tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70052993770006847202023-10-17T03:01:16.035-07:00Mountain Rescue AssociationMountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-49533426076488125192015-01-06T12:26:00.001-08:002015-01-06T12:26:13.672-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmBffYf5-09bDHKr7O9o-VItplwXZ9Z7p2wSfBloVZ0Bd7syHBR49l3hrkP0mveWMiIR0YD-z7GHJ-9Syc5SAreR2pUZWf519vlxv6LVWaajb6N6JpZ60fvG0-LVmwc0xjY2ehzI6efo/s1600/SARCON2015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmBffYf5-09bDHKr7O9o-VItplwXZ9Z7p2wSfBloVZ0Bd7syHBR49l3hrkP0mveWMiIR0YD-z7GHJ-9Syc5SAreR2pUZWf519vlxv6LVWaajb6N6JpZ60fvG0-LVmwc0xjY2ehzI6efo/s1600/SARCON2015.png" height="245" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Call for Speakers</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SARCON2015<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">National Search and
Rescue Conference<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Presented by the MRA</span>
</b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">and NASAR and CSRB<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hosted by Larimer
County Search and Rescue<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">June 4-7, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">YMCA of the Rockies,
Estes Park, CO<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SARCON2015</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> is a multifaceted exposition featuring instructional
tracks and trade-show that caters exclusively to decision-makers and SAR professionals
involved in all aspects of search and rescue. Subject matter includes mountain
rescue techniques and skills, search skills and management, use of canines, and
other pertinent information. Session attendees will seek positive, practical
input for a proactive approach to search and rescue. Attendees will include
professionals, both paid and non-paid, in all aspects of search and rescue from
throughout the United States and abroad. Attendees will represent many job
functions, but will all share a similar concern: search and rescue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Speaker
Responsibilities<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In an
effort to keep the costs of SARCON2015 as low as possible, speakers are asked
to attend the conference as regular attendees, and we will waive ¼ of the
registration and lodging/meal package (ie: if the Conference costs $500 we’ll
waive $125 in consideration). </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt;">Because the conference
program is intended to provide formal instruction in a non-commercial setting,
the distribution and presentation of commercial messages for business
solicitation purposes are strictly prohibited in the classroom.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
deadline for submission is March 28, 2015. Please provide the following
information for program consideration to the track coordinator: Tom Wood twood@pmirope.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">• Presentation title.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">• Presentation length (60, 90 or 120
minute time slots are available) – workshops will be scheduled all day Friday
and Saturday, June 5-6, with overflow slots possibly available Sunday morning
June 7.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">• A maximum 200-word synopsis of the
presentation you would like to have considered.
Please keep in mind this will serve as the basis for the abstract
printed for publication in the registration brochure and conference program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">• Indicate the type of visual aids you
will use in this presentation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">• Has this presentation been given
before? If so, when and where?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">• Your name, address, daytime telephone
number and email address.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">• Bio – not more than 200 words,
paragraph form only (NOT RESUME FORMAT).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-89658057915901251242014-10-14T10:19:00.002-07:002014-10-14T10:22:19.664-07:00The Body of ICAR<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="javascript:openPhotoAlbum('/eXtraEngine3/WebObjects/eXtraEngine3.woa/wa/photo?id=10070&mid=5&lang=en');" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ikar-cisa.org/ikar-cisa/images/medium/2014/ikar20140507000444.jpeg" height="400" width="230" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;"><em>Guest Blogger J.
Marc Beverly</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;"><em>MRA Avalanche Alternate Delegate for ICAR</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;"><em>Albuquerque Mountain
Rescue<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;">The
Human body and the Search and Rescue world have many similarities. As an
infant, we are naive about the fact that the human body has many organs and a
network of nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and bones that are the large
functional groups to make the system work. Likewise, the rescue community is
also composed of many entities, each with specific skills, functions, and
responsibilities.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;">This
was the first year ever (in a 66-year history) that the International
Commission of Alpine Rescue (ICAR) met in the United States. Four days of
trainings and meetings were dedicated to continue to build a neural connection
among rescue members from around the world. All in attendance, more than three
hundred from over 29 countries are on the path to the same end, to become
better rescuers by sharing and gaining knowledge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;">Sometimes,
MRA teams in the USA do not realize how much of a role they play in the greater
scheme of things until you go to an event like the ICAR. We sometimes get
caught up in traditions of doing things a certain way, and sometimes
consistency is good. However, every now and then we should reconsider what we
are doing in our rescue regimes, to knock the proverbial “straw man” down and
prove ourselves right, or consider another alternative. Cross-pollination helps
with evolution and thwarts stagnation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;">The
high level of professionalism and commitment is evident at ICAR. Certainly, the
organization did not start this way, but it is achieving what was sought, and
the mission of ICAR to spread education appears to be in full swing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;">This
was my first time attending ICAR and I personally enjoyed to be able to spend
time contemplating difficult questions with those who write our action plans
for organized alpine rescue. Certainly, I have done the same within the guiding
community, but many international guides from other countries are at ICAR for the
same purpose as I, to learn and contribute something to the ongoing metabolism
of alpine rescue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;">For
me, I have gained answers to some of my questions, but ICAR has left me with
more focused questions for which I hope to find answers to in the future. I
gained insight from every meeting and training. I learned of new probing
techniques, gained insight on medical triage for avalanche victims, and learned
of new ways of handling high-risk avalanche rescue with helicopter operations.
New products from manufacturers were on hand specifically for rescue (that I
don’t see at the Outdoor Retailer’s Show), while input was freely given by the
end-users on how to improve upon what is currently available.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;"></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #20124d;"> </span></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;">
<strong><span style="color: blue;"></span></strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL5dcjZbJzKLc3OmwVAWFcTc6quvHyfEDWR3XmU1SNAWqUnR75dV3bmtJccuDcZBZXMdA6SIfKIYpfSXG6rum7I_D22J3d27PgU0WADntbkySr9idfkdokZY19icbAKJe73N4wSAfzF8/s1600/MRA_trans+bkg_blk+shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL5dcjZbJzKLc3OmwVAWFcTc6quvHyfEDWR3XmU1SNAWqUnR75dV3bmtJccuDcZBZXMdA6SIfKIYpfSXG6rum7I_D22J3d27PgU0WADntbkySr9idfkdokZY19icbAKJe73N4wSAfzF8/s1600/MRA_trans+bkg_blk+shadow.jpg" height="104" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong><span style="color: #073763;"> Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"></span></span><o:p></o:p> </div>
</span><br />
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</div>
Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-8634779006184431122014-04-11T08:47:00.000-07:002014-04-11T08:47:04.972-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjcVt46xc-BzSLNEQh8Rh2iG44Wzh1htN1GavhbsWgKbFJ0P8LWIXRtpnN_cebjmQ1namvTU86xmnLcdFX574e5P4-tf4BfEAcyHh1A-oIQc_hLZibVs1hw_bSPUnllLhjE2YCke-pao/s1600/SAR14_Logo_B_3_Colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjcVt46xc-BzSLNEQh8Rh2iG44Wzh1htN1GavhbsWgKbFJ0P8LWIXRtpnN_cebjmQ1namvTU86xmnLcdFX574e5P4-tf4BfEAcyHh1A-oIQc_hLZibVs1hw_bSPUnllLhjE2YCke-pao/s1600/SAR14_Logo_B_3_Colors.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: impact, chicago; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: impact, chicago; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: impact, chicago; font-size: large;">F</span><span style="font-family: impact, chicago; font-size: large;">or the 2nd time the MRA and NASAR </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: impact, chicago; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">will come together to present the<br />2014 National Search & Rescue Conference<br />June 5-7 ~ Woodcliff Lake, NJ</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Pre-Conference Workshops - Monday-Wednesday, June 2-4</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Federal & State SAR Coordinator's Meeting (Invitation Only) - Tuesday & Wednesday, June 3-4</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Exhibit Hall Open - Wednesday-Friday, June 4-6</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Conference Dates - Thursday-Saturday, June 5-7</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">MRA Business Meeting - Sunday, June 8</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Registration includes attendence for the conference / exhibition space and 1 Banquet ticket</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.nasar.org/files/2014_Registration_Form.pdf" style="outline: none;" target="_blank">Click here</a> for the paper registration form for paying by check or purchase order</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.hiltonwoodclifflake.com/" style="outline: none;">Click here</a> for hotel information (Woodcliff Lake Hilton - $102/Night conference rate use code "ANS" when you call)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="https://netforum.avectra.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=LoginRequired&Site=nasar" style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">CLICK HERE FOR PRECONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION</span></a></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><a href="https://netforum.avectra.com/eweb/shopping/shopping.aspx?site=nasar&webcode=shopping&cart=0&shopsearchCat=Event" style="outline: none;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">CLICK HERE FOR CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION</span></a></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Preconference courses this year include:</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Cave Rescue Operations (in a real cave, no simulations, only the real thing for this conference)</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">NASAR SAR Fundamentals of Tracking (Learn from the best, Del is back this year)</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">NASAR Tracking Certification Exam (get that certificate for the next big search)</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Endangered & Vulnerable Children and Adults (special skills for special SAR missions)</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Urban Search Management (the urban "wilderness" SAR mission with Chris Young)</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Motivating Your Working Dog with Michael Ellis (both particpants and observers are welcome)</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Twin Tensioned Line Systems (feeling stress, a little tension - double it up with twin tensioning)</span></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">AWR-160 Weapons of Mass Destruction Awareness (Homeland Security Ceritifcate Provided) - you must bring a copy of your ICS 100.a certificate and your ICS-700.a certificate. </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">We are using EventMobi again this year as the conference management application. It will be updated regularly, and is already online with some information loaded up. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Check it out at:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>WWW.EVENTMOBI.COM/SARCON2014</b></span></div>
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Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-46549412817170493972014-03-17T08:48:00.000-07:002014-03-24T07:09:30.622-07:00<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfqhlqu8Y4k8tddQiMCG07UebOGy9XPEhD_cPXVDRLNxVXWymzNrgSMMEZU2-m824cZnTnkTf39Qvlimsp7RZt32U7efev9eL3ibjMnay6jZk0JjJN9EScMXRrvWcVBAyq_Ftq0rTJec/s1600/SAR14_Logo_B_3_Colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfqhlqu8Y4k8tddQiMCG07UebOGy9XPEhD_cPXVDRLNxVXWymzNrgSMMEZU2-m824cZnTnkTf39Qvlimsp7RZt32U7efev9eL3ibjMnay6jZk0JjJN9EScMXRrvWcVBAyq_Ftq0rTJec/s1600/SAR14_Logo_B_3_Colors.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once again the Mountain Rescue Association and the National Association for Search and Rescue are teaming up for the National Search and Rescue Conference! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Registration is OPEN and can be found here </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mra.org/training-education/spring-conference"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">CONFERENCE REGISTRATION </span></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The event will be held at the <a href="http://www.hiltonwoodclifflake.com/">Woodcliff Lake Hilton</a> <span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">$102/Night conference rate use code "ANS" when you call</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2014 National Search and Rescue Conference</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: red;">Tentative </span></i><span style="color: #990000;">Schedule of Events</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Tuesday
/ Wednesday</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
3-4 Pre-Conference Workshops (pre-registration required)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
3-4 0800 to 1700 State SAR Coordinators Workshop<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
4 1500 Opening of Exhibit Hall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
4 1800 NASAR Board of Directors Meeting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
4 0900 to 1700 Syrotuck Symposium<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Thursday</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>June
5 0900–0930 Opening Session <o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>June
5 0930–1200 Workshops<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
5 1130-1300 & 1630-1900 Exhibit Hall Open<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
5 1330–1700 Workshops<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>June
5 1900-2030 NASAR General Meeting<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: red;"><u>June
5 2030–2200 Meet the Candidates for NASAR Board of Directors</u></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
5 1900-2030 MRA Safety Committee Near Miss Case Studies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Friday</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
6 0830-1500 Workshops<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
6 1000-1330 Exhibit Hall Open<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
6 1530-1700 Community Meetings (K9, Ground SAR, Water, Tracking, MRA)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">June
6 1830-2230 Higgins & Langley Awards Ceremony</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Saturday</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
7 0830-1730 Workshops<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
7 – SAR GAMES<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June
