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Mono County Sheriff SAR

@monocountysar

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Official page for the Mono County Sheriff SAR Team. "At any time, any place, in any weather, for free." For emergencies, call 911. Eastern Sierra, CA.
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Mono SAR Assists Hiker Experiencing Medical Emergency Near Gibbs Lake — Thursday-Friday, July 16th-17th, 2026, 26-352, Op #28On Thursday, July 16th, at 2152 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for a report of a 21-year-old hiker experiencing difficulty breathing and chest pain on the Gibbs Lake Trail.Rescue Base was established at the Gibbs Lake Trailhead. Rescue Operations deployed a hasty medical team on foot with advanced medical equipment, including oxygen and an AED, while additional teams followed with a litter and supplemental medical supplies. SAR personnel located the subject on the trail and conducted a medical assessment, identifying signs consistent with altitude sickness. Oxygen therapy was initiated, resulting in a significant improvement in the subject’s condition.After the subject stabilized, rescuers assisted them back to the trailhead while continuously monitoring their condition. The subject remained ambulatory throughout the evacuation and was transferred to awaiting paramedics for continued evaluation and transport.The operation was terminated at 0115 hours on Friday, July 17th.IC: Salazar // Responders (11): Ackerman, Brownlee, Campbell, Cornelius, Glassner, Huizingh, Kelly, Romanova, Salay (Ops), Tardy, WojciechowskiVolunteer hours: 37.2Our 501(c)(3) organization is made up entirely of unpaid community members who volunteer their time—and often their own equipment. We rely on donations to fund team gear, advanced rescue and medical training, and facilities maintenance. To learn more about our all-volunteer team or to support our efforts, please visit www.monosar.org/donate.@monosheriff by @monocountysar
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a day ago
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Mono SAR Assists Injured Hiker on the John Muir Trail — Monday, July 6th, 2026, 26-323, Op #25On July 6th at 0600 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for a mutual aid request by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office for a 58-year-old female who had sustained a self-reported upper extremity injury near Rosalie Lake along the John Muir Trail. The subject was reported to be in stable condition, but unable to continue unassisted.Rescue Base was established at Minaret Vista. Rescue Operations deployed a multi-rescuer ground team from the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. Team members hiked towards Rosalie Lake carrying medical equipment, communications gear, splinting supplies, and patient transport equipment.Upon reaching the subject, rescuers completed a medical assessment and determined the injury was to the wrist rather than the shoulder as initially reported. The injury was splinted, and because the subject remained ambulatory, she was able to hike out with the team.During the operation, one Mono SAR team member experienced a medical event requiring diversion of resources. After medical care, the team member was able to hike back to the trailhead under their own power. Ultimately, the team’s primary role became transporting the subject’s backpack and equipment, as the subject was ambulatory and able to hike out under their own power. Rather than beginning the hike to the trailhead, the subject chose to remain at Rosalie Lake until rescuers arrived to assist with their gear.This incident required a significant commitment of Search and Rescue resources and was further complicated by an unexpected medical emergency involving one of our own team members during the response. Incidents like this underscore the importance of requesting emergency assistance when it is truly needed. Search and Rescue resources are intended for situations where individuals are unable to safely self-rescue or face an immediate threat to their health or safety. When subjects are capable of hiking out on their own, doing so—when it is safe to do so—helps ensure these limited volunteer resources remain available for critical emergencies.@monosheriff by @monocountysar
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2 days ago
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Severely Injured Peak Bagger on Carson Peak — Saturday-Sunday, July 11th-12th, 2026, 26-335, Op #27On Saturday, July 11, at 1532 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) regarding a peak bagger who had taken an estimated 15-foot fall off a cliff while descending from the summit of Carson Peak. The subject was rendered immobile by the fall and self-reported other serious injuries.Rescue Base was established at the Fern Lake Trailhead. Rescue Operations immediately began coordinating air resources; however, due to multiple ongoing incidents elsewhere in the state, air resources were initially unavailable. Operations deployed a hasty team of three on foot, including an EMT, carrying critical trauma-care, hypothermia-management, and technical rigging equipment. Multiple additional teams were