Beaverhead Search and Rescue News
Submitted by Mel Rice-Public Relations
On the 27th of January, several SAR members from the Beaverhead Search and Rescue, Ruby Valley, and Madison SAR units worked together on an avalanche training scenario. The training took place in Alder Gulch outside of Virginia City.
The two day training began with a refresher on avalanches Friday evening, January 26. Topics discussed during the refresher were: avalanche fundamentals, anatomy of an avalanche, pre-trip, traveling into avalanche terrain, arriving on an avalanche scene, and searching with beacons and probe poles. On Saturday, January 27, the training involved hands on experience setting up a true to life scenario using the ICS system, AIR Ops, Division Field command, SAR team structure. Teams were deployed to an avalanche search area. Practical experience was gained using search procedures and protocol with avalanche beacons, probe poles, and shovels.
Other scene management tools used were: hypothermia management, packaging patients, and transporting patients from remote locations to a helicopter LZ ( landing zone). With the help of the helicopter crew experience was gained in how to load patients onto a Life Flight Helicopter. The helicopter flight crew also gave instructions on helicopter approach and safe loading protocol. While search teams practiced search techniques on the ground, civil air patrol flew overhead acting as a communication repeater out of the remote back country.
Members of your Beaverhead Search and Rescue participating in the training event were: Adam Norlander, Evan Helle, Weston Helle, Alex Dunn, Jamie Trivette, Joe Reyes, and Mark Smith. The BVHD SAR unit wants to remind everyone the avalanche potential is very high with the new snows that we have received in the last 3 weeks. Please be extremely careful while in the back country and make sure you have all the proper equipment for the activity you are participating in. “In the Business of Saving Lives”, your Beaverhead Search and Rescue.
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