SAREX 2007

LINKS:

TRACKS:

General Tracks

Interview and Investigation – Techniques for Search and Rescue Responders.
Instructor: Chris Young

Interviewing is an important part of search investigation and yet is often a hastily done and incomplete task. In many searches especially in an urban environment, an interview may be the largest generator of clues on where to search. This presentation/workshop will discuss why we need to interview and compare and contrast interview and interrogation in law enforcement and the unique requirements and needs in the Search and Rescue world. It will probe the "how to" mechanics of conducting a good interview from the setting for the interview, to the demeanor of the interviewer, to the type of in depth questions and how the information gathered can be used to paint a mental picture and profile of the missing subject. This information can then be used to assist the planning function in establishing where to look and the best use of SAR resources. The discussions will include initial and post search interviewing, as well as telephone and door-to-door interviewing. The workshop will also include interview practice exercises.

Avalanche Beacon
Instructor: Bob Craig

This will be a 1 ˝ to 2-hour field exercise designed for those who have never used an avalanche beacon, or would like a quick refresher. We will be using several different kinds so participants will get a wide variety of beacons to work with. If you have your own please feel free to bring it and participate (only 457 KHZ units).

Tracking
Instructor: Fernando Moriea

Track Aware
Introduction to Mantracking, Search & Rescue Tracking (SART), Crime Scene Tracking (CST), Tactical Training (TT) and advanced Tracking methods and techniques.

SAR Tracking
(POST) Certified training to prepare SAR members for urban, rural and night tracking under "ideal" conditions. Course content includes:

  • General awareness - use of all senses
  • Tracking glossary
  • Types of sign
  • The tracking team
  • The tracking stick
  • Guidelines for recording tracking hours in a log book
  • Measuring and documenting the track
  • Tracking on various terrains and ground covers
  • Pressure releases
  • Backtracking for clues
  • Day tracking
  • Night tracking

Navigation w/ out tools = KEN MYERS YODOGS, NEVADA CO

A demonstration of several methods for determining direction and staying on course without the use of map, compass or GPS.  Includes a simplified understanding of the motion of the sun, moon, stars and your shadow, and methods for using that knowledge to determine directions.  A short field exercise will follow to allow you to try out these methods yourself.

Advanced GPS   - NOREEN MCCLINTOCK YODOGS, WOOF

Using the GPS to its maximum potential in the back county; uploading and down loading data to provide search management the most information.  Field exercise in conjunction with class for both K-9 and handlers and non- K-9 handlers to practice their learned skills.  Dog handlers will have a 40 acre area to work with their dogs, GPS and scent articles. Non K-9 handlers will be able to field test their GPS skills. There will be a prize awarded for each.

SAR/Wilderness Interface    1000-1200  9/8/07   

Description: Understanding the wilderness ethic and working with the USFS.

Project Life Saver - Jim Voltz

24 Hour Pack Basics - Kris Baltz

Marijuana Garden Recognition - Detective Chris Ramirez

Introduction to high altitude and extreme cold

In this course, we will discuss; traveling and extend stay in high altitude, physical challenges including dealing with high altitude sickness and other medical conditions, required personal and group equipment during high altitude climbing, selection on food and diets and other related topic will be covered

Litter Wheel

The litter wheel is a valuable tool in wilderness rescue because it dramatically reduces the number of people required to perform an evacuation.  Like many tools in wilderness rescue, using a litter wheel to its fullest extent requires training and practice.  This course will briefly describe the different types litter wheels available, their pros and cons, and the roles of the different rescuers involved in a wheeled evacuation.  The main focus of the class, however, will be on tricks of the trade and how to avoid many of the problems encountered in the field.

Introduction to Wilderness Navigation - Cal-ESAR (Maps and Navigation Tools/Methods)

 Many outdoor activities are dependent upon the ability to travel in roadless areas with only the aid of map and compass, and it is extremely important that search & rescue personnel are expert in this area. This class introduces the student to use of the map and compass in the backcountry, and provides the basic tools for understanding maps,  backcountry travel, selecting routes & describing locations in a non-urban setting. This is an entry-level course designed for the beginning SAR person, and should be considered to be a prerequisite for any GPS class.

The Maps course  will cover

  • Basic map “survival skills”: understanding scales, declination, contours, symbols, routes, color-codes, map age and marginalia; field-proofing your map; mapping software.
  • Use of UTM, Lat/Long, Township and Range and other coordinate systems to describe locations in the field
  • Understanding and using a datum, especially important for future GPS users.

The Navigation Tools and Methods class will cover

  • The Compass: Parts, compass handling, how to take and follow and plot bearings, awareness of external sources of magnetism , declination calculations and adjustments.
  • Altimeters: Their use to simplify finding your location in the field.
  • Travel and Location Determination Methods: Triangulation, catching features, handrails, deliberate and right-angle offsets, leapfrogging, night navigation.
  • Improvised navigation: Does moss really grow on the north side of trees?  What do you do when Murphy's Law strikes again?
  • Field Exercise:  Finding your stride, finding bearings in the field (Wagon Wheel exercise), Triangulation practice, via the wagon wheel and “for real”..