Safe and Found: A Search and Rescue Documentary

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Help us spread the word about hiker safety, preventative search and rescue, and the effort it takes to be on a search and rescue team by sharing this post on your own social media sites and by joining us this evening 1/21/24 at 8PM ET. You can also help spread the word by liking this video, subscribing to the channel, and leaving a comment on how you stay safe in the backcountry! Thank you for all of your support for SAFE AND FOUND!

[@chuckrf1502]

As a county resident, that makes me proud. I know a few of those guys, and they are impressive in their abilities and their humility.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

We AGREE! This search and rescue team is such a great asset!

[@warriorofchrist6550]

I have so much love and respect for search and rescue teams around the world. They truly are unsung heroes. I would love to hopefully join them one day.

[@JulieGayheart]

Yes! True Heroes in my book!

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Search and Rescue Teams are true warriors!

[@nancypeast]

Whether you're an experienced SAR team member or an infrequent hiker, we all share the common bond of being fallible humans. Being vulnerable enough to share the stories we wish we could turn the clock back and the powerful lessons learned from them is one of the greatest gifts we can give the hiking community. Big props and respect to the individuals in the film (Elizabeth, David and Christine) who were willing to do just that. In addition, you captured the essence of a search and rescue operation and all that goes on behind the scenes, as well as the heart and soul SAR volunteers bring with them into the woods. On behalf of Haywood County Search and Rescue and the WNC Wilderness Safety Fund, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the work you both poured into this enormous project, Julie and Austin. 🧡

[@JesterWallisProductions]

We LOVE you Nancy! This was 100% a Team effort! Thank you for welcoming us into your lives so we could share together to save lives!

[@nancypeast]

@@JesterWallisProductions love you right back and it was an honor being a part of it. 🧡

[@kirkkeller2871]

“You are your own First Responder “. Bam! Well done. Thanks for putting this together and sharing.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks for watching Kirk! That line was a must keep in from the beginning!

[@stellabrown8544]

I have been privleged to watch the "behind the scenes" of this project for over a year and a half, from the first meeting with Nancy East all the way through to the in person premiere and this KZbin release. For Julie and Austin to make such a powerful & important film has been truly a labor of love for them. Only a few will ever know the emotion and hard work that went into to make this a reality, from Julie and Austin interviewing and going out with the SAR team, shooting all the video, selecting the exact right music, traveling to many places in the hot and cold, selecting the right partners (Wim & Heidi) and spending countless hours of (often times lively) discussion and post production collaboration between the two of them to bring it to fruition. Their kindness and compassion to tell three people's harrowing & extremely personal stories is beyond compare. And to actually be able to meet so many of the people involved in this over the weekend; well, there really are no words.I have never met such a humble group of humans as these search & rescue folks. I sat in a room of over 350 people for the in person premiere and as Tim Clements said it best, "I'm in a room full of heroes". Thank you, Julie & Austin for making this amazing film. Share this film; it could save a life.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank you and we LOVE YOU! True hereos indeed!! It was so great to see Christine and David get to meet those on the team that were on their rescues! That made it all worth it! Let's Continue To SAVE LIVES TOGETHER!

[@llevin5151]

One of my best friends does SAR with her dog. I love to hide for them so they can keep training even when there is no active search. These people are VOLUNTEERS! They have to purchase their own equipment, gas, take time from work and family, and in general are making HUGE sacrifices. I couldn't admire them more.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

We agree! Volunteers and True Hereos!!

[@TiggerTellsTales]

Respect to all SAR members and to those who put time and energy into this documentary and made it free to view. I will be better prepared as a solo thru hiker this year on the AT with this information and reminders of the 10 essentials as I try to decrease pack weight. Some items are non negotiable and I see a lot of people on forums telling people to leave the Garmin at home on the AT, “you don’t need it”. So much bad advice out there. As this documentary reminds us…it only takes one wrong turn, accidental fall, or bad decision. Thank you for your service!!🙏

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks for watching and responding! One of the best statements of the film is "you are your own first responder". We hope the message of this film will create that mindset as a standard going forward as we adventure!

[@JackBQuick79]

All of this, the passion, the love for a fellow human, the dedication to assistance, the will to risk selflessly for a complete stranger, the effort of coming together as a group with the intention of becoming a unit in order to save a life. All of this is the best nature has to offer. This may have renewed some of my faith in humans. It definitely reminded me that genuinely good people still exist doing genuinely good things for others.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

We agree 💯. Thank you for watching and sharing your thought! We truly appreciate it!

[@donrobinson5540]

God bless those who choose to do this worthy work.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

We agree 💯. Search and Rescue Teams do amazing work and it's time to give them the spotlight!

