- Subject: NPS Morning Report - Thursday, April 23, 1992
- Date: Thurs, 23 Apr 1992
RANGER ACTIVITIES DIVISION
MORNING REPORT
Attention: Directorate
Regional and Park Chief Rangers, USPP, BIFC, FLETC
Ranger Activities Division Information Network
Day/Date: Thursday, April 23, 1992
INCIDENTS
92-136 - Mount Rainier (Washington) - Search and Rescue
A group of four climbers from New York City began an ascent of the mountain
on Saturday, April 18th. Some time later, the group divided; three of the
climbers - W.P., 28, T.D., 27, and P.B., 29 - continued
up the mountain, while the fourth climber remained at their base camp at
11,100 feet. On Tuesday, the climber who remained behind heard someone call
his name and shout what sounded like "go for help." The climber headed back
to Camp Muir and called for help from an emergency radio there that
afternoon. Three rangers climbed overnight to Camp Muir, then were picked
up by an Army Chinook helicopter and flown higher up the mountain, where
they spotted the three climbers at the 12,000 foot level. The rangers were
dropped off slightly above the climbers and at the time of the report were
making their way toward them. The rescue team planned to guide the climbers
down the mountain to the next spot where the helicopter could land and pick
them up. According to NPS spokesman Cy Hentges, only one of the climbers
was experienced in climbing in snow and ice. The trio had left most of
their gear at their base camp and apparently had only one sleeping bag and a
bivouac sack with them. [Associated Press, 4/22]
92-137 - Glen Canyon (Utah/Arizona) - Attempted Suicide; EMS Rescue
Ranger Pete Dalton found 28-year-old F.A. of Zurich,
Switzerland, lying unconscious near the Bullfrog marina store early on the
morning of April 21st. F.A. was non-responsive and had fixed and
pinpoint pupils. He was transported to the Bullfrog clinic, where rangers
started IV's and administered medication to counteract a drug overdose.
During treatment, he stopped breathing several times and had irregular
heartbeats. F.A. was flown by a Saint Mary's Airlife helicopter to
Grand Junction, Colorado, a flight of two hours. He regained consciousness
the next morning, and his prognosis is good. Empty pill packs indicated
that F.A. may have taken up to 150 tablets of various anti-psychotic
drugs, several of which are controlled substances. He had a journal with
him that indicated he'd come to the United States to commit suicide.
Rangers and doctors have been unable to contact any relatives. An in-depth
interview by doctors is to be conducted today. [CompuServe message from
Larry Clark, CR, GLCA, 4/23]
92-138 - Mammoth Cave (Kentucky) - Employee Death
Barry Toohey, 47, the assistant student supervisor at Great Onyx Job Corp
Center, died of cancer early yesterday morning. Toohey had gone on
disability retirement on April 10th. He is survived by his wife and three
children. Condolences may be sent to 1406 East Broadway, Cave City, KY
42127. [Gayle Giesecke, MACA, via telefax from Marcella Gibson, RAD/SERO,
4/22]
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
No field reports today.
STAFF STATUS
Division Chief: No leave or travel scheduled.
Branch of Resource and Visitor Protection: Martin at all-risk management
review, San Francisco, CA (4/20-4/24); Kreis at NCR/NAR/MAR recreation fee
workshop, Atlantic City, NJ (4/21-4/22); Schamp on annual leave (4/20-4/24);
Marriott on travel (4/20-4/24).
Branch of Fire and Aviation: Mattingly instructing S-230, Rapid City, SC
(4/20-4/25); Gale at all-risk management review, San Francisco, CA (4/20-4/23);
Botti on site visit and audit, Big Cypress, Everglades and SERO,
Atlanta, GA (4/20-5/1); Norum on site visit to Everglades and Great Smokies
(4/20-4/27); Broyles and Farrel at NFPA meeting and fire symposium,
Missoula, MT (4/20-4/25).
Prepared by WASO Division of Ranger Activities
Telephone: Branch of R&VP - FTS 268-4874/6039 or 202-208-4874/6039
Branch of F&A (WASO) - FTS 268-5572/5573 or 202-208-5572/5573
Telefax: Branch of R&VP - FTS 268-6756 or 202-208-6756
Branch of F&A (WASO) - FTS 268-5977 or 202-208-5977
CompuServe: Branch of R&VP - WASO-RANGER
Branch of F&A (WASO) - WASO-FIRE-WO
SEAdog: Branch of R&VP - 1/650
Branch of F&A (WASO) - 1/655