7 1630-2230 Awards Banquet & Silent Auction</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June 8 National Search and Rescue Memorial Service</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">June 8 MRA Business Meeting</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">GEOCACHE </span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;">– This year we have hidden many geocaches on site. Win prizes, impress your</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">friends with your GPS skills, let your inner geek go wild… go find’em!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Workshop Descriptions with speaker profiles will be posted on the EventMobi</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">application site. Go to www.eventmobi.com/sarcon2014 to get the application and</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">event details, including directions, hotel, etc.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preconference June 3-4</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• NASAR Tracking Certification Examination (beta)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• NASAR SAR Fundamentals Tracking Course</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Cave Rescue Operations</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Endangered & Vulnerable Children & Adults</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Motivating Your Working Dog (observers welcome but must register)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Urban Search Management</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Twin Tensioned Line Systems</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mountain Rescue Track</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Developing an Intuitive Understanding of Force Vectors in Rope Systems For Technical</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rescue</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Snow Anchors</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Ice Anchors</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Proceedings of the 2013 International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) Congress,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Terrestrial Rescue Commission</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Moving a Litter Through Class 3 Terrain</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Fact or Fiction- Common Rigging Myths</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Pre-Tensioning the Belay Line</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Edge Management and Rappell Backup for Rescue Personnel</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Solo Rope Rescue – Lowering Method</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Use of Skinny Ropes in Rescue</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Pike and Pivot – Jersey Bridle</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">General Track</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Train as You Fight…</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Increasing Professionalism of Volunteer Programs</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Social Media for Search And Rescue</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Search And Rescue Interface for Ski Patrols</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Survival Basics for the SAR Responder</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Visual Search, Target Orientation, and Probability of Detection</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• The Effective Use of Volunteer SAR Personnel in Police Investigations and Civil</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Emergencies</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Clue Awareness for Search Teams (CAST) – Train the Trainer</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Best Practices for Funding SAR Operations</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Medical Track</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Moulage – Enhancing Realism in Training Exercises</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Wound Care</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• What is Autism?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Walk the Talk: Selective C-Spine Immobilization</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Missing at Risk: Understanding and Managing the Search for the Missing At Risk</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alzheimers and Dementia Search</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Exercise Programming for Mountain Rescue Personnel</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Understanding Missing Persons with Autism</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Practical Drowning Resuscitation</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Government, HLS, US&R, and Technology Track</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Debunking SAR Myth vs Reality and Why Now is the Time to Get Prepared</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Back to the Future: Second Generation Distress Beacons</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Updated Tactics for Locating Distress Beacons</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Callout Systems on the Cheap</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• ESRI Mapping Update</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Communicate Critical GPS and Digital Mapping SAR Information Wirelessly</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• SAR Mission Optimization Using Common Operating Picture Technology</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Response to Chemical Suicide Incidents</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Management Track</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Understanding the Human Terrain Search And Rescue Operations</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Interview and Investigation – Techniques for Search And Rescue Responders</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Investigative Strategies During a Missing Person Search</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Family Interactions with Search Authorities During SAR Incidents</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Standard Operating Procedures, Why Do You Need Them? What Do You Have to Have?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Application of Structured Geospatial Analytical Methods to Wilderness SAR</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• SAR Related Line of Duty Deaths in the Known History of the U.S. and Canada</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Advances in SAR / ISRID Grows</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">• Time Sensitive Mission Planning</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Canine Track</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">TBA</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Water Track (Swiftwater and Public Safety Diver)</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">TBA</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">NASAR Education Track</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">TBA</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><img height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJqhPqhiGfmODDzBkn4pEAFP252_VKaOpGz8PQMhh1_ppp8d5FusSt4kaAT-k4PqFclS6kVJrr71ft5avXPs8yWaU4R5vd3f_e8AuzAZqHCgPAcNxB5tS8G3QptT7V4oIbJtaMga6c7I/s1600/LOGO+for+emails.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What is the Mountain Rescue Association? </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Mountain Rescue Association is an organization of teams dedicated to saving lives through rescue and mountain safety education. We do so by improving the quality, availability, and safety of mountain search and rescue through; </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Creating a framework for and accrediting member teams </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Promoting mountain safety education</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Providing a forum for development and exchange of information on mountain search and rescue techniques, equipment, and safety</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Representing member teams providing mountain search and rescue services to requesting governmental agencies </b></span></div>
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<b style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">The Mountain Rescue Association creates excellence through:</b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Camaraderie</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Dedication</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Respect</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Knowledge</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span></div>
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Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-37412988267355987712013-11-12T09:06:00.000-08:002013-11-12T09:06:16.373-08:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Kudos to the “First” First Responders</span><span style="color: #222222;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every time I read a news report about someone being rescued, or protected from harm, it is usually the official emergency responders that get the acknowledgment.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Rocky Mountain Rescue Group (of which I am a member) gets a mention each time we head out to help someone in the mountains, which is nice, but certainly not essential for me or any of my teammates to make our contribution to the team, and the patient.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What rarely gets reported, in my experience with mountain rescue at least, is what happens in between the start of someone’s bad day and when emergency responders arrive. Someone had to find the person sick, injured or dying, and then report it to the authorities. Mostly, this involves a cell phone call to 911, but it could be a 4 mile run down a trail. For most of us it is human nature to want to avoid such traumatic events. Some do that by turning away, and some do it by trying to help. These are the ways in which we deal with second hand trauma, and in the end it is about minimizing how long such a situation exist, either in our minds, or in reality. Neither is right or wrong.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">During the summer of 2012, a young man was found with serious injuries after a fall down a steep rocky gully in four-mile canyon, west of Boulder, CO. Some people hiking in the area heard some unexpected sounds and went to investigate, finding a scene that none of us deserve to see. They did what they could for the young man, calling for help, describing the location and the scene to the 911 dispatchers, guiding rescuers in and performing the basic first aid they could. They helped in a horrific situation, and were part of the emergency response for this mans life, which was sadly lost.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> In 2008, RMR was called to rescue a climber in Eldorado Canyon who had been hit by a falling dinner table-sized rock. Most of the big bones in the legs of this climber were broken. He was still on a ledge 200 feet off the ground. When rescuers arrived there were at least 4 other climbers at his location. One of them had checked that the climbers rope was safe for rescuers to ascend, another did as much first aid as possible, then when rescuers arrived another used his world class climbing skills to set a anchor for the rescue, saving a significant amount of evacuation time. These climbers were the first 30 minutes of emergency response in this injured climbers life and death situation.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In 2011, a woman slid down a snowfield during a summer hike in the Indian Peaks wilderness, arriving at the rock field at the bottom at a speed that did enough damage to require a rescue. For two hours a physician’s assistant, who happened to be hiking nearby, stabilized the woman medically, and comforted her as rescuers approached from one direction and lightening approached from another. The victim was as comfortable as she could have been thanks to the ‘pre-rescuer care’ she received.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the most valuable lessons I have learned performing mountain rescue, is that the smallest things can count towards saving a life, or at the very least can change the situation so the injured or sick can get to a place of comfort (physical or mental) much quicker. This lesson was cemented through a surprising and very personal event. During a rescue in the Flatirons a few years ago, my entire contribution to the two-hour evacuation was simply talking to someone with a severely broken and deformed ankle. The distress of a middle aged women evaporated as soon as she heard my Australian accent. Now I understand for some, that this accent is not exactly ‘music to the ears’, but it took her back 20 years to another life when she lived in South Eastern Australia. When I would talk she was back walking along a beach, or watching a kangaroo jump through the fields, and with no pain or embarrassment. When I stopped talking, she would feel the pain in her ankle, tear up and apologize for requiring 20 people to carry her off the mountain. Words were enough.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As rescuers we are kept busy with scene, teammate and bystander safety, rigging evacuation systems, and making decisions in stressful environments. In the end we get internal or external recognition of our efforts. We get to debrief rescues within the team, and that camaraderie provides the recognition and motivation we need. It seems essential that we also find a way to recognize those people who form the bridge between the start of a really crappy day for someone, and when emergency responders arrive. On mountain rescue calls, that time difference can be many hours, and without any dramatization, the contribution of those people can be critical.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We should all hope that we don’t have to be the one to hold a persons hand while they wait to be extracted from a crumpled car, and we should hope that we will ever need to hold a persons head still after a fall down a mountain, but please share the word…… if you do end up there, it can literally make the difference. It may be the difference for the immediate well-being of the patient, or it may be the difference for the haste of the subsequent rescue, but in the end it is of immense value, that in my experience doesn't get enough credit. Thanks to all of those people who have formed that bridge between an accident and emergency responders.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Guest Blogger Dan Lack is a Mission Leader and Training Director for Rocky Mountain Rescue and Region Chair for the Rocky Mountain Region. </i></span><br />
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<b style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> Courage - Commitment - Compassion</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></span></div>
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Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-12661589753217732162013-09-25T06:55:00.000-07:002013-09-25T07:05:26.460-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8gINzI-QwTSHLfZ09SfmOSEI6Do4qN7P04qhGxB_D-ayPRiX0f-746yt8sUmv3_UmrZEiUVG0phZ-RWLfAhiL6vG5Antdtmhr_dW0tB2xiqxG0cqna9JaLSzimQn4CMhb43zTGve3Y8/s1600/1234305_253407044806372_1140836753_n+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8gINzI-QwTSHLfZ09SfmOSEI6Do4qN7P04qhGxB_D-ayPRiX0f-746yt8sUmv3_UmrZEiUVG0phZ-RWLfAhiL6vG5Antdtmhr_dW0tB2xiqxG0cqna9JaLSzimQn4CMhb43zTGve3Y8/s400/1234305_253407044806372_1140836753_n+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;">A c</span><span style="font-size: large;">ulture of reporting, and a
culture of safety</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Guest Blog by the Alpine Near Miss Survey's Cory Jackson </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">The Alpine Near-Miss Survey
“First 100 Reports” project is underway. We are collecting near-miss reports to
support a presentation at ITRS in November, and have been excited about the
results so far. But the more reports we receive the better! We are hoping to
encourage as many mountain rescue near-miss reports as possible over the next
couple of weeks. Read on, and hopefully you’ll find an incentive to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">The goal of near-miss research
is simply to prevent accidents and injuries. The phrase “near-miss” typically
refers to an unintended, unsafe situation that could have resulted in
injury but for a fortuitous intervention. Near-miss reporting systems are
common safety tools used in high-risk, high-consequence industries such as
commercial aviation, nuclear power generation and chemical production. These
industries study near-misses because they can outnumber reported accidents at
least ten-to-one. Near-misses also share many of the same root causes as reported
accidents. Further, near-miss data is useful information that would not be
reported but for a specialized reporting system. Finally, analyzing near-misses
is proactive rather than reactive: we can identify unsafe trends before they
result in injury.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">More importantly, positive
reporting cultures – those organizational cultures that adopt reporting systems
and embrace the value of sharing near-miss reports – are indicative of cultures
of safety. Organizational cultures are heavily studied by academics and
management consultants, but for our purposes, culture is important simply
because is pervades an organization. And because safety cultures are pervasive,
they are particularly effective at preventing accidents. Near-miss reporting
can facilitate and encourage cultures of safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Successful voluntary near-miss
reporting systems typically employ platforms that share four attributes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">1. Reporting
is anonymous or confidential or both<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">2. Incidents
are reported to an agency that is wholly separate and distinct from any agency that may govern or regulate
the workplace or activity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">3. Reports are
rapidly published giving timely feedback to reporters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">4. Reporting
is easy and quick<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">For these reasons, we designed
the Alpine Near-Miss Survey to be a nonprofit, independent entity that is not
owned or controlled by an agency that regulates mountain rescuers, mountain
guides, or recreational climbers. Second, the online platform and mobile
reporting app make reporting simple and fast. And reporters can read their
report on the website and see it shared with others within a few days of
reporting their incident. We hope that these attributes will make the platform
successful, and that it contributes to a culture of safety for those who work
and play in the alpine environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample report from the Survey</td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;">While studying near-misses and accidents is serious
business, there’s no reason why we can’t have a little fun while we’re getting
the system up and running. The Alpine Near-Miss Survey is generously supported
by the Petzl Foundation, and the Foundation has agreed to help us give away
$1,000.00 in Petzl gear to one reporter that submits a near-miss before October
31. We hope to see that report soon!</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"> <i>Guest Bloger Cory Jackson directs and manages the Alpine Near-Miss
Survey. He is one of the project’s co-founders, and is involved in all aspects
of its development including report review, website and app programming and
project fundraising. Cory is also a Member of the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team in
Ouray, Colorado. He has worked part-time as a commercial climbing guide and
instructor, and has assisted winter and summer Rigging for Rescue seminars.