[@ksw8415]

Great video. This video should be a required watch for anyone planning to take a walk in the woods!

[@JesterWallisProductions]

We agree 💯! Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@terrikidder9719]

So incredible, Julie and Austin!

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank You, Terri! You have supported us all along!

[@RachelRoyer-kv1ue]

Excellent documentary! Huge thank you to these unsung heroes! Lane Decost has taught me so much about safety in the backcountry-5 extra minutes of preparation and planning before a hike can make all the difference. My love and gratitude to each of you for your selfless work 💙

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank you so much for your support, Rachel. It was our pleasure to meet Lane and have him be part of the film. A true hero in our book!

[@budthomason8890]

I have hiked hundreds if not thousands of miles and I dont understand how someone can get lost in the woods. When I planned my day hike I would always tell someone where I was going. I would also take two days worth of supplies for a one day hike. Cudos to the SAR people.

[@YTusercomment]

EXCELLENT Film... Great job with this film's production and MANY great points covered.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank You! We truly appreciate your support!

[@blandinesoleilperso]

Respect for all those rescuers, this movie is really inspirational !

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks for watching and your kind words! We agree the members of the Haywood County Search and Rescue team are true heroes!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Bravo

[@JulieGayheart]

Thanks Pete!

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks Pete! We truly appreciate your support!

[@belindaguerette4249]

What wonderful people to train so hard just to help others! I hope I never need them, but what a comfort to know they are there!

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank you Belinda! True Heroes!

[@dannystephenshiking951]

What an awesome documentary on search and rescue. Hats off to the amazing men and women who give so much of their time and risk your lives to help others.You are true heroes. Thank you!!!!! 🦉

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank You for watching! True heroes indeed!

[@micaKTM1290]

Well done. People that go out unprepared annoy the crap out of me.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@susanlevy4982]

Great job documenting Search and Rescue. Very informative and I am so grateful there are such brave men and women who have the skills, knowledge and heart to do rescue work. Thank you Julie and Austin for making this film and also for educating hikers with ways to help protect themselves in the woods.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank you so much, Kansas! We appreciate your support!

[@nolacollie7157]

Well done to the dedicated teams. Very good content.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank You For Watching!

[@JeffRandall-d4h]

Awesome documentary on one of the best SAR teams in the Southeast.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

We agree 100 PERCENT! True Heroes!

[@IwonaTKB]

Very good movie, thank you for promoting hiker safety and a BIG thank you to the members of SAR teams, they are the best of the best ❤

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

I don’t have many things in life that make me unique. But my entire life I have had like internal gps. They have actually done studies on it and I took part it one about 25 years ago. So I’m fascinated by people getting lost. It’s incomprehensible for me. It’s like trying to tell me the sky is red not blue. IF I could get lost I would not risk doing so. Ever. It’s got to be so insane to not know where you are or what way to go.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@markford2606]

Finally got a chance to watch this. Congratulations, thank you for doing such a good job and highlighting these teams!

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Hey Mark! Thanks for watching! The Haywood County Search and Rescue Team is the Gold Standard!

[@toebeans6568]

I watched Susan Clements daughter's personal account of events when she released it several years ago. When i saw her face at beginning of video the tears just flooded back. I want to visit the park but what happened to her TERRIFIES me. Wonderful documentary on how bad ass these SAR persons are ❤

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank you so much for watching! The Haywood County Search & Rescue Team is THE ABSOLUTE BEST!

[@KrizAkoni]

Excellent production and important message! Nice job. 🤓

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks so much Alpha Gal! Truly appreciate your support!

[@andreabuzeta4297]

Bravo 👏 so well done.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank You for your support!

[@richardh.5404]

Very good!!

[@JulieGayheart]

Thank you for your support! We truly appreciate it!

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank you so much!

[@swishanie5294]

Great documentary!!!!!! These search and rescue teams are heroes!!!!!!!!❤❤❤

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Hey Swishanie! Thanks for watching! They are our heroes too! 🧡

[@AptitudeOutdoors]

What a great message to share. Good work!

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank You Paul! Means a lot coming from a fellow podcaster and filmmaker!

[@AptitudeOutdoors]

@@JesterWallisProductions glad you're doing this to help keep people safe

[@Johnnywalleye1]

Impeccable production

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@jrryland3786]

Terrific Documentary - I had a chance opportunity to hike on the AT last summer with "Lost-n-Found", Lane, one of the search and rescue team featured in this episode. He was a terrific ambassador for being your own first responder, and a terrific hiking/canoeing partner for the short period we hiked together. Terrific to know you all are out there just in case! Thanks for all you do, and thanks for providing some awareness to the effort required to train, prepare, and respond.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks for watching! We are so glad to have been able to spend time with Lane and learn from him!

