Map of phone numbers to call for back country rescue
How about posting a map showing which number should be called in case an emergency rescue is needed in any given area in the Washington Cascades (or Olympics)? Maybe it already exists, but I couldn't find it. Ideally, the map would clearly delineate the boundaries between rescue jurisdictions.
Michael Knoll
shared this idea
As Jeff mentioned in the comments below, calling 911 is the very first thing that should be done in an emergency situation. Read more about our Emergency Contact Procedures here: https://www.mountaineers.org/about/safety/emergency-contact-procedures/view.
Although there are some general jurisdictions for SAR teams they do work with eachother and the Navy, different county Sheriff’s office etc to see what resources are available most quickly. Most of the time the most useful information is to know whether you are in a National Park or if you aren’t in a National Park which county you are in along with the trailhead where you entered. Washington Department of Transportation has some good maps online to help identify which county you are in before heading out. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/mapsdata/products/digitalmapsdata.htm
The next step after 911 is calling the Mountaineers specific emergency line 206-521-6030 and the folks on that line will additionally help triage the situation.
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Micael,
In all cases the best number to call in case of emergency and for rescue is 911.
When you call 911, the operator will take care of having the right resources respond.
Across the country, rescues are coordinated by the county sheriff's department. The only exceptions I am aware of are large bodies of water, Puget Sound, Great Lakes, oceans, etc. and some National Parks that have their own rescue teams.
Jeff