Finally, Cory is an attorney and has a private practice specializing in
corporate, nonprofit, and commercial, and trust and estate law in Ouray,
Colorado.</i></span><span style="color: #073763;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><b style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> Courage - Commitment - Compassion</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></span></div>
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</span>Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-63819635357726642013-06-10T08:27:00.000-07:002013-06-10T08:27:37.769-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue;">So, what do you do here? Well, we keep ourselves pretty busy. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Based on the reports submitted to MRA Statistics for 2012, the member teams of the Mountain Rescue Association conducted more than 2900 missions and stand-bys, totaling more than 132,400 volunteer hours that resulted in the rescue of 2506 subjects. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">What kinds of missions do we conduct? Well, 1404 were search missions, 680 were technical rescues, 15 were avalanche missions and 163 were recovery missions. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">We are not just out there doing rescues, education is a large part of the Mountain Rescue Association mission. Our member teams presented more than 10,000 hours of free public education programming. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;">Of course the largest part of our time was dedicated to training. Mountain Rescue Association teams held more than 2700 training events totaling more than 207,000 training hours! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: blue;"><b> Courage - Commitment - Compassion</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></div>
</span>Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-57398860863909084612013-04-01T16:40:00.001-07:002014-04-01T07:54:55.111-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Happy April
Fool’s Day to my fellow mountain rescuers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We all know
that mountain rescue is serious business. As rescuers, we work very hard to
project the image of ourselves as dedicated, non-paid professionals. And while
we always tackle the mission at hand with complete seriousness, I feel that we desperately
need to avoid taking OURSELVES too seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am a
member of Colorado’s Alpine Rescue Team. We like to think of ourselves as
highly skilled, well-trained non-paid professional rescuers. But if you look closely
at the walls of our headquarters (AKA The Shack), tucked in between the
official proclamations of thanks from politicians, yellowed newspaper clippings
tacked to the wall, and next to photos of our ice-rimed members waving summit
flags atop the world’s high peaks- you’ll find a framed photo from the 80s of
eight of our members (male and female) mooning the camera at the base of an ice
climb. Can you imagine the look on your boss’ face in Corporate America USA,
Inc. if you put a photo of eight pairs of (blindingly white) cheeks on the wall
of your cubicle for all the world to see? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Probably
not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And look!
Next to all the fancy brass and glass plaques from the local Chamber of
Commerce, the Rotary Club and the Red Cross – it’s a gnarled bristlecone pine
tree trunk adorned with various trinkets and artifacts including, but not
limited to: a chunk of melted aluminum (from a torched snowmobile), broken toy
helicopters, busted toy snowmobiles, a cracked aircraft altimeter, a sticker
that reads “emergency helicopter exit only” and the tag cut from one of our
mission leaders’ Fruit of the Loom white bikini brief underwear. This is our
team’s inglorious monument to our failures and embarrassing moments as mountain
rescuers. It is lovingly known to Alpine members as the Windy Peak “Aw Shit!”
Award, and the trinkets hanging from it are the contributions of past recipients.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqip23aus0-MeZJ6PMuIOTio7AkJyBWHOteOZaJGcHkJyUH06fxbCRHM6LfoNFFWN177DUyxRj-Cr_9lSCxAfbNg2Dvswfo-JPAjCwB4TN4o4LpcWi5fwBgsbM3HTC6E9uy8RhdkxErqs/s1600/Aw+shit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqip23aus0-MeZJ6PMuIOTio7AkJyBWHOteOZaJGcHkJyUH06fxbCRHM6LfoNFFWN177DUyxRj-Cr_9lSCxAfbNg2Dvswfo-JPAjCwB4TN4o4LpcWi5fwBgsbM3HTC6E9uy8RhdkxErqs/s320/Aw+shit.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This award
symbolizes so many things that I truly love about mountain rescue. First and
foremost, it is a recognition of our humanity. Our fallibility. It also
symbolizes that cherished spirit of true irreverence that runs crookedly
through the heart of mountain rescue. I feel that the “Aw Shit!” Award,
bestowed each year upon the team member who had the year’s biggest goof-up, is
our most important award. (And yes, I am a previous winner – DON’T ask). It
serves as our yearly reminder to both honor that irreverent spirit of mountain
rescue’s independent nature, and to lighten the hell up. For in mountain
rescue, sometimes our sense of humor is the only weapon we have at our disposal
when we are faced with tragedy in the backcountry. The temptation to take
things too seriously is sometimes a strong one, and one that we must avoid if
we hope to remain happy and sane while doing our important work in the place I
like to call RescueWorld.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ernest
Hemingway is famous for saying, “There are only three sports: bullfighting,
motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.” And though
mountaineering <i>could</i> be thought of as
a sport, it is most certainly not a TEAM sport. It’s a solo endeavor performed
by individuals. And so it goes that mountain rescue teams can be thought of as
extensions of these free-spirited mountaineering individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hell, given
the fiercely independent nature of most mountain rescue teams in the U.S., it’s
a wonder to me that a national organization like the MRA exists at all
sometimes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For just as
the mountains attract many hikers, climbers and mountaineers who march to the
beat of a different drummer, so it goes for many of the men and women who sign
on to help those having a bad day while enjoying the freedom of the hills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The very
dynamic and eclectic nature of non-paid professional mountain rescue itself often
cries out for an eccentric and unconventional approach. It follows that those
who are drawn to this type of service for lost or injured hikers, climbers and
skiers in the mountains might be a little … off as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In fact, the
more time you spend around almost any volunteer mountain rescue team in the
world, you’ll find that most of us possess (and sometimes flaunt) a strong sense
of independent irreverence that you won’t likely find in EMS organizations that
are dependent on mill levies or those that are forced to march to the PC beat
of a Human Resource (HR) Department.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And God help
mountain rescue the day that we have an HR Department.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Hold on for
a moment here while I step up onto my soapbox.) The way I see it, if you can’t
go to the mountains or the backcountry and let your hair down once in a while
(whether to recreate or to rescue), where else is left? In our politically
correct society’s quest to never offend ANYONE, we’ve taken a lot of fun away
from EVERYONE. (OK, sorry about that, I’m stepping back down now.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In non-paid
professional mountain rescue, this kind of financial and institutional independence
is essential to the survival of each and every volunteer organization. As the
Langdale-Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team (from the Lake District in Britain)
says on their website, “</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Self-funding means freedom - to
experiment, to acquire the best equipment for the job, freedom from
bureaucratic interference and cost-cutting to which so many public services have
fallen victim, and freedom to enjoy the team spirit which rewards and respects
initiative and competence in a way which binds and disciplines a team to the
ultimate benefit of all.”</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So just who
are these people who dedicate and donate so much of their time and effort “that
other might live”? And what motivates them? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve noticed
two distinct personality traits that seem to be present in the folks who
dedicate years of their life in service to mountain rescue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">First of
all, those who give that much of their lives to mountain rescue simply love
helping people.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Though a
love of the backcountry and a deep respect for the awesome might of nature are
important traits found in the mountain rescuer, it is their obsessive desire to
help their fellow human beings that keeps the career mountain rescuer going
year after year after year. After all, it is not unusual for most mountain
rescue teams to go a couple of months with absolutely no calls, and if you
joined mountain rescue strictly for the thrills, this is when you are likely to
discover that you’d rather be climbing or skiing than sitting through yet
another classroom presentation on line search techniques. From what I’ve seen, this
is why adrenaline junkies make for terrible rescuers. These folks eventually
discover that there’s a lot of standing around going on in mountain rescue, and
that they’d rather be out recreating than being stuck back at Operations
shuffling around in a parking lot inhaling diesel fumes from the rescue truck
while waiting for a field assignment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Secondly,
career mountain rescuers have a screw loose-and I say that with the utmost
respect. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Professional
mountain rescue has come a long way since its humble beginnings across the
pond. But even with all the modernization of mountain rescue techniques and
tools – and the equally modern concept of risk management – it is still a
dangerous undertaking at times. It follows that those willing put themselves at
risk for total strangers, year after year, with no financial reward or loaded
gun to their head, are cut from a different cloth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Like the
bumper sticker says, “You don’t have to be crazy to work here, but it helps.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Or, as
Joseph Conrad once said, “There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting, and
enslaving than the life at sea.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And so it
goes for the life in the mountains, dedicated to mountain rescue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In closing,
I urge my mountain rescue comrades to savor the one day of the year that you
are not only permitted-but encouraged- to play the fool. To let your freak flag
fly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So I say to
my fellow mountain rescuers, remember to lighten the hell up-and may you always
be a little…off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tom Wood is a 15-year veteran of the
Alpine Rescue Team in Evergreen, CO and works as the Training Manager for
Vertical Rescue Solutions by PMI. The preceding post contains material from his
upcoming memoir: “Trading Steel for Stone: Tales of a Rustbelt Refugee Turned
Rocky Mountain Rescuer”. This post does not reflect the opinions of the ART, the
MRA, PMI or-</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">quite possibly<i>- anyone else, for that matter. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And fellow mountain rescuers-feel
free to comment below and share your own rescue team’s <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7005299377000684720" name="_GoBack"></a>odd
