Donated equipment gives CLES new capabilities!
With the snow melting and cabin fever in full swing, it’s easy to think about getting out and hitting the trails for hiking, biking and more. As visitors come to the Cooper Landing area, they can choose from a number of trails to take them up peaks and to choice fishing destinations. Recognizing what a rescue effort might take when someone is hurt far from the parking lot, CLES has obtained donated equipment that will save time and effort when a patient calls for help. Pictured, is a surplus John Deere 6×4 gator and donated enclosed trailer. This summer, the Gator will be able to transverse many of the miles of trails that Cooper Landing is proudly home to in the event of an emergency.
While there are a recognized 23 trails in the Cooper Landing area, the 15 most popular account for nearly 127 miles of path and roadways. Around 45 of these miles are recognized for motorized vehicle access, travelable by the Gator. At present, CLES relies on the response of Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Air National Guard for extraction of patients with critical injuries or those who are in unreachable areas. In the previous two summers CLES has responded to 12 calls for service for patients located in remote trail areas. Incidents ranged from ATV rollovers, to broken legs and an evolving heart attack. These patients required the use of wheeled stokes baskets, Trooper vehicles, and “drafted” bystanders for lifting assistance, often for miles at a time. Each time, these calls required responders to hike in, while pushing or carrying lifesaving equipment such as heart monitors/defibrillators, oxygen and medical/drug bags that can weigh upwards of 50lbs. The Gator will address these issues as its dedicated purpose will be the transport of responders to patients in a rapid manner, carrying equipment and a stokes basket for patient extraction.
As a 501c3 Non-Profit, CLES has a limited annual budget for the purchase of capital equipment like a gator or trailer. The department historically relies on ambulance billings, grant opportunities and donations for funding. A huge thank you is given to the Alaska State Firefighter’s Association for the donation of the trailer, and to the State Forestry Program for the Gator. If you’re a recreator and want to Help those who would Help you on a trail, visit our website www.cooperlandinges.org to make a donation. CLES is a registered Non-Profit and all donations are considered tax deductible.
