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THE ARIZONA WHISTLE INITIATIVE
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| Schasteen, Finn, Parker and Gilleland |
“We didn’t expect things to go wrong,” says Thomas Finn about an ill-fated hike up to Skull Mesa in Tonto National Forest. “We were just friends out for fun and fellowship. We made a few mistakes. The trail was confusing, washes looked like trail and we got off course. We discussed turning around but decided to push on. It took too long to get to the top and by then it was over 100 degrees. That’s when we ran into problems with water and heat.”
While the missteps Finn described about the Labor Day 2022 hike that ended tragically with the death of his friend and hiking companion Dr. Evan Dishion are not unusual, they are almost always preventable.
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| Sign commemorating the lost hikers at Spur Cross |
Rainer Schasteen, was also on the trek that included young, fit, experienced hikers.
“We had a false sense of security because we were in a group. I let down my guard a bit,” Schasteen said. “I’ve learned--you’re responsible for yourself. That’s why I’m now more prepared on hikes. I bring extra water, food, enough to share if needed.” Schasteen emphasizes that search and rescue crews will not be mad at you for seeking assistance and you shouldn’t hesitate if you feel at risk. “If you think it’s a good idea to call for help; do it,” he stated. “I was eventually able to get cell reception (on the Skull Mesa hike) and we were rescued by helicopter. But it was too late for Dr. Dishion. One or two more water bottles could have made a difference.”
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| AZFH911 volunteers show their whistles |
Dr. Evan Dishion was one of three recent hiker deaths in the Cave Creek area. Hikers Kathleen Patterson and Austin Peck also succumbed to heat, disorientation, and dehydration.
That’s when Sunny Parker, Founder and President of Arizona Foothills 911 decided it was time to up her game. Parker set up the 501c nonprofit organization after an answered prayer. “My son had been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and was given little chance for survival,” Parker shared. “I fell to my knees and promised that if his life was spared, I’d spend the rest of my life making a difference by giving back to my community.” Her son recovered, just as a string of wildfires that rattled her town of Cave Creek got her thinking. “I asked myself, what can our community do to be better prepared and quicker to respond.” That’s what inspired her to create Arizona Foothills 911 to inform and rally communities around Cave Creek and the North Valley in emergency situations. ‘Neighbors helping neighbors because it’s the right thing to do’, is the organization’s motto. During wildfires, floods or other natural disasters, the community-driven organization supports first responders, assists with pet and livestock evacuations, and keeps residents up to date about how to find or offer help. The mission also extends to preparedness education and rounding up volunteers for search and rescue operations. “We were the ones who found Kathleen Patterson. It was a very sad outcome, but we are thankful we were able to bring closure for her family.” But Parker knew that she could do more to help prevent hiking tragedies.
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| Booths at the April 22, 2023 event |
“I thought, this can’t continue to happen. What can we have done differently?” After speaking with friends and relatives of the victims and first responders, Parker learned that lack of preparedness, unforeseen mishaps and technology fails often contributed to deadly outcomes. Two solutions seemed obvious. First, educate hikers about how to be prepared for emergencies, and second--give them a big, loud whistle. Thus, the birth of Arizona Foothills 911’s The Arizona Whistle Initiative hit the ground running.
“If you depend too much on technology (like cell phones and trail apps) it will probably fail when you need it most,” says Shawn Gilleland, Arizona Foothills 911 Public Information Officer. While carrying expensive personal locator beacons and satellite messengers on hikes can save lives in emergency situations, so can simple, low-tech tools and common sense. “Take a whistle and always let somebody know where you’re going and when you expect to return," Gilleland said. "Share a pre-hike selfie with friends showing what you are wearing." Selfies can help locate you if you get lost because drone technology can search for specific colors. Gilleland was on site at an April 2023 Whistle Initiative event at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in Cave Creek to promote hiking safety and give away free trail maps and emergency whistles. The theme of the event focused on the facts that one can never be too prepared and even the most physically fit and experienced hikers can get into trouble on the trails.
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| Whistle giveaways are funded by donations |
“It’s always a good idea to have a back-up plan,” Parker says. “A whistle worn where you can easily reach it (not kept in your pack) can save your life when batteries die or you’re out of cell phone range.” The whistle giveaways are funded by donations. But finding just the right whistle to hand out was a trial-and-error endeavor for Parker. “I finally settled on a storm whistle that reaches 120 decibels. I had the manufacturer overnight me a sample and tested it for range and durability. It’s tough and you can hear it for miles.”
The whistle is just one part of the well-prepared hiker kit. “Know your abilities and let somebody know your plans,” says Gilleland. “Temperatures and trail conditions can change rapidly so plan accordingly. Wear proper clothing, understand your route, bring your whistle, and carry more water than you think you’ll need.”
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| A low-tech whistle can save lives in emergencies |
The Whistle Initiative events honor the memories of Patterson, Peck and Dishion, who Parker says makes the mission of Arizona Foothills 911 stronger, better, and even more committed. “We plan to hold more events throughout the year,” Parker says.“Check the organization’s website or Facebook group for updates.”
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| Skull Mesa viewed from Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area |
Of all the great hiking advice and information shared at the Spur Cross event, there’s one takeaway that resonates loudly.
“If you ever think it’s a good idea to turn around, take that opportunity,” Thomas Finn advises. “Trust your gut.”
AZ FOOTHILLS 911