or unique characters, traditions or awards.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-64007239899777233552013-01-22T10:55:00.000-08:002013-01-22T11:01:34.206-08:00<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What to do if You Get Lost</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Imagine... it's a beautiful day. You've taken </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">your camera and headed out for a short hike </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">away from your campsite. The wild flowers </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">are compelling and you wander about </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">aimlessly for a few hours. Two rolls of film </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">later, you begin to head back for camp. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Suddenly, nothing looks familiar. You look </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">around for a while, trying to find something, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">anything, that looks familiar. As dusk </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">approaches, your heart beats faster and you </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">become very anxious. You have nothing but </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">your camera and two spent rolls of film and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">without a flashlight, it will be impossible to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">find your way back. Your head sweats and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">your heart pounds feverishly as you begin to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">feel the panic associated with being lost</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Discovering you are lost in the backcountry can be a frightening experience. This feeling can be compounded by the five basic fears: that of being alone, darkness, animals, suffering and of course death.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">STOP!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the moment you realize you are lost, the most important thing you can do is S.T.O.P. (Sit, Think, Observe and Plan). Do not run off frantically looking for a way out. Rather, stop and assess your situation! Use your head, not your feet. At this point your brain is your most important piece of survival gear. The first ten minutes of being lost are when most search fatalities make their deadly mistake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whatever you do, don't panic. In most situations you can survive 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food. Force yourself to breathe deeply and slowly. Rest assured that by remaining calm and relaxed, your chances of survival, which are quite good already, have increased by 50 percent. Your primary goal now should be to stay alive, not to find your way out. Help will be on the way soon after you are reported missing. Sheltering the body and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">conserving energy is your greatest concern right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once you determine you are lost, your actions during the first few minutes could play a significant role in your survival. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Get Loud!!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When you first discover that you are lost, stay where you are. Yell or blow a whistle 3 times to signal your party or any others within earshot (a whistle will carry farther than your voice and requires less energy). Wait several seconds, then turn 90 degrees and try again. Do so several times in every direction. If you have no whistle, yell "HELP" rather than a friend's name. Doing so will help assure that your distress call is not ignored.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If someone yells back, let him or her come to you. Rock walls and valleys play strange tricks with echoes and you may lose your potential rescuers by attempting to locate them. In addition, your rescuers are most likely a group of people, so they will have a better chance of finding you than vice-versa.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you do hear someone yell back. No matter how faint his or her yell may be, stay put and keep yelling. They may sound far away only because they are facing away from you and have not yet ascertained from where you are yelling. If you are near a loud stream, move away before yelling or whistling for help. Be certain to mark your way back to the stream, however, as you may want to follow that stream later if your calls go unanswered. The same is true for windy areas where a howling gust can be quite loud. Remember, someone may hear your call at times when you cannot hear his or her reply, especially in windy areas. Do not give up yelling or whistling simply because a reply is not heard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">Stay Put</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When setting up a search, mountain rescue teams follow certain priorities and make certain assumptions about their subjects. These assumptions are based on behavior patterns of lost subjects. An understanding of these assumptions may help guide you to a place that is searched early. The first members of a search party are quickly dispatched to the point at which the subject was last seen (strangely enough, referred to as the "point last seen "). They follow trails and streams near this last seen point, yelling the subject's name and blowing whistles. This simple fact is reason enough to just sit still and wait for rescuers to find you. Unfortunately, nobody does. Less than 30% of lost persons are found within one mile of the last seen point. Additional rescuers search areas of high probability near the last seen point. Statistics on behavioral patterns of lost hikers have shown that 88% walk downhill when lost, 73% find and follow a trail or path and 82% are found in open areas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Based on these facts, field teams often search downhill from the last seen point before spreading the search out in other directions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Air searchers are generally used soon after you are reported missing and weather permits flying. Plan to stay near open areas and be ready with signals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remember, your brain is your most important piece of survival gear. Keeping your cool and doing the right things in the first ten minutes will greatly increase your chances of a quick and uneventful rescue! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">For more information on backcountry safety, check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education programs @ <a href="http://mra.org/training/public-education" style="color: #738dd0; text-decoration: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">http://mra.org/training/public-education</span></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></span></span></div>
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<br />Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-25237060492028795282013-01-15T09:46:00.000-08:002013-01-15T09:53:10.948-08:00<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Let Others Know</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One important rule too often forgotten is to let others know exactly where you are going, with whom and when you can be expected back. I hate to sound maternal, but search and rescue teams often spend hours driving around on back roads looking for a subject's vehicle before they know where to enter the field to begin a search. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By letting someone know EXACTLY where you intend to go, when you expect to return and where your vehicle will be parked, you can eliminate the possibility of searchers having no idea of where to look. Should your plans change in route to your destination, stop and notify that person of your new itinerary. In addition, if you leave pertinent information on the dash of your car (e.g. name and phone number of your contact in town, location of travel/campsite and so on) search teams will have a very timely idea of your plans. Otherwise, search teams can be of little assistance when all that is known is that you "went camping somewhere in the Gore Range."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whenever possible, utilize trail head and summit check-in logs. These generally exist at most popular National Forest trail heads and atop many popular mountain summits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">For more information on backcountry safety, check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education programs @ </span><a href="http://mra.org/training/public-education" style="color: #738dd0; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: initial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">http://mra.org/training/public-education</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></span></div>
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<br />Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-72272064925305485032012-12-26T11:58:00.000-08:002013-01-15T09:54:00.844-08:00<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Map Skills in the Digital Age</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A Guest blog by Past President Neil Van Dyke</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was an interesting piece on National Public Radio
recently about map making in the digital age.
While the discussion was quite broad reaching in scope, there was some
very interesting commentary that related directly to search and rescue. One of the points was that the younger
generation in large part has no experience with the use of paper maps. Their map and navigational world revolves
around Google maps or other apps on their computer or smart phone. To this
generation one navigates by asking their phone how to get from point A to point
B then watching their progress, whether they are travelling by vehicle or on
foot. We increasing see this in the
backcountry. This past summer while on
patrol one ranger I work with encountered a young man with an iPad slung around
his neck which he was using for his map. I was personally involved in about a
half a dozen incidents this year where people got lost while trying to navigate
using their phone. </span></div>
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Some of the issues these folks encountered:<br />
-One party thought a blue line on the map was a trail, when in fact it was a
stream. (This would have been obvious to anybody familiar with reading a
standard USGS map.) They lost the trail, a search was initiated and they spent
an uncomfortable night out in the woods.<br />
-A solo hiker was navigating using his phone when the battery went dead. He had no other map. He also spent a cold
night in the woods and needed to be “rescued” and escorted out of the
backcountry.<br />
-Two different hikers got “lost” on or near the same trail which was not shown
on the mapping app. We were able to talk them back onto the trail and convince
them to turn around and retrace their route back out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The problems associated with using electronic maps seem self
evident to us old timers who grew up on paper maps and a compass:<br />
- Batteries can quickly go dead, or even if not quickly then inevitably! This
is especially true in cold weather. <br />
- Much mapping software requires cell coverage - obviously an issue in many
remote areas.<br />
-Most electronic maps have incomplete (or
non-existent) trail data on them.<br />
- Phones and other electronic devices are susceptible to damage or other
operational issues in inclement weather.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what’s to be done? I wish
there was a magic bullet on this one, but if there is I’m not sure what it
is. Some thoughts:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Incorporate this topic into any public education
efforts that we are involved with. Point out that sometimes</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">paper trail maps and a compass will be one’s
best friend in the backcountry. They often have the most relevant information,
don’t need an internet connection, and the batteries never go dead!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">As rescuers we need to be up to speed with how
to use this technology to our advantage.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This can be a whole new topic, but every SAR team should know at least how
to instruct somebody who is “lost” on how to text them their location from the
mapping app. This has been a great tool for us on numerous occasions.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would love to hear your thoughts and comments on this!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Neil is team leader for Stowe (Vermont) Mountain Rescue,
works as a seasonal backcountry ranger in New York’s Adirondack Park, and is a
Past President of the Mountain Rescue Association</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-88960317709549735592012-05-31T11:29:00.000-07:002014-02-01T05:48:06.915-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What is the Mountain Rescue Association? </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Mountain Rescue Association is an organization of teams dedicated to saving lives through rescue and mountain safety education. We do so by improving the quality, availability, and safety of mountain search and rescue through; </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Creating a framework for and accrediting member teams </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Promoting mountain safety education</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Providing a forum for development and exchange of information on mountain search and rescue techniques, equipment, and safety</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>- Representing member teams providing mountain search and rescue services to requesting governmental agencies </b></span></div>
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<b style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">The Mountain Rescue Association creates excellence through:</b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Professionalism</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Integrity</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Camaraderie</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Dedication</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Respect</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Knowledge</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span></div>
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<br />Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-69183130798872875182012-04-10T10:34:00.001-07:002012-04-10T10:34:18.952-07:00<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>The "Ten Essentials"</b></span></div>
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The first and most obvious rule of safe backcountry use is to always carry equipment that might become necessary in emergencies. Every backcountry user, even on seemingly insignificant day hikes, should carry the most basic equipment; commonly referred to as the “Ten Essentials,”</div>
