I noticed that the regulations for the local wilderness explicitly allow bolts to be drilled during a rescue. The regulations go on to say that such bolts might eventually be removed after the event.
I have not looked up the regulations in this area but would not be surprised to see similar wording.
"A couple of hours after yesterday's training session, our mountain rescue volunteers, officers, and pilots conducted a rescue for a fallen climber. During the fall, the climber's pro dislodged which resulted in a 20-30 foot fall. Brief loss of consciousness -- broken helmet with potential head, neck, ribs, and ankle injuries. Patient was treated and extracted via shorthaul to a waiting ambulance."
I'm happy to get out there in the next couple weeks and clean up the bolts.
I hope I never need it, but am happy to know that LVMPD SAR has my back.
Gimme a day or two and I can find the exact language for that. Basically, the Wilderness Act has a list of prohibited uses, which include or are interpreted to include: no landing of aircraft or motorized drill use. However, there is a process by which prohibited uses can be allowed "as necessary to meet minimum requirements for the administration of the area... (including measures required in emergencies involving the health and safety of persons within the area)..." Wilderness Act 4(2)c. In the case of SAR in RRCNCA wilderness, landing of helicopters and placing bolts with a power drill are allowed under this process, the Minimum Requirements Analysis. There is an Environmental Assessment to accompany this, I believe, since it is somewhat controversial, but I'm not finding it right now and I have to get back to work.
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