Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado (SARDOC) remains ready for the call. Certified/Deployable Handlers and Support members are maintaining their readiness. As many organizations have also done, SARDOC has developed a first phase preventative response to COVID 19. SARDOC Executive Board has suspended all official SARDOC trainings, progressions and tests, indoor and outdoor group meetings, seminars, clinics, and workshops until further notice. We will be working as a team to gather more information and work diligently to provide additional information and support for training, testing and methods of maintaining readiness in these unprecedented times. We encourage the public to use all care and common sense when exercising in the backcountry to keep everyone safe. Keep outings short and safe and plan activities according to weather, ability and the needs of public safety.
From our President:
COVID-19 will impact search and rescue resources throughout the state, as it will the entire first responder system. Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado and its members will be here doing everything we can to support our community and assist those in need of our services. As a community, we will get through this, but while we are, let’s be safe out there!
With all Colorado resorts closing, this may seem like a great time to get into backcountry. While the backcountry is wonderful, it also comes with added risk and the need for additional education, tools, and experience. If you are using the time away from work, school or other activity to get outside and de-stress, please be prepared for what you are going to do, be it hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, ATVing, peak bagging, climbing, etc.
Consider the following.
Weather changes fast during this time of the year. Check the forecast.
Always have the 10 essentials
If you go, make sure you tell others where you going and your time plan
Consider the phrase “If you don’t know, don’t go!”.
While we love to see people getting outdoors, these are irregular times when we all need to be a bit more conservative in decision making. Emergency response will likely be delayed and definitive care facilities (hospitals, emergency departments, etc.) are already stressed.
Consider dialIng back your objectives a bit, so that you are less likely to have an impact on SAR and emergency services.
Stay well, friends.
Scott A. Robertshaw, President