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The key word is "essentials." The survival equipment, clothing and other resources you carry will increase your chances of surviving an emergency. Even backcountry users on short day trips should carry and know how to use the Ten Essentials.</div>
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Technically skilled and highly experienced rescue rs never go into the field on search or rescue missions without these ten essentials. Carefully selected, these items can easily fit within a small backpack.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">1. Topographic map and magnetic compass</span></b> - Too often, backcountry users venture deep into the backcountry without a map and compass. The fact that they are able to safely venture back out is usually pure dumb luck. With a map and compass, it is much easier to identify your location and direction of travel. This is especially important in the event that you become lost. To learn to use these items, see the chapter entitled "Map and Compass" in the MRA's GeneralBackcountry Safety program h<a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/training/backcountrysafety.pdf">ttp://mra.org/images/stories/training/backcountrysafety.pdf</a>.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">2. Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries and bulb)</span></b> - How far do you suppose you could safely travel at night in the backcountry without a flashlight? Could you signal others, if you saw a campsite far away? A flashlight or headlamp makes travel at night possible and aids in signaling when lost.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>3. Extra clothing (including mittens, hat, jacket and rain gear)</b> </span>- Hypothermia is the most common killer of backcountry users. Inability to maintain body heat can quickly rob an unsuspecting victim of all energy and common sense. Since severe weather may present itself very quickly in the backcountry, extra clothing should be carried to help maintain body heat.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">4. Sunglasses</span> </b>- Especially in the winter, ultraviolet glare from the sun can cause blindness. Worst of all, the backcountry user may not realize this is happening until it is too late. A good pair of sunglasses, designed to limit ultraviolet light, will eliminate this risk.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">5. Extra food and water</span></b> - These items will maintain energy levels in the case of an emergency and help maintain body temperature in cold weather. While you can survive three days without water and three weeks without food, your energy levels will be seriously depleted without these.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>6. Waterproof matches in waterproof container</b></span> - Waterproof matches, available from most backcountry supply stores, are capable of igniting in high winds and/or blinding rain. Building a fire may be impossible without these. Fires are critical since they not only provide heat, but also make the job of search and rescue teams easier by providing a visible signal.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">7. Candle/Fire starter</span></b> - A candle burns much longer than does a match. This is helpful when trying to start a fire, especially if your firewood is wet.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>8. Pocket knife</b> </span>- There are a multitude of applications for a pocketknife in emergencies. The common Swiss Army Knife is so-called because it is standard issue for the Swiss Army, which has devised 246 uses for their standard 7-instrument knife.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">9. First aid kit</span></b> - Proper first aid care is difficult, if not impossible, without a good first aid kit. Backcountry shops carry several brands of small, lightweight first aid kits including small first-aid manuals.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">10. Space blanket or two large heavyduty trash bags</span></b> - These items can help provide shelter in an emergency situation and can be used as a raincoat or a windbreak. The additional</div>
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warmth they provide far outweighs their minimal weight.</div>
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This list of "Ten Essentials" assumes your trip is a summer excursion. At any other time of the year, be sure to bring more of the right kind of clothes. When choosing your equipment, remember that the body's ability to maintain its core temperature is critical to your survival in the backcountry.</div>
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Unfortunately, a large percentage of search fatalities would have probably survived had they carried and used the ten essentials. When you venture into the backcountry, you are often many miles away from civilization. Emergencies often present themselves at times when qualified help is many hours away. This simple fact underscores the need to carry emergency equipment.</div>
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For more information on backcountry safety, check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education programs @ <a href="http://mra.org/training/public-education"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">http://mra.org/training/public-education</span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></div>Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-33476558156176169802012-03-21T11:55:00.002-07:002012-04-10T10:32:37.419-07:00<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Think "Before"</span><br />
"Prepare" is defined in Webster's Dictionary as "to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use or activity." The inclusion of the word "before" in this definition is not by accident. One way of assuring the success of your trip is to remember the "Rule of Befores".<br />
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Listen to a weather forecast before planning a trip. Tell people where you are going and when you'll be back before you leave. While on the trail, drink before you get thirsty, eat before you get hungry. Add a layer of clothes before you get cold; remove a layer of clothes before you get hot. Make camp before you need camp. Find protection from foul weather before it arrives.<br />
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By doing these things, you will find yourself always thinking ahead. Think ahead at all times and you will rarely find yourself unprepared.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">For more information on backcountry safety, check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education programs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">@</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><a href="http://mra.org/training/public-education" style="color: #3c5db4; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">http://mra.org/training/public-education</span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion<br /> Mountain Rescue Association </span></div>Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-17938068334023015812012-02-10T11:36:00.000-08:002012-02-10T11:41:34.429-08:00<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Public
Information Officer in Search and Rescue</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">What is a Public Information
Officer? A Public Information Officer (“PIO”) is a representative of
an official organization. This person serves as a central source of information
for release by the department and responds to requests for information
by the news media and the community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">In search and rescue
operations, the PIO might be a representative of any number of organizations,
including: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. The local law enforcement
entity (frequently the county sheriff or state police); <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. The local search
and rescue organization; or,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. The regional or
state search and rescue organization. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">In any SAR incident,
the PIO serves a number of important roles: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. Assisting news
personnel in covering incidents; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. Assisting the news
media on an oncall basis; </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. Preparing and
distributing news releases; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">4. Arranging for, and
assisting at, news conferences; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">5. Coordinating and
authorizing the release of information about victims and
incidents; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">6. Assisting in crisis
situations within the agency <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">7. Coordinating the
release of authorized information concerning agency operations <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">8. Posting, monitoring
and managing the use of Social Media outlets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">As you can see from
the list above, the primary purpose of the PIO is to provide a central
source of information to the media. At the same time, the PIO serves
another equally important role of keeping others in positions of
authority and leadership from having to deal with the media while </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">performing their
duties. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is the role of the
PIO to answer the most common questions, those of “who, what, when, where,
why, how, how come?” The PIO then goes on to describe what the various
agencies are doing about the situation. Because sharing information
with the media can be a difficult job, SAR organizations should be
certain to provide necessary and appropriate training for all individuals
that might serve in the capacity of PIO. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Why is a PIO Important? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The public demands,
and indeed deserves, to be made aware of the circumstances and events
associated with a SAR incident. This is best accomplished through
the media, which has direct and often immediate access to the public. Furthermore,
proper public information at a SAR incident will enable the SAR
authority to provide preventive SAR education to the public. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Over the years, some
SAR organizations have tried to avoid dealing with the media. Some
have been known to say, “The media NEVER gets it right.” In fact, by
avoiding the media, a SAR entity can rest assured that the media will
not get it right. Only by dealing directly with the media, in all
it's forms, can we assure that the story is as close to accurate as
possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Who Makes a Good PIO?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">First and foremost, a
PIO needs to be very knowledgeable in the field of SAR operations. For this reason, PIO’s should be chosen from among the veterans of a
SAR organization. Some people are natural teachers, and the
role of PIO is somewhat a teaching role. Still, the best teachers
are those who are very well trained in the topic. </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">In addition to
experience, a PIO needs to have the proper balance of humility
and self-confidence. When he media or public see an egocentric
rescuer in front of the camera, then the focus becomes the PIO and his/her agency not the message. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">A good PIO has great
respect for the media. Power comes through knowledge – knowledge
that is shared, not knowledge that is kept. The more respect a PIO
has for the media, the better s/he will be at communicating the important
messages to them. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">When choosing a PIO,
any organization should ask who it wants to be the spokesperson for the
group. often, the most well respected individuals in the organization
will be good candidates for PIO. This is because the respect those individuals
have gained over time is most often based on the combination of
their personality, knowledge and expertise. Purposefully choose your
PIO. Take your time, and choose someone who is
polished, professional, humble, and knowledgeable. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">General
Guidelines </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">It is true that “bad
news travels faster than good news.” Since most SAR
incidents involve some bad news for the victims, the media is often
quick to respond to our calls. While a SAR team’s PIO should be
prepared at any time to respond to media calls regarding an incident,
an experienced PIO will know the moment a SAR call is dispatched
whether it will attract media attention. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">There is no such thing
as a “media circus.” The media professionals are there to do their
job, and it becomes the PIO’s responsibility/opportunity to help them
do their job. A PIO should maintain an attitude of helpfulness
at all times. His/her perspective should always be, “I’m here
to help you, and to make sure I get you the information I
have.” Some level of excitement and adrenaline should always be
present, so the PIO maintains focus. A lazy or disinterested
PIO makes a bad PIO.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Your PIO should also
not ignore social media. Frequently, social media streams like Twitter and
Facebook are breaking stories well before more traditional media outlets can
get on scene. In some cases traditional media organizations like CNN and
their iReport site are even "crowdsourcing" news. Because
of the nature of social media, these tools can be used not only to get your
message out, but also to see how you message is being understood by the public.