deployed shortly afterward to ferry other critical technical rescue equipment to a staging area at Fern Lake.After a dangerous and arduous approach to the subject, while approximately 300 vertical feet below the reported location, rescuers called out and blew a whistle. When the subject answered from somewhere above them, the team was finally able to narrow their location and climb toward their voice through steep terrain.When Team One arrived on scene, it was determined that the subject’s condition was serious and required extrication by air as soon as possible. Team One assessed that the subject had taken a much larger fall of approximately 30 feet. While Operations continued working to secure an aircraft, alternative plans were developed, including remaining overnight with the subject to provide continuous mountainside medical care. A paramedic (and SAR member) from @monocountyems Medic 3 was also on standby for insertion should a suitable aircraft become available…Continue reading at the link in bio or at www.monosar.org/missions@monosheriff A HUGE thank you to @caarmyguard, @hotcreekaviation, MCSO SAR coordinators, the subject, and our friends at @foyosar. by @monocountysar
13
11 days ago
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K9 Stranded on the Parker Lake Trail — Saturday, July 4, 2026, 26-320, Op #24On Saturday, July 4, at 1749 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office to assist a member of the recreating public whose 68-pound canine was reportedly unable to continue back to the Parker Lake trailhead. The owner reported that the dog, Willow, would not eat or drink and, at 68 pounds, was too large to be carried out.Puppy Rescue Base was established at the Parker Lake trailhead. Operations deployed a team of five up the trail with human medical equipment, K9-specific medical equipment, and a wheeled litter.One of the Team’s SAR K9 handlers took the lead in assessing the sick pup and determined that Willow was suffering from hyponatremia and swimmer’s tail. Glucose, an electrolyte broth mixture, and some light first aid for the swimmer’s tail perked Willow up enough that both dog and owner were able to make their way out under their own power.The team of five also utilized the litter to transport the K9 owner’s heavy pack back to the trailhead.The operation was terminated at 2040 hours, and post-mission pets promptly ensued, bringing joy to all!IC: Belcher // Responders (6): Ackerman (K9 Handler), Barker, Beck (Ops), Blackman, Bush, Zila (K9 Handler)Volunteer hours: 17.1Our 501(c)(3) organization is made up entirely of unpaid community members who volunteer their time—and often their own equipment, even for pups! We rely on donations to fund team gear, advanced rescue and medical training, and facilities maintenance. To learn more about our all-volunteer team or to support our efforts, please visit www.monosar.org/donate.@monosheriff by @monocountysar
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13 days ago
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Downed Paraglider near Sonora Pass — Friday, July 3, 2026, 26-317, Op #23On Friday, July 3, at 1222 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office after an InReach SOS activation was received from a paraglider who had crashed in the vicinity of Sonora Pass, along the upper portion of Brownie Creek. The complete status of the paraglider pilot was unknown.Rescue Base was established at a pullout on Highway 108, due south of the subject’s GPS coordinates. The Mountain Warfare Training Center Fire Department (MWTCFD) responded from the MWTC Marine Base and immediately requested @careflightofficial. Once Care Flight was overhead, the crew requested another helicopter with hoist capabilities. Immediately after the Sheriff’s Deputy Incident Commander arrived on scene, more appropriate air resources were coordinated, and @chp_fresno_air_unit H42 accepted the mission and responded from Fresno.Personnel from MWTCFD made contact with the subject, including a paramedic, while a team from North County, via Rescue 1, deployed to make contact with the subject. Once all team members were on scene, Rescue Operations deployed two additional teams with medical equipment, including a full-body vacuum splint and the Team’s wheeled titanium rescue litter, to assist with the evacuation of the subject.After spending considerable time assessing the subject, the on-scene paramedic and the subject determined together that the externally observable injuries were far less serious than originally believed. With occasional assistance from the large number of rescuers on scene, the subject began moving down the mountainside under their own power. Eventually, all teams and the subject met up with Ranger 1, and the subject was ferried the remainder of the way to an awaiting CareFlight helicopter. Given the mechanism of injury, even though the subject was able to move themselves downhill under their own power, Care Flight departed for Renown Hospital in Reno out of an abundance of caution. H42 was then released from the scene and returned to Fresno.All teams exited the field and conducted a debrief in Pickel Meadows. The operation was terminated at 1753 hours.@monosheriff by @monocountysar
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19 days ago
