Beaverhead Search and Rescue News

Submitted by: Mel Rice, Public Relations

On August 27th and 28th seven members of the Beaverhead Search and Rescue and one member of the ambulance program participated in back country wilderness first aide training. The training was put on by Aeree Backcountry Medicine. There were four instructors and two victim participants including the two creators of the program Dr. Greg Moore and Dr. Dave McEvoy. Dr. Moore is one of the emergency room doctors for Barrett Memorial Hospital. The instructors presented numerous scenarios that they then put into real life action. Students were given an accident scenario just as though dispatch had received a call and members were dispatched to the scene of the incident. Upon arrival on the scene students had to evaluate the victims and provide proper first aide and evacuation techniques. At the end of each scenario critiques and evaluations were completed.

Some of the scenarios included: hunters in a hunting camp having been overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning; individuals with possible heart issues, strokes, bee stings, diabetes issues, and just not feeling well; 4 wheeler rollover down a steep embankment with 4 victims; and a lightning strike that involved 4 victims with different injuries. It was an outstanding training opportunity. When the victim participants acted out the nature of their injuries, the training became very real and the sense of urgency was greatly enhanced. It was also an excellent reminder for not only the response to injuries but also the procedures that should be followed upon approaching all accident scenes no matter how simple they appear.

Search and Rescue members participating in the weekend training were: Russ Sigman, Mel Rice, Trent Cottom, Gayle Rawson, Steve Mock, Adam Norlander , and Jason Ericksen. Jamie Rawson, a paramedic for the Beaverhead Ambulance, also participated and we’re happy to announce she is applying for S&R membership. She will be a very strong asset. Remember, we are “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.