As it is two way communication, it can also be used to gather information. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Consider
posting missing person information and mission updates to your team Facebook
Page and Twitter feeds but only do so with the authorization of the agency
having jurisdiction. Because this can be done "in the moment" and
from mobile devices, this can keep the public updated outside of
the traditional media cycle. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We will go more into
Social Media for Search and Rescue at the joint MRA / NASAR Conference in June
and will follow up with a blog post. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Stay Safe!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">For more information on how to effectively work with the
media, check out the Mountain Rescue Associations rescuer education program</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/workingwithmedia.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/workingwithmedia.pdf</span></a> </span><span style="color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"><br />
</span><br />
</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion<br />
Mountain Rescue Association </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-18378903608821242762012-01-27T09:26:00.000-08:002013-12-27T12:26:21.382-08:00<br />
<span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Hypothermia...The Most Common Killer of Backcountry Users </span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">On February 1, 1989, the temperature in Butte, Montana dropped from 42 degrees to -4 in one hour. Regardless of the season, a temperature drop of 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit in one hour is not uncommon in </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">the mountains. Add cold rain and wind and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">nature has mixed the perfect recipe for </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">hypothermia. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000;">What is Hypothermia? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Hypothermia is the rapid, progressive mental and physical collapse accompanying the chilling of the inner core of the body. It is caused by exposure to cold, aggravated by wet, wind and exhaustion. Hypothermia has killed more unprepared backcountry users than any other malady. In fact, the state with the most reported cases of hypothermia is, believe it or not, Florida! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">The reason is simple. Floridians are </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">generally unprepared for cold weather. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">There are a number of ways to avoid hypothermia. The trick to staying warm is to gain more calories than you lose. The body can burn as little as 50 calories per hour while sleeping or more than 1,000 an </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">hour during heavy work. Just as the body </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">constantly produces heat, it constantly loses </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">it. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Your body may burn over 50% more fuel in winter than it would in summer. This is because you are inhaling cold air, warming it and saturating it with water vapor. In fact, as much as one-third of your body-heat </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">loss can occur through breathing. Breathing through a scarf or balaclava may help by "pre-heating" the inspired air. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">The body also loses heat by perspiration and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">its subsequent evaporation from the skin. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">In addition, 75% of the body heat can be </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">radiated from an unprotected head, since </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">the blood vessels in the scalp lie close to the </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">skin. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Creating Body Heat Clothing and shelter can only conserve body-heat, they can't create it. Liquids and f</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">ood are the only "internal" source of heat </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">creation for the body. This is because heat </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">is produced in the body by chemical </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">reactions through the metabolism of food, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">mainly oxidation of carbohydrates. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">Muscular activity is a second source of heat, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">but uses food energy to generate the heat. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">The Body's Reaction to Cold </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The body's first reaction to cold is to shiver. Shivering is the first sign of hypothermia and is the body's way of forcing an isometric contraction and triggering a stored glycogen "dump" from the liver. It is the body's a</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">ttempt to generate heat by rapidly and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">rhythmically contracting muscles. Despite </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">the fact that shivering is fatiguing, it </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">generally helps keep us warm. It diminishes </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">with oxygen deficiency, breathing of carbon </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">monoxide or the taking of aspirin or alcohol. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">The body's ability to maintain warmth is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">depressed by the lack of water, lack of food, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">fatigue and shock. After shivering stops, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">hypothermic victims are confused into </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">thinking they are feeling warmer. THEY </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">ARE NOT. They are dying. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">Problems Which Increase Hypothermia Dangers </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Constipation retards efficient metabolism of food and reduces energy levels. This is a dangerous situation in the winter, as the body can no longer take advantage of the energy provided by the "fuel" ingested. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">Despite what grandmother told you on </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">those cold Wisconsin evenings, alcohol </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">reduces the body's ability to fight cold. It </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">dilates peripheral blood vessels, blocking </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">vasoconstriction and allowing warm blood </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">to exit the body's core. In addition, the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">alcohol may actually make the victim feel </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">warm and more competent. The low </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">temperatures will increase the intoxication </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">because brain cell membranes are more </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">fluid as a result of the increased </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">metabolism. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">Smoking or chewing tobacco constricts </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">peripheral vessels, reducing circulation n</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">ecessary to keep the skin warm. Aspirin </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">also dilates the vessels. Such conditions are </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">conducive to frostbite and hypothermia. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">In addition, sedatives, antidepressants and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">neurological problems common in the </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">elderly will all increase the risk of hypothermia. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Hypothermia is a killer in summer as well as winter. It is more often triggered by a combination of wind, wet and cold than by cold alone. In fact, just plain dry cold, even at extremes of -30 degrees, is far more </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">manageable and far more pleasant than 20-</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">degree weather with wet snow and rain </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">falling and a harsh wind blowing. I'll take </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">the 30 below any day. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The Hypothermia Lab in Duluth Minnesota has studied this phenomenon for over a decade. The lab discovered that the human body can adjust its metabolism to adapt to the cold. Studies showed that Eskimos respond to cooling with an almost instant metabolic leap and with skin temperatures that remain remarkably high. The "Ama", Korean pearl divers who once dived naked into icy waters in search of treasure, had high basal metabolic rates, more efficient tissue insulation and a higher threshold of tolerance before the onset of shivering. One generation after they had started using wet-suits, they had completely lost their specialized responses to the cold. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">Hypothermia and the Mind </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The Hypothermia Lab also found that circulation can be increased by mind-power. Subjects of experiments who thought about how much they wanted to get out of the cold suffered rapidly falling body temperatures. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">On the other hand, shivering subjects, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">directed to perform a mental arithmetic </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">task, stopped shivering for short periods. In </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">addition, when people get anxious, they </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">have more problems with temperature </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">regulation. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">One of hypothermia's strangest manifestations is "paradoxical undressing." People suffering severe hypothermia are often observed throwing off their clothes, as if they felt they were burning up. This is believed to be because the hypothermic victim's body, which has been vasoconstricted to maintain core heat, may abruptly vasodilate, allowing warm blood to pump briefly through the body's peripheral areas. To the hypothermic victim, who is already mentally foggy, the vasodilation may produce a sense of extreme warmth. In addition, chemical changes occur in the body that can make the situation more dangerous. First, epinephrine (adrenaline) is released into the bloodstream, which increases the heart rate. This is healthy, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">since it increases the metabolism. Other </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">chemical changes, however, can cause </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">hypothermic victims to experience vivid </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">hallucinations very similar to those reported </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">by schizophrenics. This is believed to be </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">caused by increased dopamine in the blood. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">In addition, researchers have found that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">spinal and cerebral neurons become </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">hypersensitive when they are cooled just </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">three or four degrees below normal. This </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">can lead to neural misfiring and to seeing </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">things that just aren't there. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">Believe the signs, not the victim. </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Team members should monitor each other carefully, even in temperatures of 50 degrees. Any early sign of hypothermia is a serious warning. Take immediate action to correct the situation before it is too late. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">Most cases of hypothermia develop in </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">Fahrenheit. Many novice backcountry users </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">simply don't believe such temperatures are </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">dangerous. They fatally underestimate the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">dangers of being wet and/or poorly clothed </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">at such temperatures. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">Environmental Conditions Contributing to Hypothermia </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">When the body is wet, the evaporation of moisture from the skin has a very rapid cooling effect that can be extremely dangerous. Water conducts heat 25 times faster than air. Therefore, heat is lost much more quickly if evaporation is occurring. A wet backcountry user must always change quickly into extra dry clothing as soon as possible. Staying wet is an open invitation to the dangers of hypothermia. It is equally important to protect yourself from your own sweat. Working up a sweat on the trail will result in wet clothes by the time a final destination or resting place is reached. Wet clothes will chill the body significantly, especially in conditions of high wind where evaporation takes place much more quickly. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">The Body's Reaction to Hypothermia </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mother often said and (for once) she was right: "If you want to keep your feet warm, wear a hat." Up to 75% of heat loss is through your head and neck, since the blood vessels are close to the surface. If the head, or any other body part, is exposed to cold, the body chills and "shunting" can result. When this happens, circulation to the extremities is sacrificed to assure that the remaining body heat is reserved for vital </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">internal organs. The result is that the hands </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">and feet receive less warm blood. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">Shunting occurs as a result of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction cranks </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">up your blood pressure as you chill. As a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">result, cold can be dangerous for people </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">with heart disease. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The key to avoiding this dangerous situation is to be brave (and smart) enough to give up reaching the peak when the first signs of hypothermia present themselves. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Have fun and stay safe out there!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">For more information on backcountry safety, check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education programs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">@</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://mra.org/training/public-education" style="color: #3c5db4; text-decoration: none;">http://mra.org/training/public-education</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion<br /> Mountain Rescue Association </span>Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-49852756370180134812012-01-06T11:59:00.000-08:002012-01-06T12:22:55.051-08:00<b style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 25px;">Avalanche!!!! The </span>Snowpack Variable </b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Snowpack is the last variable that we will use for clues. By combining the clues you observe, identify and feel from the snowpack, a decision should easily be made whether or not the snow is unstable and has potential to slide. Some of the signs of avalanche are obvious. The following clues are direct indications of instability in the snowpack: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Recent Avalanche Activity </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Again, recent avalanche activity is the best indicator of dangerous slopes, especially when it is on slopes of similar aspect and steepness. In other words, if you see the debris from a recent avalanche, know that there is danger of additional avalanches on similar slopes. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">A bad day on the snow </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Recent Wind-Loading </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Recent wind-loading is another indicator of avalanche danger. Smooth "pillows" and cornices as well as snow plumes of the ridge tops are indicators of wind-transported snow. This means increased stress is being exerted on the snowpack due to the addition of the wind deposited snow. Furthermore, wind deposited crystals develop dangerous "wind slabs," since this type of crystal is subject to numerous collisions while the snow is wind-blown. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Hollow Sounds </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">You must use your ears as you evaluate avalanche hazard. "Drum-like" or "whumpf" sounds that occur under your feet indicate unstable slab conditions. Also, pay attention to distinctive settling sounds; feeling the snow settle or drop are clues of an unstable layer of snow...indicating a dangerous avalanche condition. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Shooting Cracks </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Look closely at the terrain you wish to cross. Cracks in the snow around you are an excellent indicator of avalanche danger, especially if they are occurring around you as you move across the snowpack. You s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">hould not only avoid the slope where you </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">see or produce cracks, but also any slopes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">with similar profile and/or orientation. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Snow Stability Tests </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Through additional training, you can learn to recognize the weaknesses in the snowpack by evaluating a cut-away of the snow layers. For now, just remember that avalanches occur when a weak layer in the snowpack fails. Your ability to recognize these weaknesses will help you make an educated decision regarding safe backcountry travel. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Conclusion </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">In summary, by looking, listening and feeling you should be able to recognize, evaluate and avoid avalanche hazards that you may encounter on your next backcountry trip. You must be thinking avalanche whenever you are on or near slopes, regardless of the slope size and time of year. By always thinking avalanche </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">you will be much more observant, you will </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">gather more information from clues, and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">you will become a better decision-maker</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">For more information on avalanche safety </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education program @ </span></span><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/training/Avalanche.pdf" style="color: #3c5db4; text-decoration: none;">http://mra.org/images/stories/training/Avalanche.pdf</a> as well as our <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/25573565" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Backcountry Skiing & Riding Safety Video</a> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/sitawareness.pdf" style="color: #3c5db4; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></span><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></div>
