Satellite GPS key in South Sister rescue

(Update with more on GPS devices, tips for backcountry travel)

A Bend man who became lost and disoriented after climbing South Sister on Wednesday activated the “SOS” feature of his satellite emergency locator device, prompting an overnight search and rescue effort, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue officials said.

Those devices can be a lifesaver, and greatly assist search and rescue efforts. Most importantly, they shorten the amount of time it can take for a rescue to happen, Skjersaa’s employee Johnny Naples said Friday,

“The easiest way to be saved is by speed,” he said. “The faster you get to the person, things are going to work out, hopefully. That’s the idea of all the safety equipment, your beacon, your transceiver, friends are the best thing, going by yourself is very risky.”

Around 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, 911 dispatchers got a call from the International Emergency Response Coordination organization, said sheriff’s Lt. Bryan Husband, special services coordinator.

They reported one of their clients, Adam Redfield, 24, of Bend, had activated the “SOS” feature on his “SPOT” device in the area between South Sister and Broken Top, near Moraine Lake, Husband said.

The SPOT device uses GPS satellites that provide signals to it. Then the SPOT’s GPS chip determines the person’s location and sends a message to communication satellites. The satellites then send a message to antennas around the world, and that’s sent to the appropriate network. Finally, your location and messages are sent to the rescue coordination center.

Attempts to call Redfield on his cellphone did not succeed, Husband said, and there was no way to contact Redfield via his SPOT device to determine the nature of his current situation or problem.

A DCSO special services deputy responded to the area of the Devil’s Lake trailhead and located Redfield’s vehicle.

Officials also contacted Redfield’s friends and family members, who confirmed he had set out Wednesday morning around 4:30 a.m., intending to summit South Sister and then return home.

Redfield was described as being very experienced in the backcountry and trained in regards to avalanches.

Husband said Redfield was “split boarding,” using a snowboard that splits in two to make traveling uphill easier.

Seven DCSO SAR volunteers responded to the trailhead and “skinned” (using a material attached to the bottom of skis or split boards to travel uphill), skied and “booted” (using ski or snowboard boots) into the Moraine Lake area, and began their search in intermittent rainy conditions.

Around 9:10 p.m., SAR teams made voice contact with Redfield, who had sought shelter in a snow cave.

The SAR teams reached Redfield about 20 minutes later and determined he had become lost but was not injured, Husband said.

They learned Redfield had reached the summit of South Sister earlier in the day and his cellphone battery had died. Redfield had become disoriented during his descent, becoming lost, at which time he activated the SOS feature on his SPOT device.

Redfield was cold and tired, but otherwise was able to travel under his own power, following DCSO SAR teams back down to the Cascade Lakes Highway, arriving around 12:32 a.m.

Redfield said he had not known if his SPOT device worked and was preparing to spend the night, although he had not brought overnight supplies with him. The DCSO deputy and volunteers helped Redfield make it back to his home.

“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind those that recreate outdoors to prepare accordingly for your activity,” Husband said in a news release.

Naples added even though nature is easily accessible in Central Oregon, it’s important to remember the risks.

“I know that we have a nice little city right here, but you’re in the woods, you’re by yourself. It’s going to take a long time to get to you.” he said.

Some key considerations include proper clothing for day and night conditions in your environment, even if you do not expect to be out overnight. Ensure you have adequate water and food, topographical trail maps, extra batteries or charging options for phones or GPS units.

Bring a light source and a signaling device. Seek out information regarding the area and what may be encountered, such as current and projected weather conditions as well as terrain in the area. Tell someone where you are going, what you will be taking with you and when you plan to return.

Husband said the sheriff’s office also “strongly encourages those recreating in the outdoors to do so with a partner(s)” — and not on their own.