Search and Rescue
Additional Information
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR)
COSAR CARD: In the event you need SAR help, we highly recommend that you have a Colorado Search and Rescue card. COSAR purchases go into the State of Colorado's Search and Rescue Fund. Having this card not only supports this important fund, it assures that at least some of your potential rescue expenses will be covered. The largest potential expense is aircraft deployment in a search incident. These aircraft can cost as much as $1,000 per hour of flight time, if not more. The COSAR card will help to reimburse Search and Rescue for this cost.
COSAR reimburses Hinsdale County Search and Rescue and the Hinsdale County Sheriff's Office for various expenses incurred in a SAR incident. In addition, Hinsdale County SAR receives a generous annual grant in most years to acquire equipment such as ATVs and Snowmobiles and to fund training and education for our Team members.
The COSAR card is available for one year or five years. Several merchants in Lake City and throughout Colorado have these cards for sale. You may also obtain one online by visiting the State of Colorado's SAR Fund page. Again, we recommend you purchase one for everyone in your party.
What does the CORSAR card cover?
The card is not insurance. It does not pay medical transport which includes helicopter flights or ground ambulance. The card will allow reimbursement to county sheriffs for costs incurred on a mission. These costs can include mileage, meals, replacement of lost equipment, reimbursement for gasoline, rental fees for equipment, horses, ATVS or aircraft that are used in a search. If the aircraft then becomes a medical transport due to a medical emergency, the medical portion of the transport is not covered.
Cost (as of 12/2021):
1 Year $3.00
5 Years $12.00
Cards available:
- Any location where you purchase a Colorado Hunting & Fishing License
- Online at State of Colorado's SAR Fund page
Hinsdale County Search and Rescue
The Hinsdale County Search and Rescue unit reports to the Sheriff through the Undersheriff. It is headed by Director Keith Chambers, with the support of coordinators who manage the daily operations of the unit as well as their areas of responsibility during an incident.
The HCSAR team is comprised of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to the search and rescue efforts of this county. They are supported by an up-to-date inventory of a wide range of equipment ranging from a command trailer, radios, OHVs and snowmobiles, high-angle & ice climbing rescue equipment, a snow cat, and other necessary equipment for a wide range of Search and Rescue scenarios.
Precautions when enjoying the outdoors:
Colorado mountain hazards: Because of Colorado's highly variable climate and terrain, backcountry users need to educate themselves before venturing out. Weather can change rapidly. Check the forecast and keep an eye on the sky to anticipate changing conditions.
Lightning: Lightning can strike anywhere but tends to hit high places. In Colorado, summer afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Dramatic temperature drops: Snowfall happens - even in summer! Precipitation: If you get wet, it's difficult to stay warm.
High water: Water levels in Colorado streams and rivers can rise quickly. High water from flash floods or snow melt is possible.
Heat/sun: Keep well hydrated; avoid sunburn, even on cloudy days. The sun's radiation is intensified at
higher altitudes.
Terrain: Hazards caused by cliffs, loose and rocky slopes, steep snowfield, avalanche-prone slopes or ice require special skills or avoidance altogether.
Wildlife and plants: Colorado is home to bears, mountain lions, snakes, bees, mosquitoes, ticks, and
other wildlife. Know how to identify and avoid plants such as poison ivy, cactus, and thistle.
High altitude: Substantial increases in altitude over a short time may pose a serious risk. If you are visiting our area from much lower elevations, i.e. Texas, Oklahoma, East Coast, etc., and you have not allowed yourself time to acclimate, you have a much higher probability of suffering from altitude sickness. Moreover, affects of alcohol and caffeine are magnified at high altitude, and can lead to more rapid dehydration and impaired judgment.
Human responses: Consequences of these hazards might include: hypothermia, frostbite, altitude sickness, dehydration, sunburn, rashes, snow-blindness, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Proper training is essential to prevent, recognize, and treat these conditions.
Use Your Head! It's one of your best tools.
It's your responsibility to be aware of hazards and to prepare for conditions you may encounter. Proper training and experience are invaluable.
Ask Yourself:
- Do we have the appropriate skills and experience?
- What is the elevation we came from/live at most of the year, i.e. Lake City itself is 8,671 feet above sea level! In other words, elevation sickness can be serious, particularly if you have underlying health issues.
- Should we modify our objectives in view of the time, the weather, and the pace?
- Are we eating and drinking enough?
- Are we using the right clothing and equipment?
- Do we have our "hikers" card (COSAR)?
- Do we have a SPOT device?
Essential items to consider having with you:
- Water
- Extra Food
- Extra Clothing
- Waterproof Clothing
- Map, Compass, GPS
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen
- Flashlight (spare batteries & bulb)
- First Aid Supplies
- Matches, Lighter, Fire starter (in waterproof container)
- Knife
- Whistle
- Cell Phone, fully charged NOTE: Cell phones may help you summon emergency help quickly. However, battery life is limited and coverage is unreliable in the mountains. Consider turning your cell phone off unless needed.
