Summit to Sound Search & Rescue

08/07/2025

📍Mission Report: Heliotrope Ridge – 08/05/25
At around 1730 last night, Bellingham Mountain Rescue and Summit to Sound Search & Rescue were activated for an injured hiker on the Heliotrope trail. The subject had taken a ground level fall on some scree during their descent from Glacier View, landing on their right hip.

Despite the injury, they were well prepared—carrying food, water, a headlamp, foil blanket, and dry layers for the incoming wet weather. SAR members located the patient in stable condition, provided initial care, and performed a smooth litter carryout down the trail.

🧠 Things we were reminded of on this mission:

Not all phones are compatible with satellite-based emergency messaging. Know your device’s limits before you go.

Big thanks to all responders who helped bring her down safely. Wishing the subject a smooth recovery!

07/12/2025

We are out with Whatcom County Search and Rescue Council at the City of Everson Summer Festival. Come out and say hey!

07/10/2025

The past few weeks have been quite busy for STS and other Whatcom County SAR units. We would like to take a second and give you a couple reminders.

1.) Make sure someone responsible knows where you’re going and when you’re supposed to be back, consider creating a trip plan to share with them.
2.) Make sure you have a way to communicate as possible and that your phone batteries are charged up before going out.
3.) Bring your 10 essentials and make sure to include appropriate clothing for any possible weather, extra water for the heat and layers for the nighttime cold. 4.)Pay attention to time. The amount of time it takes you to reach where you are/ are going is probably the amount of time it’s going to take to get back; potentially even longer.
5.) Wear a PFD in and around water. Especially moving water like the Nooksack. PFDs save lives.

07/08/2025

Reminder! Today is the first day!

Anyone living in the vicinity of Vista Middle School will see a large presence from law enforcement and fire personnel next week on Wednesday and Thursday the 9th and 10th and later in the month on the 24th. This is for a large-scale drill called an MCI (Multi-Casualty Incident). The drill will be for an active shooter within the school boundaries while school is out for the summer break. Unfortunately, it is something we must stay diligent in and be as prepared as possible. Neighbors to the school may hear gun fire but don't worry this is only a drill, PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911 IF YOU HEAR SHOTS BEING FIRED BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 1:00-4:00.

We thank you all for your understanding!

07/03/2025

Always great to work with!

07/02/2025

As we get closer to Independence Day and into summer, we would like to remind and encourage everyone to wear a PFD any time you are on or near water. Drownings can happen to anyone, even for strong swimmers. When accidents happen a PFD can save your life!

For children 12 and under, PFDs are required by law to be worn when on watercraft under 19 ft long and not in an enclosed cabin (including canoes and kayaks).

PFDs are also required for ANYONE on a personal water craft and those being towed by a boat (water skiing, tubing, etc)

05/23/2025

Congrats Deputy Wood! Thank you for your service and commitment to the citizens of Whatcom County. From all of us here at Summit to Sound, it’s been a privilege!

Congratulations to Deputy Ben Wood on his retirement from the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office! After nearly 23 years of dedicated service, from June 17, 2002, to May 21, 2025, he has earned this milestone. His diverse career has taken him through many roles, including Crime Prevention, Field Training Officer, Marine Unit, SWAT, Forest Patrol Deputy, Drone Operator, Special Events Team Grenadier, and Search and Rescue Deputy. We are grateful for his commitment to keeping Whatcom County safe. Please join us in wishing him a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement!

05/21/2025

This week, May 18th-24th is National EMS Week. Summit to Sound would like to extend our thanks to our current and former EMTs and Paramedics serving our unit and in the community as well as the EMS providers in our partner units in Whatcom County Search and Rescue and agencies/departments across Whatcom County! Thank you for your tireless resolve, compassion, and dedication to an often thankless job!

05/03/2025

Last weekend, Summit to Sound hosted it’s an annual survival weekend. During this training, members focused on survival techniques, such as fire starting without a lighter or matches, improvised shelter building, and surviving an overnight with only what’s in their pack. Members also completed tasks in clue awareness, patient packaging/litter caring, and land navigation.

Members or cross members of several other Whatcom County Search and Rescue units joined us for the training in an effort to cooperatively work and learn together to better serve the citizens of our county.

04/28/2025

Today is International Search and Rescue Dog Day. STS would like to take a moment to recognize and honor our four legged companions and their handlers for their incredible contribution and dedication to our organization and the community we serve. Please help us celebrate K9 Avy, K9 Liberty, K9 Quinn, K9 Raven, K9 Tuffy, and our newest recruit pup K9 Skipper.

04/25/2025