<br />Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-53793367865559175542012-01-03T08:51:00.000-08:002012-01-03T09:32:38.844-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">Avalanche!!!! The Terrain Variable </b> <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Learning to identify avalanche terrain is most important in recognizing and evaluating avalanche hazard. It's asy to recognize where avalanches are common and where they are not. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Slope Steepness </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">The steepness of a slope is a key factor in determining avalanche danger. It is a common misconception that avalanches occur on steep slopes. The fact is that most avalanches occur on slopes of 30 to 45 degrees. It is within this range of steepness that the balance between the strength of the layers of snow and the stress of gravity is most critical. Steeper slopes tend not to hold a significant amount of snow due to gravity. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Slopes of less than 30 degrees may not be as prone to slide, but may be as dangerous in the right conditions especially in the spring when wet avalanches occur. Unfortunately, 30 to 45 degrees also provides the most challenging ski terrain. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Remember, too, that short slopes may be as dangerous as long ones.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">For a lesson on how to use an Inclinometer for your slope steepness check out this post from Skiing the Backcountry </span><a href="http://www.skiingthebackcountry.com/skiing-resources/how_to_use_inclinometer">http://www.skiingthebackcountry.com/skiing-resources/how_to_use_inclinometer</a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Slope Orientation </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">The orientation of a slope is also an important factor. By "orientation," we mean whether the slope is having snow blown onto it or blown off from it. We also mean whether the slope faces north or south. Leeward slopes, or those drifted by winds, are more dangerous because of the added depth and weight of the snow. North-facing and shaded slopes tend to be more dangerous during the mid-winter periods, mostly because of the colder surface temperatures. South-facing slopes tend to be more dangerous during spring thaw, specially on a sunny day, due to solar heating and the introduction of water (melting snow on the surface) into the </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">snowpack. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Slope Profile </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">We must also evaluate the slope profile. That is, whether the slope is flat or curved. Convex slopes are likely to fracture at the bulge. Concave slopes provide a certain amount of support at the base, though they are still capable of avalanching. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Be especially cautious around bowl-shaped slopes or those with narrow, deep gullies. Both of these features help trap blowing snow, especially on the leeward side of the mountain. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Vegetation </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Vegetation can be a key indication of avalanche hazard. The first thing to look for is "ground cover." Large rocks, trees and heavy brush help anchor the snow, at least until they become covered. Avalanches can </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">start even in the trees, since sparse trees can </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">actually weeken the snow cover. To be </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">reasonably safe, the trees must be so dense </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">as to make it difficult to maneuver. </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Equally important, yet often neglected, is </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">knowing what the slope looks like without </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">the snowpack. If the slope is a grassy hill in </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">the summer, it is more likely to slide due to </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">the lack of anchors. Conversely, if the slope </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">is known to have many large rocks, tree </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">stumps or bushes, it may be more stable. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">This is true only as long as the snowpack is not so deep as to cover these natural anchors. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Elevation </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">What about elevation? Avalanche danger generally increases with elevation. Most large avalanche starting zones are above timberline. This is due to the fact that there is generally a greater snow cover above </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">treeline. In addition, there are less natural </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">anchors above treeline. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Our next post will wrap up our series on the variables that help develop a potentially unstable snowcover with a discussion of snowpack. By understanding these variables, backcountry users will have a better chance of predicting avalanche danger.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /></span><br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8628646978100831853" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 528px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">For more information on avalanche safety </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education program @ </span></span><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/training/Avalanche.pdf" style="text-decoration: none;">http://mra.org/images/stories/training/Avalanche.pdf</a> as well as our <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/25573565" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Backcountry Skiing & Riding Safety Video</a> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/sitawareness.pdf" style="color: #3c5db4; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></div></div>Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-74250703278471463552011-12-09T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-09T09:00:23.383-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DZgrQZK6ezEqLD7-fXnnnaRDnwZ9LTeSSRLwF4Kl9MX30lvat0n9tqo-eLFg1twYDqLwEtReYoQXJlqDyj-06AnC-MyiDURuRXa_JwsxSNbtjcK7kX17_C3b7b0x8IApnEf20esxy4M/s1600/4913-les-avalanches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DZgrQZK6ezEqLD7-fXnnnaRDnwZ9LTeSSRLwF4Kl9MX30lvat0n9tqo-eLFg1twYDqLwEtReYoQXJlqDyj-06AnC-MyiDURuRXa_JwsxSNbtjcK7kX17_C3b7b0x8IApnEf20esxy4M/s400/4913-les-avalanches.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Avalanche!!!! The Weather Variable </b></span><br />
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The first significant contributing factor is weather. 80% of avalanches occur during or shortly after a storm. For this reason, the information gathering process must begin BEFORE you leave on your outing.<br />
<br />
Before you leave home, gather as much information as possible! Utilize your local avalanche forecast center's web site and/or recorded avalanche hot line and listen to weather reports on the TV and radio. The local Ski Patrol may also have information regarding the latest avalanche forecast. <br />
<br />
Invest in a commercially sold cross-country trail map if one exists for the area you plan to visit. Sometimes, dangerous avalanche zones are noted, giving you advance warning of problem areas.<br />
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What should you look for when on the trail? Beware of changing weather patterns, especially unusual changes in wind, snowfall and temperatures.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Storms </span><br />
The first thing to look for is storms. Remember that 80% of avalanches occur during or shortly after a storm, often because of the fact that the existing snowpack cannot support the weight of the new snow, especially if stressed by the added weight of a skier or snowmobiler.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Winds </span><br />
You must also be alert to the presence of winds. Winds of over 15 M.P.H. cause avalanche hazard to increase greatly. Under these conditions, the wind lifts snow from windward slopes and redeposits it onto leeward slopes. This produces greater accumulations of heavier, denser snow on these leeward slopes, which stresses the existing snowpack. Snow plumes off the tops of ridges are a good indication that wind is moving the snow. Cornices on leeward slopes indicate accumulations of wind-deposited snow.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">New Snow </span><br />
Snow falling at a rate of one inch per hour or greater increases the avalanche danger as a result of the increased weight. If a foot or more of fresh snow is deposited at one time, then avalanche danger is often extreme. Even four inches of fresh snow is dangerous, in conditions of high wind.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Temperature </span><br />
Snow remains unstable (or may become less stable) in cold temperatures, due to the temperature difference between the surface of the snow and the surface of the ground. Once temperatures climb into the range of<br />
20-32 degrees, the snow cover will rapidly stabilize, due to settling. Temperatures above freezing produce very dangerous conditions, because melting snow introduces water into the snowpack. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Water </span><br />
weakens the existing snow crystals and acts as a lubricant in the snowpack. In other words, temperatures significantly above freezing increase the danger<br />
<br />
In our next few posts we will continue to discuss the three main variables that help develop a potentially unstable snowcover: weather, terrain and snowpack. By understanding these variables, backcountry users will have a better chance of predicting avalanche danger.<br />
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<br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8628646978100831853" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 528px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">For more information on avalanche safety </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education program @ </span></span><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/training/Avalanche.pdf" style="color: #4588ff; text-decoration: none;">http://mra.org/images/stories/training/Avalanche.pdf</a> as well as our <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/25573565" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Backcountry Skiing & Riding Safety Video</a> </span><br style="color: #3c5db4;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/sitawareness.pdf" style="color: #3c5db4; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></span><br style="color: #3c5db4;" /><div style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div></div>Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-62885201283919735412011-11-30T11:29:00.000-08:002011-11-30T13:15:46.290-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy24RjNZZP3SadTndbFiWIh1UC6USLj2MgPTpSbMRGLTHZOF_zCG025Q1HYC2HEdwYWTjdhULMe_tj8i7aOBQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<b style="color: #990000;">The "Average" Avalanche</b><br />
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Avalanches come in all shapes and sizes. The average snow avalanche is 2 to 3 feet deep at the fracture line, about 150 feet wide and will fall about 400 feet in elevation. That's a slide area bigger than a football field! What's more impressive is that the average avalanche travels at speeds around 50 M.P.H., a little faster than most of us like to ski! The average time duration of a slide of this size is less than 30 seconds. This is the size of avalanche that catches and kills most backcountry travelers.<br />
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Avalanches can be much larger...some of the largest reported avalanches have involved complete mountainsides of snow, the area of 20 football fields, having a depth of 10 feet at the fracture line and falling over 1½ miles at speeds well over 100 miles per hour! As impressive as these avalanches are, generally the smaller ones are the killers. In fact, 50% of avalanche fatalities are killed in slides of less than 100 feet and people have been killed in slides of less than 40 feet. The bigger ones almost always release from natural causes and do not involve people unless they happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Artificial triggers, such as snowmobiles or skiers are much more effective at releasing small to medium sized avalanches in shallower snowpack, where the stress caused by their weight is enough to cause the snowpack to fail.<br />
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Avalanches are a powerful phenomenon. In 1969 at a ski hill in Washington, steel chair-lift poles were bent in an avalanche. In a recent Colorado avalanche, a flashlight inside a glove compartment of a buried automobile was found completely packed with snow. Larger avalanches possess the force to uproot mature forests and even destroy structures built of concrete. The reason, forces in excess of 15,000 lbs. per square foot.<br />
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The fastest recorded avalanche occurred in Japan and was measured to be traveling at speeds in excess of 230 m.p.h.<br />
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Avalanches come in two distinctly different types... “Loose Snow” and “Slab”avalanches.<br />
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Loose snow avalanches are a cohesionless mass of snow that start at a point and fan out as they run, forming an inverted "V". This type of avalanche usually involves small amounts of near-surface snow and is not considered a major threat to people. Do not lose respect for these slides as they have taken lives.<br />
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Slab avalanches, on the other hand, start when a large area of cohesive snow fails and slides down the slope. There is a well defined fracture line from where the snow broke away. In addition, there may be angular blocks or chunks of snow in the slide, sometimes larger than a refrigerator. A slab avalanche can involve a range of snow thickness from just near surface layers to an event that includes the entire snow cover down to the ground. <br />
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Slab avalanches are almost always caused by additional stress on the hill, such as a snowmobiler or skier. Since slab avalanches cause nearly all avalanche accidents, it is important to understand the conditions within the snowpack that lead to these slab avalanches <br />
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Snowstorms and wind-redistribution cause the snowpack to develop in layers. Once a layer has achieved sufficient cohesive strength, the first prerequisite for a slab avalanche has been established. Weather will help add the second requirement... a weak layer. If a weak layer has developed underneath a strong layer, the perfect recipe for an avalanche exists. If the weak layer fails, the cohesive strong layer above it will fracture and fall away from the stress. Both ingredients - a cohesive layer of snow and a weak layer below - are necessary for a slab avalanche.<br />
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When the strong layer fractures, the crack is estimated to shoot across the snowfield at a speed of over 1000 miles per hour.<br />
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In our next few posts we will discuss the three main variables that help develop a potentially unstable snowcover: weather, terrain and snowpack. By understanding these variables, backcountry users will have a better chance of predicting avalanche danger.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8628646978100831853" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 528px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">For more information on avalanche safety </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education program @ </span></span><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/training/Avalanche.pdf" style="color: #4588ff;">http://mra.org/images/stories/training/Avalanche.pdf</a> as well as our <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/25573565" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Backcountry Skiing & Riding Safety Video</a> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/sitawareness.pdf" style="color: #3c5db4; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></div><div style="color: #3c5db4;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #3c5db4;"></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="background-color: white; color: #a2a2a2; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;"></div>Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-86286469781008318532011-11-17T14:56:00.000-08:002013-01-03T11:24:05.160-08:00<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">AVALANCHE!!! </span></b><br />
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</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Avalanches are a natural phenomenon. They have been recorded as far back as 192 BC, when Hannibal crossed the Alps. At one time, it was thought that avalanches were caused by evil witches living in the villages </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">below. These witches were often burned at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">the stake after a destructive avalanche. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">The whole key to avalanches is gravity. Without gravity, there would be no avalanches. Every flake of snow and every piece of rock has but one wish... to succumb to gravity and fall to a lower point. It has been estimated that 1 million avalanches occur worldwide each year. Most of these occur in the Alps in Austria, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Switzerland, France and Italy. In the United States, 100,000 occur annually. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">The worst recorded avalanche in the U.S. occurred in 1910 in Wellington, Washington and left 96 dead with 22 survivors. The worst known in the world occurred in Yungay, Peru and left 20,000 dead. This avalanche was measured to be 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and displaced 3 million cubic yards of snow. 3 million cubic yards of snow... That's enough snow to fill a 200 story building the size of a football field. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">More than 180 people are caught in avalanches each year in the United States. Of these, 90 are partly or completely buried, 29 are injured and an average of 28 are killed. Over 200 people die worldwide each </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">year. These statistics are based on reported </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">burials... it is safe to assume that many </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">more burials occur than are actually </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">reported. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">From 1950 to 2001, avalanches in the United States killed 491 people. Recreationalists accounted for the vast majority of avalanche fatalities, with climbers, ski tourers, lift skiers, and snowmachiners comprising most of the recreational deaths. The majority of the lift skiers were killed while skiing out of bounds or in closed sections of the ski area. 100,000 avalanches occur each year in the United States.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">When looking at avalanche fatalities, one cannot overstate the importance of the human element. In fact, 90% of the time, avalanche victims are killed in avalanches that they themselves trigger. In other words, the avalanche would not have o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">ccurred if they had not been on the slope at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">that moment. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Finally, statistics say that 61% of all avalanche deaths occur during the months of January, February and March. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Over the next few weeks the MRA Blog will go deeper into the science behind what has been appropriately called "White Death." </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">For more information on avalanche safety </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education program @ </span></span><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/training/Avalanche.pdf">http://mra.org/images/stories/training/Avalanche.pdf</a> as well as our <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/25573565" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;" target="_blank">Backcountry Skiing & Riding Safety Video</a> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/sitawareness.pdf" style="color: #3c5db4; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></div>
Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-32668715745010984492011-10-31T07:34:00.000-07:002011-10-31T07:34:18.778-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Situational Awareness in Mountain Rescue Operations</span> - Projection into the Future</b></span><br />
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The third stage of situational awareness – projection into the future – is the stage where one puts it all together. Once the clues are interpreted, the next step is to project how that information will affect the future of the operation.<br />
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Let’s use an example of a traditional backcountry search. Rescuers are called to a local trailhead to search for a subject who is 6 hours overdue from a planned hike. The subject told the reporting party (his wife) that he was going fishing at a local lake on the trail. While some rescuers are searching the trail to the lake, other rescuers also search the subject’s car, and find that his fishing equipment is still in the back seat, including his fishing license. Using this new information, the rescuers conclude that they need to expand their search area based on the projection that the man changed his plans, and did not go fishing at the lake as expected.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>An Everyday Example of Situational Awareness </b></span><br />
Let’s consider another example of situational awareness, one that takes place in an everyday setting.<br />
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If you want to know if it is going to rain, you don’t look for rain, you look for CLOUDS. If you look for rain you’ll only know that rain is coming at the very moment that it arrives. Looking for rain alone would mean that you are only OBSERVING and INTERPRETING, but not PROJECTING into the future.<br />
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If, on the other hand, you instead look for clouds, then you have added PROJECTING into your situational awareness. In that case, you are more able to anticipate rain BEFORE it arrives. <br />
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Still, even looking for clouds does not constitute the only important element that is missing if you only look for rain. You need some training to know WHAT TYPES of clouds cause rain. For example, a sudden build up of high cirrus clouds means something completely different than a steady accumulation of cumulonimbus clouds. Only through training and experience can you learn this important distinction.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>Visualize While En Route to a Call </b></span><br />
In many emergency medical training programs, students are taught the value of visualizing the scenario prior to arriving at the rescue call. In search and rescue operations, rescuers often have an extended period of time traveling to the scene of the SAR call. During that transport time, it can be valuable to take the clues given (e.g. the description of the rescue accident) and project into the future what kind of problems will be encountered by the rescue team. For example, a rescuer may know that a rescue of an injured climber on the<br />
east side of Highway 9 means that the rescue team will need to create a technical system to cross above a large creek. While en route to the call, rescuers will already be planning in their heads the tyrolean system<br />
necessary for the creek crossing.<br />
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Similarly, SAR field teams can talk about their pending rescue while heading into the field. On a recent rescue of a survivor from an avalanche, rescuers were performing a technical lowering of the patient to a rock band where the helicopter could “hover load” the patient. During that technical lowering, the helicopter crew members were sitting in their helicopter at the trailhead parking lot. The rotors were turning, and the crew was discussing in great detail how they would do the “hot-load” of the subject. They could have been discussing the latest basketball game, or the lovely weather, but instead they used the opportunity to brief each other on what their duties would be, and on what possible complications might occur.<br />
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Experience teaches rescuers to ANTICIPATE possible scenarios based on information provided. Still, that same experience teaches rescuers that the information provided may be wrong. While at work one day, an out-of-breath co-worker ran into my office and said, “Charley do you know CPR?” I followed the co-worker to the hallway, where another staff member was lying on the ground, seemingly lifeless. Prior to starting CPR, I checked my colleague for a pulse, and asked bystanders what happened. They described the patient as having experienced what sounded to me like a Grand Mal seizure. Indeed the patient was in a Post Ictal state, and was not in need of CPR.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">For more information on situational awareness in mountain rescue operations</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">, check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education programs @</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/sitawareness.pdf" style="color: #3c5db4; text-decoration: none;">http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/sitawareness.pdf</a></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></div>Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-40020006665068060932011-10-24T06:46:00.000-07:002011-10-24T06:52:09.859-07:00<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Situational Awareness in Mountain Rescue Operations - Stage II - Comprehension and Interpretation of the Relevant Information </span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">The second stage of Situational Awareness, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">“comprehension and interpretation,” </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">requires you to have and utilize your </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">training and experience. Training is a key </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">component of teaching SAR workers, but </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">experience is the key to understanding how </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">to best utilize that training. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">The second stage of Situational Awareness </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">is the stage wherein one attempts to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">comprehend and interpret the data collected </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">in the first stage. While the collection of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">data and the perception of the relevant </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">information are important, the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">comprehension and interpretation of that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">data can not be overlooked. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">The key to this stage of Situational </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Awareness is that it requires one to have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">and utilize key training and experience. For </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">example, a rescuer in a high mountain </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">rescue might have already perceived that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">the temperature is very hot. Still, without p</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">roper training in helicopter management, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">that rescuer he might not be able to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">interpret that the high temperatures will </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">have an effect on the rescue team’s use of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">helicopter resources – since temperature </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">has a significant effect on helicopter </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">performance at altitude. Without the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">proper training, a SAR worker might not be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">aware of the limitation that temperature has </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">on the performance of helicopter assets. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Experience is also a key factor in this stage </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">of Situational Awareness. While training is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">essential for any SAR professional, there is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">no substitute for experience. It is through </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">experience that we learn and master the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">important skills associated with interpreting </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">data that is presented in the first stage of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">situational awareness. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>Understanding the Clues </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">In order to interpret clues, you must first </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">understand them. But how do you interpret </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">clues if those clues do not make sense? On a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">search for a missing hiker one summer </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">night, a rescue professional notified the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">search command post that he’d found “a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">bunch of orange pails” in the middle of a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">trail while searching. The searcher went on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">to say that the pails were meticulously laid </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">out in the shape of an arrow, pointing down </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">the trail. The Incident Command team </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">struggled to figure out why there would be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">orange pails many miles back on a remote </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">backcountry trail. Several minutes later, the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">command team asked for a clarification </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">from the rescuer, who coincidently was a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">southerner with a deep southern drawl in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">his voice. He was asked, “What kind of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">orange pails are these?” The man replied </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">“You know, the kind of pails you pail off an </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">orange before you eat it!” The man was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">talking about orange PEELS, but that only </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">became evident after the command team </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">asked more questions. The data presented </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">did not make sense at first, but made </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">complete sense later, once the command </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">team remembered that the field rescuer was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">from Georgia, and had a distinct southern </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">drawl. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>Interpreting the Clues Requires Training</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Do you have sufficient experience to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">interpret the information that you have </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">assembled? Traditional training might not </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">teach you the skills necessary. For example, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">one search and rescue team trains its </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">members on helicopter skills in a unique </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">and different way… the rescuers are not s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">chooled in how to help a helicopter pilot, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">rather they are schooled in how to BE a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">helicopter pilot by learning how a pilot </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">actually FLIES a helicopter. As such, these </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">SAR professionals are better able to think </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">like a pilot. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>Recognizing the Frequency of those Clues</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">As mentioned earlier, one should not only </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">pay attention to the clues themselves, but </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">also to the frequency of clues. This can help </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">a rescuer ascertain whether numerous </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">seemingly inconsequential anomalies are </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">coming together to draw one large problem.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Stay tuned to our blog for the continuation of our discussion on Situational Awareness with Stage 3 </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Projection </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">into the Future. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">For more information on situational awareness in mountain rescue operations</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">, check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education programs @</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/sitawareness.pdf" style="color: #3c5db4; text-decoration: none;">http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/sitawareness.pdf</a></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></div>Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7005299377000684720.post-88467002369561219802011-10-18T09:59:00.000-07:002011-10-24T06:50:41.133-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><a href="http://mtrescueassoc.blogspot.com/2011/10/situational-awareness-in-mountain_18.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Situational Awareness in Mountain Rescue Operations Stage 1 - Perception of the Relevant Information</span></a></h3><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Yogi Berra once said, “You can observe a lot by just watching.” Observation is the key to perception. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">In this first step of situational awareness, we are looking for clues. These clues can come in many forms, including: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">• Sensory clues - something you see, hear, smell, touch; </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">• Anticipated clues - something that comes from prior experience; and </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">• Innate clues – something you just “feel in your gut.” </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">In conventional search missions, for example, rescuers are looking for CLUES more than they are looking for the missing subject. Why? Simply because there are far more clues than there are missing subjects, and by finding and following clues, one can find the missing subject much more quickly. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">The first stage of situational awareness – perception – is arguably the most important stage. After all, without perception of information, one cannot really comprehend, interpret and draw conclusions. Many accidents in search and rescue operations result from a series of different things happening. There are often a number of contributing factors that, if occurring individually, might not have resulted in an accident. Break any rescue accident down, and you will often find that there were a number of elements that came together to make that accident possible. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">In this important perception stage of Situational Awareness, rescuers need to be very attentive – not only to the occurrence of situations that are beyond their expectations, but to the frequency and number of those situations. This perception stage requires that you OBSERVE! In order to be an effective observer, one must remain attentive. This can be one of the greatest challenges to a search and rescue professional, as periods of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">inactivity and boredom can hamper one’s ability to be an effective observer. Similarly, searchers and/or rescuers who are overworked might not be able to observe the environment around them. This too can be a serious detriment to one’s ability to be an effective observer. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Stay tuned to our blog for the continuation of our discussion on Situational Awareness with Stage 2 </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Comprehension and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Interpretation of the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Relevant Information</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">For more information on situational awareness in mountain rescue operations</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">, check out the Mountain Rescue Associations public education programs @</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span><a href="http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/sitawareness.pdf" style="color: #3c5db4; text-decoration: none;">http://mra.org/images/stories/docs/sitawareness.pdf</a></span></span><br />
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</div><div style="color: #3c5db4; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Courage - Commitment - Compassion</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Mountain Rescue Association </span></div>Mountain Rescue Associationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11478081074353021838noreply@blogger.com0