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Backpackers in Distress on the Rush Creek Trail — Sunday, June 28, 2026, 26-306, Op #22On Sunday, June 28, at 1768 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) regarding two subjects with a reported knee injury and a possible allergic reaction. It was reported that the subjects were hiking the John Muir Trail (JMT) and became lost while attempting to leave the Rush Creek Trail. The subjects reported that they could see Gem Lake and the dam but had gone off trail while trying to return to the trail and reach the Ansel Adams Wilderness sign at the dam.Rescue Base was established at the Silver Lake Boat Launch. Rescue Operations deployed two teams: a two-person hasty team carrying medical equipment, including a first-out bag, airway bag, and bottled oxygen, and a second three-person team carrying additional medical equipment and a litter.When Team 1 reached the subjects, both were determined to be able to hike out on their own. An additional two-person team was deployed to provide support to the teams in the field. All teams eventually linked up and hiked out together, where both subjects signed AMA and self-transported from the trailhead.The operation was terminated at 2115 hours. IC: Rhoads // Ops: Salay // Responders (8): Barker, Huizingh, Kelley, Lipman, Salay, Tardy, Thompson (M), WojciechowskiVolunteer hours: 31.2Our 501(c)(3) organization is made up entirely of unpaid community members who volunteer their time—and often their own equipment. We rely on donations to fund team gear, advanced rescue and medical training, and facilities maintenance. To learn more about our all-volunteer team or to support our efforts, please visit www.monosar.org/donate.@monosheriff by @monocountysar
4
20 days ago
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Happy 4th from the Mono County Search and Rescue Team! Just before our annual participation in the the Mammoth Lakes parade, two of our members ran the @mammothtc Freedom Mile with packs, a rescue litter and “patient” - in a modest 9’48”. What a blast! The Team wishes everyone a fun and safe holiday weekend. 🇺🇸 @monosheriff by @monocountysar
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20 days ago
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Injured Dirt Biker Near Hartley Springs — Monday, June 22, 2026, 26-292, Op #21On Monday, June 22, at 1439 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) to assist @junelakefire and @monocountyems Medic 2 for a report of an injured dirt biker near Hartley Springs Campground. The subject reported a possible femur fracture/dislocation.Rescue Base was established at Hartley Springs Campground. Rescue Operations deployed two Rangers, Ranger 1 and Ranger 2, to access the subject. Paramedics and personnel from June Lake Fire were already on scene treating the subject. The subject was ultimately treated, packaged by all personnel on scene, and transported via Ranger 2 back to the trailhead, where an ambulance was awaiting.The subject was transported to Mammoth Hospital for further treatment.The operation was terminated at 1655 hours.IC: Rhoads // Ops: Salay // Responders (9): Anderson, Barker, Bush, Haugh, Lipman, Mathison, Salay, Tardy, Thompson (M)Volunteer hours: 20.9Our 501(c)(3) organization is made up entirely of unpaid community members who volunteer their time—and often their own equipment. We rely on donations to fund team gear, advanced rescue and medical training, and facilities maintenance. To learn more about our all-volunteer team or to support our efforts, please visit www.monosar.org/donate.@monosheriff by @monocountysar
3
21 days ago
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Hiker in Distress on White Mountain, West Ridge Route — Saturday, June 20–21, 2026, 26-285, Op #20On Saturday, June 20, at 1557 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) regarding a 24-year-old male hiker in distress on the West Ridge of White Mountain. The hiker had become separated from his hiking group and had run out of water on the descent.It was reported that the subject had begun hiking the West Ridge of White Mountain at 10:00 p.m. the previous evening with a group of three others. While descending, two members of the group took an alternative route down, while the subject and one female member continued descending the ridge. After the subject ran out of water, he stopped hiking while the female hiker continued down the ridge. The subject then called 911 for assistance.Rescue Base was established on White Mountain Ranch Road. Rescue Operations deployed two two-person teams, along with Ranger 1, into the field with water and food. After several hours of navigating increasingly technical terrain, Team 1 reached the subject, assessed his condition, and provided him with water, electrolytes, and food. After allowing the subject time to rest and rehydrate, Team 1 escorted him down the ridge, where they met with Team 2. Both teams continued down the ridge until they were met by Ranger 1 and transported back to Base.The operation was terminated at 0227 hours on Sunday, June 21.The Team reminds the recreating public to always stay together. One of the leading precursors to a search or rescue incident is when members of a group decide to split up. In addition, it was evident that the group—and this subject in particular—was unprepared for this arduous approach to the county’s only 14,000-foot peak. Better preparation, physical fitness, adequate water, and sound judgment would likely have prevented this rescue. ________________________________________IC: Rhoads // Ops: Bush // Responders (9): Ardnt, Ackerman, Beck, Bush, Haugh, Pavlovsky, Salay, Trainor, WojciechowskiVolunteer hours: 109.4@monosheriff by @monocountysar
