Austin Volunteer Fire Department

LOST HUNTER LOCATED!!

Around 8pm last evening Station 44 was dispatched to assemble at our station for a search. Crews were advised of a Lost Hunter in Wharton Twsp.

Patrol 44-4 & 44-14 with Chief 44-10 (J.Burgett), Rescue 44-8 with Chief 44 (J.Rooney) and Ambulance 44-6 with Chief 44-60 (T.Orlowski) and Chief 44-70 (S.Orlowski) responded.

Mountaineer Search and Rescue, Rod Johnson & Search K9 team, DCNR, Department 50 – NCPA Unmanned Emergency Services and Sinnemahoning State Park Rangers were requested. Pennsylvania State Police also responded.

Crews staged near the intersection of Mahon Run Road and Pine Island Road. Chief 44 (J.Rooney) took Austin Command. Crews utilized patrol units to do an immediate search of the area. Once Mountaineer & the K9 arrived units went to work mapping a larger search area, and deploying search teams.

Drone 50 arrived and deployed searching the area until weather conditions worsened. Helicopters declined to fly due to weather conditions. Crews worked in cold, snowy conditions throughout the night.

Around 7 am Patrol 44-24 with Chief 44-20 (B.Brooks) also responded to the scene.

At approximately 9 am Mountaineer returned to quarters and additional DCNR Rangers arrived to take their place. Pennsylvania Game Commission Officers also responded.

At approximately 11:15 am, Chief 44-20 (B.Brooks) notified all units the lost hunter had been located!

The patient was evaluated by EMS and released on scene.

A huge thank you goes out to all agencies who assisted us in a successful search!

As hunting season in Pennsylvania continues we remind hunters to prepare and take extra precaution when entering the woods. The best tool needed for survival in the event you get lost outdoors is advanced planning. Even if you are going out for just a few hours, pack enough essentials that you can stay hydrated, fueled and prepared for any type of weather. Hunt in familiar areas, and utilize maps, GPS and a compass. Know where you are going and how you will return. A cell phone, flashlight, matches are important items to bring. It’s also important that once you have planned your outing, tell someone. Give them exact details of where you are going, the trail you plan to follow, when you will return, the vehicle you are driving (and where you plan to park) and how many people will go with you – do not go alone.