DCSO Search and Rescue uses its new PistenBully tracked rescue vehicle to reach two stranded snowmobilers

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, geared up for winter rescue efforts, has begun making use of its new PistenBully tracked rescue vehicle, helping a pair of snowmobilers whose vehicle wouldn't restart after a non-injury crash, deputies said.

SAR was dispatched Monday to the non-injury snowmobile crash in the area of U.S. Forest Service Road 21 southeast of Bend. The rider and passenger of the snowmobile were not able to re-start the snowmobile after the crash and were requesting aid.

Deputies said the stranded snowmobile riders were able to text Deschutes County 911, due to the remoteness of their location and no cellular phone service. A DCSO Special Services deputy and a SAR volunteer responded to the location with the tracked rescue vehicle.

Once they vehicle reached the stranded snowmobilers, they were assessed and transported back to Bend in the heated and enclosed cab.

The agency's Special Services Unit and Search and Rescue Team average 100-115 missions each year. Last year, they also responded to two severe avalanches.

As a result, the decision was made to acquire the tracked rescue vehicle to provide superior service to the 4 million visitors who frequent the outdoors in Deschutes County each year. County commissioners approved the nearly $80,000 annual lease-to-own of the vehicle last July.

The PistenBully 100 Trail is equipped with an eight-person enclosed heated rear cabin where advanced medical treatment or a warm cup of coffee can be provided to those being rescued.