In the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it only takes one miss step, one bad choice, to put your life in danger.
Every year, countless people right here in Fresno County find themselves lost or injured beyond the reach of civilization..
That's where the Fresno County Sheriff's Department search and rescue team comes in.
They have to be ready around the clock for whatever is thrown their way.
The terrain is unforgiving, miles of snow and trees that seem to stretch on forever. The effect can be hypnotic, time itself almost slowing to a crawl.
But, when you are lost, the natural world conspires, raw beauty becomes suffocating, and time is never in your favor..
Every year countless hikers find themselves in this position, and these are the men and women whose job it is to save their lives..
Sergeant, Joe Smith of the Fresno County Sheriff's Department said, "Anytime someone is lost and they have contacted either our dispatch or a loved one and said I don't know where i am we will send out our deputies to respond and we will generally find their vehicle."
Smith said the search and rescue team or S.A.R. for short, is called out about between 15 and 30 times a year.
To stay sharp, the group spends two days in the mountains above Huntington lake to practice for whatever is thrown their way.
This year, an elaborate scenario has been planned, one that all starts with a car accident and two bleeding victims..
First responders work to stabilize a man and woman trapped in an overturned car, but soon learn they're not alone.
Tracks in the snow help rescuers start to piece together the story, four people have a little too much to drink and get behind the wheel leading to this.
Two lay bleeding by the wreck and two others, confused and possibly injured appear to have hiked away to get help.
Back at base a rescue plan is devised. At their disposal are snowmobiles, jeeps and dozens of seasoned mountainers. A search plane is called out and teams are deployed.
With the clock ticking, a group of rescuers carrying binoculars is sent to the bank of Huntington Lake.
Another team is sent to the spot and just like that the lost are found.
It's a successful mission, had this been a real life event, all four injured and lost hikers would have survived.
For the men and women of search and rescue it's a good feeling anytime they can help.
Larry Casado, a volunteer, said "It feels good to go up at two or three in the morning. Somebody's jeep is broke down and it is snowing on them and they are just happy to see you and you know you've done a good job."
Watch the above video as reporter Jack Highberger gets involved in the training.
Every year, countless people right here in Fresno County find themselves lost or injured beyond the reach of civilization..
That's where the Fresno County Sheriff's Department search and rescue team comes in.
They have to be ready around the clock for whatever is thrown their way.
The terrain is unforgiving, miles of snow and trees that seem to stretch on forever. The effect can be hypnotic, time itself almost slowing to a crawl.
But, when you are lost, the natural world conspires, raw beauty becomes suffocating, and time is never in your favor..
Every year countless hikers find themselves in this position, and these are the men and women whose job it is to save their lives..
Sergeant, Joe Smith of the Fresno County Sheriff's Department said, "Anytime someone is lost and they have contacted either our dispatch or a loved one and said I don't know where i am we will send out our deputies to respond and we will generally find their vehicle."
Smith said the search and rescue team or S.A.R. for short, is called out about between 15 and 30 times a year.
To stay sharp, the group spends two days in the mountains above Huntington lake to practice for whatever is thrown their way.
This year, an elaborate scenario has been planned, one that all starts with a car accident and two bleeding victims..
First responders work to stabilize a man and woman trapped in an overturned car, but soon learn they're not alone.
Tracks in the snow help rescuers start to piece together the story, four people have a little too much to drink and get behind the wheel leading to this.
Two lay bleeding by the wreck and two others, confused and possibly injured appear to have hiked away to get help.
Back at base a rescue plan is devised. At their disposal are snowmobiles, jeeps and dozens of seasoned mountainers. A search plane is called out and teams are deployed.
With the clock ticking, a group of rescuers carrying binoculars is sent to the bank of Huntington Lake.
Another team is sent to the spot and just like that the lost are found.
It's a successful mission, had this been a real life event, all four injured and lost hikers would have survived.
For the men and women of search and rescue it's a good feeling anytime they can help.
Larry Casado, a volunteer, said "It feels good to go up at two or three in the morning. Somebody's jeep is broke down and it is snowing on them and they are just happy to see you and you know you've done a good job."
Watch the above video as reporter Jack Highberger gets involved in the training.