El Paso County Search and Rescue instructs on hiker safety following death in Saguache County

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Following the recent death of Saguache County hiker Luis Corkern, who was found dead by Custer County Search and Rescue after attempting to summit Kit Carson peak, the Search and Rescue team in El Paso County is instructing hikers how to stay safe in the area.

According to Jay Christianson, the Public Information Officer for El Paso County Search and Rescue, 20% of the team's workload goes to searches and 80% toward rescues.

Of that 80%, Christianson said 25-40% of those missions take place in Manitou Springs on the Lower Barr Trail.

“We definitely see a lot of people who roll ankles or knees or hips, or sort of physical injury, heat exhaustion, that sort of stuff down on the Barr Trail-Incline area," said Christianson.

While some of those emergencies are caused by recklessness, Christianson said precautionary measures can also be taken to prevent dangerous situations before they happen.

El Paso County Search and Rescue recommends that all hikers plan and research before they hit the trail, monitor weather conditions, learn the route in advance, and bring physical maps, not just cell phones.

Search and Rescue services are free throughout the state, so all hikers are encouraged to call the moment they feel like they need help.

The number to call if you need help is (719) 635-9400.