Last year, many deemed the Red Bull Divide & Conquer too big a liability. Citing concerns about resources and the race’s safety plan, the Durango Fire and Rescue Authority actually withdrew emergency-services coverage for the event. This year, there are still major concerns about the race. However, race organizers are getting some credit for a more comprehensive plan.

Scott Sholes, emergency medical services coordinator for Durango Fire and Rescue, commented, “What they’ve decided to do, with our encouragement, is engage a special-events emergency

response company. Hopefully, I’ll hear from them, and we can figure out if we can tie in with them.”

Patrick Harper, the course designer, said that Red Bull has contracted with Absolute Safety, a group that has provided medical coverage for events like the Gorge Games and the Teva Mountain Games.

“We’ll have more medical people on the course this year,” Harper said. “We’ll be able to transport people on our own in most cases. But if there’s a situation that requires a helicopter or anything like that, we would most like

ly have to rely on local services.”

Echoing others, Sholes said that he had concerns about the levels in the Upper Animas River and that he understands there were a couple close calls last year. However, in general, he is more relaxed going into this year’s event.

“You know, they get the best of the best,” Sholes said. “I’m definitely more comfortable with it this year. It doesn’t change the fact that it’s very remote. If they have an accident on Kendall Mountain or in Rockwood Gorge, it’s going to be very time consuming.”

Butch Knowlton, director of La Plata County Emergency Preparedness, is also happy to see Divide & Conquer contracting with Absolute Safety. However, he feels this year’s race could be much more hazardous than the first.

“A lot of us have been concerned with the fact that the kayaking segment could be in the Animas during a high-flow time,” Knowlton said. “Comparing this year to last year, there are certainly more risks and hazards. I think it’s absolutely prudent that they have more help this time.”

– Will Sands