You are on a SAR team of Wilderness First Responders (WFR) hiking the Bear’s Ears Trail into the Wind River Range looking into a vague report of a “very sick person” camped “near the trail near tree line." The report came in at midnight. Your team’s role is to sweep this trail in the dark in the hopes of finding out exactly what is going on. A second group is gathering to hike up later in support.
After eight miles of fast uphill walking you see a poorly pitched tent off the trail at 11,300 ft. The first rosy fingers of dawn reach across the Wind River basin from the east.
“Hello, is anyone in the tent?” “This is search and rescue. We have a report of someone who needs assistance?”
The silence and a distinct smell of vomit prompt you to look into the tent. You see a woman curled in a sleeping bag, appearing pale and sickly. She opens her eyes when you ask, “Ma’am, can I help?”