Training
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For upcoming training and exercises, see the calendar and associated links. |
MOCK SEARCH - Nov 2009
Training topics covered were Clue Awareness, GPS, Compass and declination, Radio Protocol, Personal Gear, and Rocket Flare Deployment. Members learned: to identify clues and what they might mean, to identify signs of hypothermia and low blood sugar, to take GPS coordinates and plot them on a topo map, to use their compass to take a bearing and to follow an azimuth, to set their compass for declination, team leader responsibilities, proper radio protocol, and how to use a rocket parachute flare for signaling.
Certified Ropes Course
PLSAR hosted a certified ropes course in July
2009.
Members from BCSAR and BCEMS participated in the three day event which consisted
of both classroom and skills training. With the mountainous terrain
in Bonner County, training must include high and low angle rescue. These
types of rescues require both a knowledge of ropes, type and strength, and
a high level of skill in the use of ropes in vertical terrain.
The State of Idaho Department of Homeland Security requires that all emergency responders complete the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) courses. Several members of BCSAR were in one of the early NIMS classes held in Bonner County.
Click here for a list of self-paced, on-line, and instructor lead courses. These courses are FREE. Instructor-lead courses are best as they give the student the opportunity to ask question and participate in discussions. Self-paced, if one has the discipline to study on one's own, is faster.
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Land navigation is a necessary skill in
wilderness areas. It includes reading regular and topographical maps
and using a GPS.
Training paid off with the BCSAR team winning awards at the Idaho State Search & Rescue Convention.
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Sometimes
it becomes necessary to stay over night on the trail. No one wants to
suspend the search when a child or senior citizen is lost.
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A mock search is a simulation where
members can practice every aspect of a real search without the pressure of
knowing that a person's life may be hanging in the balance.
This search on Baldy turned into a training exercise when the missing person was found by family members sleeping soundly at a friend's house.
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Mantracking is not for everyone. It
requires extreme patience, a keen eye, and the ability to interpret what one
sees. This introduction to mantracking was presented at an Idaho State
Search & Rescue meeting. Several BCSAR members were sent for further
training.
Course Instructors
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Personnel with training in emergency
medical care are essential to the success of every mission. There is always
the possibility that the person for whom we are searching is injured. And,
accidents can happen to searchers as well although typical injuries are
scratches, bee stings, and blisters.
Both classroom and practical skills training are required. Extrication and the use of the "Jaws of Life" is can be helpful tools to a rescuer.
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Training in high and low angle rescue
is a must in the mountains where the rescued may need to be brought up from
the base of a cliff or down a steep incline.
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With the amount of water in Bonner and
surrounding counties, training for ice and flowing water rescues are
necessary.
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Training can be a great excuse to get
outdoors and do what one loves to do best.
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Every search has the potential to turn
into a crime scene. It is essential that SAR personnel have the knowledge
and skills to assist law enforcement.
Urban search and rescue may be necessary following natural and manmade disasters.
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