Southern New Mexico search and rescue groups deployed on back-to-back-to-back missions

LAS CRUCES - Area search and rescue groups worked together this past weekend on multiple joint rescue missions over a 24-hour span, possibly helping to save multiple lives. 

About 30 individuals — members of the Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue, Doña Ana County Search and Rescue and Organ Mountain Technical Rescue Squad, along with Grant County Search and Rescue team — had their hands full when they received back-to-back-to-back calls.

The search and rescue organizations are all volunteer teams. Members specialize in technical rope rescue, mountaineering, cave rescue and ground search.

Vic Villalobos, president of the Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue, said his team received its first call Saturday.

"We got called on Saturday evening for a search up in the Mimbres area, which is outside of Silver City. We had a lost hunter up there so we deployed on that mission. We also had Organ Mountain Technical Rescue that responded to that mission and Grant County Search and Rescue," Villalobos said. "The subject was located about 5 a.m. He was in pretty bad shape. We brought him out and called an ambulance and that was a pretty simple mission in the big scheme of things." 

Villalobos said the teams stopped in Deming on their way home when they received a call for lost hikers in the Gila National Forest.

"We stopped to have breakfast and had a few of the Organ Mountain Technical Rescue volunteers with our team when we got called for a second mission back up in the Gila Mountains. We all discussed it and deployed on that," Villalobos said. "It was probably another three-and-a-half-hour drive. Three people were lost, two women and one man. We deployed on that mission and subjects were located near North Star Road, about 35 miles north. They were hiking from the (Gila) Cliff Dwellings and got separated from their ride that was supposed to pick them up and ended up spending the night out in the Gila National Forest. They were cold; they weren’t prepared for it."

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Villalobos said the Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue crew transported the hikers back to Silver City. No injuries were reported.

After that mission, the crew headed back home to Las Cruces, via T or C, when they received yet another call.  

"We stopped to have dinner in Truth or Consequences and got called for another search back at home up in the Organs. We had a young man, he had gone off trail and he was lost," Villalobos said. "That was us, Organ Mountain Technical Rescue and members from Doña Ana County Search and Rescue responded to that mission. We located the subject and were able to transport him back to the road. He was very appreciative and pretty nervous during that whole situation." 

Villalobos said search and rescue teams logged over 400 miles in less than two days.

Safety tips 

With winter weather approaching, Villalobos encourages people who are interested in doing outdoor activities do always keep safety in mind. 

"Most of our searches would not have happened if people had good flashlights. People lose the trail and the next thing you know, they’re lost and they’re calling for help," Villalobos said. "Having a good flashlight goes a long way. 

Villalobos said to always carry and extra jacket or blanket during the colder seasons. 

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"Mesilla Valley is nice and warm during the day and then it drops 30 degrees at night. That could change the game really fast," Villalobos said. "Having a small backpack that has a cell phone, a charger, and an extra jacket is always a good idea." 

Villalobos said if you or someone else is hurt, it's important to always stay put and wait for help. 

"We will come and get you," he said. "Don’t use social media, it’s a good way to drain your phone and then we can’t come get you." 

Jacqueline Devine can be reached at 575-541-5476, JDevine@lcsun-news.com or @JackieIsDevine on Twitter.

Hiking safety tips

• Bring a map: You should never rely solely on GPS technology, especially with limited service and unreliable battery power. Always pack a map, and if you're not sure how to read one, take some time to learn beforehand.
• Know the area: Exploring new hiking trails is always exciting. Unfortunately, it also means you're unfamiliar with the territory. Before heading out, check regional hiking information for: Local wild animals, local poisonous plants, local hunting seasons and hiking alerts. 
• Check the forecast: Check the forecast up until the moment before you leave. This is important in determining what gear you need to bring, like a rain jacket, sunscreen, extra water or warmer clothing.
• Tell someone before you go:  If that person doesn't hear from you by a certain time, they can take the necessary action.
• Stay together: When hiking with a large group, it's easy to separate into groups of fast and slow hikers. Often, this happens naturally, but it isn't always safe. Keep someone at the front that hikes at a modest pace, to ensure everyone stays together.

— Active.com