Stranded 10-year-old uses ‘care package’ to survive in snowy wilderness, CO photos show
A young ATV rider “did everything right” when he got lost in Colorado’s snowy wilderness, rescuers said.
Once the 10-year-old realized he was lost, “he stopped, stayed calm, called 911” and stayed put until rescuers arrived, Douglas County Search and Rescue said on Facebook in a Dec. 9 post.
In the meantime, rescuers sent a “care package” via drone with food, water, a winter hat and thermal blanket to help him keep warm and hydrated until rescue teams arrived at his location in the Rampart Range, officials said.
Drone photos shared with parental permission show the child holding out his hand from the ATV while trying to catch the care package.
“Overjoyed to say it worked out well, and the young rider is ok and back with his family (a priceless reunion),” officials said. “...It was a crisp and cool afternoon — with a great ending.”
The Rampart Range is on U.S. Forest Service property about a 50-mile drive south from Denver. It offers “a unique setting for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of riding experiences,” according to the forest service website.
What to do if you get lost
If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.
“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.
You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route.”
There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:
Have more than enough food and water with you.
Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.
Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.
Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.
Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.
Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”
This story was originally published December 10, 2024 at 11:53 AM with the headline "Stranded 10-year-old uses ‘care package’ to survive in snowy wilderness, CO photos show."