[@MississippiHiker601]

Great video and message that needs to be seen by many. Thanks

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks for watching! We agree about getting the message out there to as many people as we can! Let's Save Lives Together!

[@SridharSaraf]

First of all, I would like to thank Julie and Austin for creating this awesome educational hiking video. As an overnight backpacker, I am fully prepared-indeed, I take more stuff than necessary. However, it is the day hikes that I have never paid attention to until I saw this video. I now realize how a seemingly mundane short day hike can become deadly. I am definitely going to share this knowledge with my fellow day hikers. Thanks again 🙏

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks for watching Sridhar! Thanks for sharing about hiker safety and preventative search and rescue!

[@thefisherking78]

This makes me want to do SAR

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks for watching! Your local SAR Team would love to have you!

[@thefisherking78]

@@JesterWallisProductions I'm looking into it right now. I'm moving in a few months so it'd be in the new place but I'm already making contacts to see about it.

[@JohnnyontheTrail]

Hi all, great documentary Jester Wallis Productions and amazing work by the Haywood County SAR Team! I've met many of you on good terms and I hope that I never have to meet you on bad terms BUT, If I do I know that I'm in good hands.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Hey Johnny! Hope you are doing well! So glad you got a chance to watch the film. I figured you would know most of the team that was in the film. Hope all is well in your world! - Jester

[@boomerts]

Great job! 👍🏼

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks so much!

[@johnnydollar853]

What a wonderful documentary. Th responders are all so brave and dedicated. An amazing film. I will promote this film gladly.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks so much for watching and promoting the film. We argree with you about the responders! True dedication and all Volunteers!

[@ridgepath]

Wow. Well done.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks so much and thanks for watching!

[@TheFunKing33]

Always hike with a Bic lighter and benadryl.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks so much for watching! Bic lighters and benadryl are a good thing!

[@dubaiedge]

It often seems like more signs up could easily save more lives.

[@clibat]

Great movie! Thanks Jester Wallis Productions! Followup question. One of the interviews mention triangulating a cell phone call. Any idea why they couldn't do that for the person that did call 911 but ended up getting found by the helicopter? Also, is smoke from a fire not generally found to be a possible means of finding a lost hiker?

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thanks so much for watching! With the search for David the weather played a huge factor. They had snow storm conditions and a 60 mile radius of dense forest to narrow down. Once they found his car they set out on a series of trails in the vicinity. Smoke can be a means to find a lost hiker but in the case of David and his friend Sultan they were in snow storm conditions with low visibility.

[@nancypeast]

I can comment on this too since it was my SAR team that led the search. Occasionally cell phones don’t ping towers like they should and we don’t get accurate coordinates. Seems to happen more frequently when people are in lower elevation areas with low signal. We’ve had it happen a couple of times and it’s always frustrating! Great question.

[@clibat]

Thanks. That makes complete sense that you can't see smoke intermingled with millions of snowflakes!@@JesterWallisProductions

[@clibat]

Thanks Nancy. Is it possible to get a location if the person is only hitting 1 tower? I've certainly heard on triangulating and imagine that process as needing more than 1 tower to locate you by checking the difference in timing between pings (that's what I see on TV anyway). 1 tower seems like it would only give 1 point of reference and not allow for testing a timing difference. Ugg.. Now I'm going to go down a 4 hour rabbit hole on google learning about triangulation.

[@barbarabeland354]

Why doesn’t your team use dogs in addition to ground crews? I’ve been a K9 handler for 32 years, and dogs are a great asset. Once a car is found, dogs can track the missing person, or at least clarify a direction of travel.

[@chriswitt2596]

How about whistles?

[@barbarabeland354]

I don’t understand why they don’t use dogs in addition to the ground crews. Once they located the car belonging to the the two guys, they could have used dogs to locate them, quicker than three days. I’ve been a K9 SAR handler for 32 years, and dogs can be invaluable.

[@JesterWallisProductions]

Thank you for serving as a K9 SAR handler! We appreciate everything you and the amazing dogs do!

[@allenklingsporn6993]

K9 teams are part of the standard SAR assets in this area. We have entire radio channels for K9 tac talk. They were used in the search, but helicopters with thermal will probably always be faster, except when rescue turns into recovery and there isn't a warm body to be found. In this case, the victims didn't call 911 until the morning after they got lost. Realistically, it was a 36 hour SAR event. Considering that the Shining Rock Wilderness Area is VERY rugged and steep in most places, it was a pretty quick rescue. What we often find is that one SAR asset will just narrowly beat another type of asset to the victim. In this case, helicopters with thermal imaging won...twice (one of the helos found them earlier in the day, but ran out of fuel).