Search and Rescue Teams Stretched Thin with More Americans Hitting the Outdoors
Ask Students: Where have needed rescues increased dramatically? When did the number of needed rescues begin to increase significantly?
Summary
Across the nation, search and rescue teams are mostly made up of a patchwork of volunteers often overseen by local sheriff’s departments. But many of these teams are now struggling to keep up as more Americans than ever are hitting the outdoors. For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- What is the problem that rescue teams are facing as described in this story?
- Where have needed rescues increased dramatically?
- When did the number of needed rescues begin to increase significantly?
- Who carries out the rescues, and how are the operations put together and funded?
- How are rescue teams trying to adapt to a dramatic increase in calls?
Focus Questions
What resources do you think would most help address the problem that these rescue teams in Colorado are facing? Who should provide these resources? Do you think it’s fair to bill those who are rescued?
Media Literacy: Do you know how rescues are handled and paid for in your own state? How could you find out?
Make Your Own Invention
What do you think is the best solution to help rescue teams locate lost hikers? How about inventing something that would help? First, go back through the story and write down all the problems that rescue teams face in trying to carry out their work. Then, brainstorm new technology that could help them — it could be devices to help them locate missing hikers, safely move hikers away from dangerous terrain or respond to emergency calls more effectively. Sketch out your invention. What technology would you need to make it a reality?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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