Southern Arizona Rescue Association – At TRS Club Meeting
At Tuesday’s TRS club meeting, a special guest, Richard Hounshell, Vice President and Technical Rescue Group, from the Southern Arizona Rescue Association (SARA) was on hand to address the audience. Richard outlined the 10 keys to staying safe while recreating in Arizona’s backcountry. Here is that list.
1. Have good navigation
2. Have a paper map backup
3. Sun Protection (normally directed at hikers, but dirt bikers should consider the possibility of having to hike out and shedding protective clothing)
4. Insulation/cold (think unplanned cold desert evening)
5. Good light for unplanned night event
6. First aid
7. Ability to start/light a fire
8. Repair kit/tools
9. Food & water
10. Sun cover/umbrella
Other information received from Richard.
• First step in an emergency, always call 911 and do not hesitate/wait. This can lead to a much harder SAR (later, darker, person in worse condition, etc.) Once 911 is dialed, keep your phone on.
• There is an arrangement worked out among carriers where 911 calls will always find the nearest tower no matter the carrier and require very little signal. So – do not hesitate to call even with little to no signal, it does not take much to at least make a connection which will send your location. Also, keep trying.
• Note, that the state of Arizona requires that any SAR service be free of charge, including the use of helicopter/helo-lift. In this instance the SAR operation removes the person from their stranded location and gets them to a safe location.
• It should be noted that this does not include an event utilizing an air ambulance. The use of an air ambulance will almost certainly come with some charge.
• Noted in some cases the S (Search) in SAR is required, that is – the person’s location is not precisely known. More recently using drones and computer software to help locate.
• SOS calls via Garmin InReach or SPOT connected to PCSD/FD/SARA are handled the same as a 911 phone call.
A full summary captured in the meeting minutes will be made available on the TRS page, News section.
You can also visit this YouTube link to watch Richard Hounshell’s presentation.
https://youtu.be/XfeQRnwjG8c
1. Have good navigation
2. Have a paper map backup
3. Sun Protection (normally directed at hikers, but dirt bikers should consider the possibility of having to hike out and shedding protective clothing)
4. Insulation/cold (think unplanned cold desert evening)
5. Good light for unplanned night event
6. First aid
7. Ability to start/light a fire
8. Repair kit/tools
9. Food & water
10. Sun cover/umbrella
Other information received from Richard.
• First step in an emergency, always call 911 and do not hesitate/wait. This can lead to a much harder SAR (later, darker, person in worse condition, etc.) Once 911 is dialed, keep your phone on.
• There is an arrangement worked out among carriers where 911 calls will always find the nearest tower no matter the carrier and require very little signal. So – do not hesitate to call even with little to no signal, it does not take much to at least make a connection which will send your location. Also, keep trying.
• Note, that the state of Arizona requires that any SAR service be free of charge, including the use of helicopter/helo-lift. In this instance the SAR operation removes the person from their stranded location and gets them to a safe location.
• It should be noted that this does not include an event utilizing an air ambulance. The use of an air ambulance will almost certainly come with some charge.
• Noted in some cases the S (Search) in SAR is required, that is – the person’s location is not precisely known. More recently using drones and computer software to help locate.
• SOS calls via Garmin InReach or SPOT connected to PCSD/FD/SARA are handled the same as a 911 phone call.
A full summary captured in the meeting minutes will be made available on the TRS page, News section.
You can also visit this YouTube link to watch Richard Hounshell’s presentation.
https://youtu.be/XfeQRnwjG8c
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