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22 days ago
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Mono SAR Responds to Two Hikers in Distress Near Rainbow Falls — Saturday, June 13th, 2026, 26-271, Op #19On Saturday, June 13th, at 1318 hours while participating in a scheduled helicopter training exercise with the @chp_fresno_air_unit, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) to assist two hikers in distress near Rainbow Falls.The two hikers, a mother and daughter, were reported to be suffering from heat-related illness and exhaustion after hiking in the warm conditions. Training immediately concluded as Team members transitioned into an active rescue response. Rescue Base was established at Minaret Vista.Working alongside CHP Air Operations H42, Rescue Operations deployed a hasty team of two rescuers, one an off-duty paramedic and the other an EMT, to be inserted directly to the subjects’ location and begin patient assessments. Several teams were also deployed on foot from the trailhead. One patient was hoisted by CHP helicopter and flown to Mammoth Yosemite Airport, where she declined further medical evaluation after being assessed.The second patient was assisted by rescuers and @nationalparkservice (NPS) personnel as she continued toward the trailhead. As her condition worsened due to exhaustion, additional Team members responded with a rescue litter. She was packaged and transported by litter to an alternate trail access point, where she was reunited with her family. She also declined further medical care.The Team extends its sincere appreciation to the California Highway Patrol Air Operations Unit and the NPS for their continued partnership and seamless coordination during this incident.The operation was terminated at 1700 hours.IC: Rhoads // Ops: Salay // Rescuers (19): Ackerman, Barker, Campbell, Creager, Glessner, Huizingh, Knight, Lipman, Mathison, Quiring, Romanova, Salay, Schildge, Senior, Tardy, Thompson (M), Wallace, Wojciechowski, ZilaVolunteer hours: 66@monosheriff by @monocountysar
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24 days ago
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Pup cam: K9 Solo and SAR handler Ackerman unload from @chp_fresno_air_unit H42 after hot loading evolutions. Trained K9s and their handlers are amazing tools in the SAR arsenal, and these two serve their community well! 🐶 🐾 ⛑️ @monosheriff by @monocountysar
4
25 days ago
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Working with helicopters is part of our bread and butter. Given the remoteness of our area, that often means a call to our fastest-responding helicopter agency, @chp_fresno_air_unit H40/42 out of Fresno, CA. As critical as helicopters are to the success of operations here in Mono County, they are also a dangerous and resource-intensive asset that requires ongoing training and skill maintenance for our Team to operate safely and effectively.We started this helicopter mini-series with extensive classroom instruction followed by hands-on training with the Team’s Helitack airbag, Helitack HotSeat, and break-apart litter. The following Saturday, H42 from Fresno flew out to train with us in person, which is ideal for maximizing Team member participation—but it also carries the risk of the helicopter being diverted to another call, whether in a neighboring county or one of our own.On the flight to Mammoth, H42 was diverted to assist with a search in an adjoining county. Once cleared, they continued on and ultimately landed at Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH). Training began with hot-loading our SAR K9s and their handlers. Several Team members were then picked up and inserted via the onboard hoist to a location near the airport, Doe Ridge. After making contact with the ground, unhooking, and resetting with the on-site safety officer, they were re-hoisted and returned to the airport.Just as H42 was preparing for the final iteration of the training exercise using the Helitack HotSeat and Airbag, the Team received a call for service involving two patients. Both the Team and CHP immediately mobilized to respond. That incident will be covered in a future post.A huge thank you to @birdandthebiscuit for feeding the Team and our helicopter partners with delicious biscuits and jam during this training.Our 501(c)(3) organization is made up entirely of unpaid community members who volunteer their time — and often their own equipment. We rely on donations to fund team gear, advanced rescue and medical training, and facility maintenance. To learn more about our all-volunteer team or to support our efforts, please visit www.monosar.org/donate.@monosheriff by @monocountysar
4
25 days ago
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