to refine our plan for a rescue. These devices do require an annual subscription but can be handy to communicate with not only SAR but also loved ones.

2) Personal Locator Beacon (e.g., ACR ResQLink) are only used for an SOS in an emergency. There is no ability to text via this device. However, they do not require an annual subscription and operate at a higher power than the satellite messengers (i.e., they emit a stronger signal).

“Regardless of choice, SAR finds both of these devices to be tremendously helpful. They can cut down on search times and expedite a rescue. It’s important that once the device is activated in an emergency that the subject stay put until help arrives. Moving through a search area makes our job much more difficult.”