A call for a walk-away dementia subject came near the end of the work-day. This happens to be one of the hardest times for our brigadiers to get out in the field. There’s so often that last meeting which is almost done, or that last report to get in, or last coding bug to squash before going home. When the call comes out, we try our best to wrap up and get home to collect our gear and get out there… but then that’s when everyone else is going home too and the roads get crazy. This was the exact situation three of our brigadiers – Da Mule, Not-a-Thorium-Bro, and Remus – found themselves in trying to get out to find this walk-away.
Fortunately, neighbors saved this day while responders were tied up in getting out of work and traffic. Caring neighbors, out searching, found our subject in a nearby arroyo and pulled him out safe and sound (albeit quite shaken). This just goes to prove, that although SAR responders are an amazing resource, most of the time, it’s our own community – friends, family, neighbors, etc – that are really our most valuable resource of all.
Take care of your neighbors everyone!