Search and Rescue Officer Profile: Deputy Avery Olsen

 January 19, 2024

In the vast and rugged desert terrain of San Juan County, Utah, Deputy Avery Olsen plays a crucial role. He is the uniformed commander of the Search and Rescue unit for the northern part of San Juan County, where the majority of Canyonlands National Park resides. Deputy Olsen oversees the team responsible for a range of emergency situations in one of America's most breathtaking natural landscapes.

The Vital Role of Search and Rescue in San Juan County

Deputy Olsen's responsibilities are extensive, covering various emergency scenarios. “Most of our calls are people that have either been injured and are stuck somewhere or get off the trail and get lost and stranded somewhere,” he explains. “We've had numerous incidences [in Canyonlands]. Most of the time, it’s an injury fall and scrape, disorientation from dehydration, heat-related incidents, and stuff like that.” Known for its stunning but challenging terrain, this region often witnesses these types of incidents.

One particularly memorable rescue under Olsen's command involved an individual whose knee was stuck in a crack while rock climbing, leading to an intense 12-hour rescue operation. Such incidents underscore the complexity and unpredictability of search and rescue missions in the backcountry.

The Importance of Technology in Emergencies

Technology plays a pivotal role in modern search and rescue operations. Deputy Olsen emphasizes the importance of SOS devices, noting that most of the calls his unit receives come from these devices due to the area's poor cell phone coverage. “The majority of our search and rescues do come from a locating device,” he states. “Just because our area has so many canyons and sparse cell phone service… that's pretty much the majority of our calls from those devices.”

The Busiest Times for Search and Rescue

Deputy Olsen’s team is busiest toward the end of summer and fall—August, September, and October. This is when locals and tourists alike flock to the county for outdoor activities. September and October often have exceptionally mild weather, presenting ideal conditions for outdoor adventuring; however, incidents can and do occur. Such incidents also arise earlier in the year, with some trails becoming unexpectedly hazardous due to snow between February and April in particular.

Canyonlands National Park is a popular destination and is one of Utah’s “mighty five” national parks, with its most popular sites including Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, and Shafer Canyon Overlook. It saw a record number of over 911,000 visitors in 2021.

Preparation: The Key to Safety in the Outdoors

Deputy Olsen's advice for those venturing into the wilderness is clear.

“Probably the biggest thing I would say is be prepared for the unknown,” he states. “A lot of our rescues are experienced people who know how to hike, know how to camp, know how to survive, but they're not ready for the freezing temperatures in the middle of the night down by the river. Or they start on a trail because somewhere online it says this will take two-and-a-half hours, but four hours in, they've only made it halfway.”

He also emphasizes the importance of carrying plenty of food and water with you.

“Take food and water with you every time. It doesn't matter if it's 20 degrees [Fahrenheit] outside, your body still needs water, and we've still had people struggle out on the trail just because, ‘Oh, it's a cool day. I don't need to drink as much water as I would if it was a hot day.’ But you still need to keep your body hydrated with fluids and nourishment; that's another big thing.”

Even experienced outdoor adventurers can find themselves in perilous situations due to unexpected changes in weather or trail conditions. He strongly recommends carrying an SOS satellite device. “I also recommend…some kind of satellite signaling device,” Olsen states. “Nine times out of ten, when we get those, that's what saves somebody because we can send a helicopter right to where they need to be…definitely a super-useful device. Something I feel like everybody needs if they're gonna be out in the outdoors. They need to invest in it for sure.”

Overwatch x Rescue: Complementing Search and Rescue Efforts

In environments as unpredictable as the wilderness of San Juan County, the services offered by Overwatch x Rescue are a vital complement to local search and rescue operations. As an emergency SOS subscription service, they provide a critical link between individuals in distress and emergency responders. For adventurers in remote areas, Overwatch x Rescue’s emergency response capabilities can mean the difference between a timely rescue and a prolonged exposure to danger.

Deputy Avery Olsen and his team play an indispensable role in ensuring the safety of those who explore the stunning landscapes of San Juan County. Their dedication and expertise are vital in managing the challenges posed by this rugged terrain. For adventurers and nature lovers, the combination of personal preparedness, SOS satellite devices, and the emergency assistance services of Overwatch x Rescue ensures a safer experience in the great outdoors. As Olsen succinctly states, proper preparation and the right equipment are key to safely enjoying and exploring the natural wonders of places like the southern Utah wilderness.