On 07/21/2024, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a request for assistance at the Ape Cave recreational area, located within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, near Mount Saint Helens. The caller advised his girlfriend was trapped on a ledge after making an attempt to scale a vent hole within the cave system. A Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator was assigned to the mission and requested the Volcano Rescue Team respond through North County Emergency Medical Services. After a three-hour mission, V.R.T. was successful in extricating the climber safely and she was uninjured.
On 07/22/2024, less than 24 hours after their mission on 07/21, the Volcano Rescue Team, along with North County Emergency Medical Services was called, once again, for another search and rescue mission. The Skamania County Communications Center received a call reporting a female with a back injury at the Lower Falls Recreation area. It was reported the female was unable to exit the water due to her injury. Another mission was coordinated and, after a technical rope rescue, the patient was extricated from the water.
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office is so thankful for the incredible members of the Volcano Rescue Team! They are an imperative resource and incredible community partner.