Search & rescue team commander urges vigilance for hikers, hunters

Steve Raber heads the Elmore County Search and Rescue team. Photo by Brian S. Orban

The county's search and rescue team's commander urges people to take precautions and remain vigilant as they venture into the mountains, because responses for medical care in the back country can take a long time.

Steve Raber, who took command of the Elmore County Search and Rescue team last year, noted as an example the number of missions his team conducted just last fall after hunting season began, which saw two men die of heart attacks while hunting before help could arrive.

Raber emphasized that search and rescue missions take time even under ideal conditions. The farther people get from main roads and trail heads, the longer it'll take for help to arrive.

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