Rapid Response Advanced Mobile Search and Rescue

Integration Training

2011-06-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

Just came back from a 2-day training mission with other PCSAR groups. The weather was great and we all had a lot of fun. Pictures will be added soon!

"Brush Monkeys"

2011-05-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

Just finished a day long search with the sheriff department. The weather was great and we covered a lot of ground, but I am glad to be at home and away from stinging nettles!

Snow Recert

2011-02-28T12:11:00.000-08:00

Just finished our annual snowmobile recertification with PCSO. We ended up splitting the group because of machine problems, but a good time was had by all.

Winter Survival Training

2011-01-27T14:57:00.001-08:00

Just finished Winter Survival Training on Mt Rainier. We had a great day of snowshoeing, beacon/avalanche training, and building emergency shelters. We also had the opportunity to do some public education and show off our handiwork!

perfect timing for a clear trail

SFD's Version of MOAB

2010-12-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

Great Idea!!

2010-11-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

WSP Plane Searching For Stranded Drivers (kirotv.com)

SAR Management

2010-10-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

Just finished a Initial SAR Management class at the local EOC. Good Stuff!

Helo Training

2010-09-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

ATV Recert And Mission

2010-06-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

all rolled into one neat package!

As we are now fond of saying, "There's always something" at the beginning of every training mission, and this something was the amazing disappearing bearing cover. It was there when we left the precinct, but was gone at the Safeway. Fortunately, there was a Schucks next to the Safeway, so we popped in a bought ourselves two new bearing covers. We tried to pound the covers into place, but for whatever reason it didnt want to fit. So, we left it that way and continued on our way.

we tried

and tried

and tried

We did our Recertification Training up in Elbe. It was a great weekend to be out and we got to practice a lot of different techniques! J led us through GPS work, marking tracks and waypoints, Dg did a winching drill in the mud, while Dn had a winching demonstration over the side of a cliff. It was definitely a lot of fun and very exciting. We also came across what appeared to be an abandoned car, but Dg ran the plates and it appeared to be not stolen. So we noted it and moved on.

After a bit of searching, we finally settled on a campsite and pitched our tents. M and L grilled dinner for everyone (thanks!) and we all settled around the campfire before heading off to bed.

Or, so we thought.

We got the call for a mission at around 8.30p. 911 was called for a lost person in the Elbe area, the owner of *gasp* white sedan (or silver, close enough). Well, at least we knew where the car was. Base/Ops was set-up at the campsite and the rest of us split into two groups. Both groups initially headed down to the car to see if the subject was there. Then, we went down to the ORV park. One group stayed to interview the folks, while the other group did a hasty search down to Ashford and to set up Base with the MOCC unit.

Soon after the MOCC unit arrived, we received word that the subject was safe and sound at a gas station. So, we headed back up the hill to our campsite and called it a night.

The next morning, we woke up early and ate breakfast, broke camp, and headed out. We did a bunch of driving on the lower trails then called it good.

All in all, it was a great training mission and mission-mission. Thank you to everyone that came out and special thanks to everyone who helped with the planning!

May Pictures

2010-05-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

ATV Ride

2010-05-16T18:42:00.001-07:00

Just finished an ATV ride on Ft Lewis. It was a lot of fun - we logged many miles of riding, did a hillclimb, and even fixed a broken belt on the trail. What an all-encompassing day!

Pics to come soon!

Avy Training

2010-03-07T15:48:00.000-08:00

We just finished avy training last week - perfect timing for a search this weekend!

Missing men on Crystal Mountain call in from pay phone
Local News - The News Tribune

Catch Up!

2010-01-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

geez I've been slacking...

We've had a busy start to the new year. In early January we were asked to help the sherrifs department with a fallen deputy's funeral. That went well, we teamed up with TMRU and GSSD and did traffic control for the public parking area.

We also ran a map and compass course - both in the classroom and an overnighter in the field. We ran a bunch of fun excercises and did a quick medical assessment scenario.

We also got new hats. Very exciting.

New Call-Out System

2009-12-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

with no calling involved. or talking, at least. just a lot of texting. it seems to work pretty well so far.

fyi - we did run the evidence search that i posted about in the last entry. i wasnt able to make it, but from what ive been told, the group pounded out two different locations.

Possible Evidence Search Tomorrow

2009-11-29T19:14:00.000-08:00

Cross your fingers.

Overnight ATV Training

2009-10-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

had an overnight training mission at evans creek on friday.

in friday evening, we arrived at the orv park at around 2030 and worked on unloading and packing the atvs in the dark. then, we split the group into two teams and designated two search areas on the mountain. team 1 deployed to search are 1, while team B went to search area 2. their first assignment was to ride the trails and deposit plastic jugs of water at various points along the trail. we placed chem-lights in the jugs to make them glow, although it was still to dark to see with the headlights. that forced the teams to turn off their engines and look around, which simulates the need to turn everything off and do a voice check (yelling to the subject) in order to hear a response.

once both teams finished their initial assignment, we had them switch search areas and look for each others jugs. this gave them practice in not only looking at the trail, but on the sides of the trail for any evidence.

at 0530 everyone decided to call it quits and RTB (return to base) for the night.

at about 0930 the next morning, we all woke up and ate breakfast, drank some coffee, and packed our gear and atvs.

once everyone was done with that, we started the medical portion of our training. we began by reviewing how to palpate and auscultate blood pressures, then spent some time doing practicals. afterwards, we passed out "flash cards" on the risks, prevention, assessment, and treatment of hypothermia. we had a roundtable discussion on the topic and left the park at about 1100.

after another quick coffee stop, we all headed to frontier park for pierce countys search and rescue appreciation picnic. they had a good turnout and many deputies were on-hand to grill up hamburgers and hot dogs for the group.

we ate our fill, did some chatting, then went back to the precinct to clean the gear and prep it for the next mission.

one of the trailers broke on the way up to the mountain, so we had to get another trailer to pack the dysfunctional one

a very big fire ring

October Meeting

2009-10-02T01:56:00.000-07:00

Had our monthly meeting tonight. Went well. We reviewed our recent fundraising efforts and talked about some of our upcoming training events. Tomorrow we will be zipping around the ORV park practicing our hasty search, map skills, and gps skills. Should be fun.

Mission: Complete!

2009-09-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

started yesterday morning with a callout for three lost riders on three lost horses in the elbe area. R49 rallied the masses and we headed out bright and early from the precinct parking lot.

attendees: R24, R27, R44, R47.

while setting up the blue-gate base, we bumped in to the GSSD (german shepherd search dogs) and a member of the 4x4 unit.

we contacted the main base for directions and was put on hold.

then we were told that the subjects were found and to stop by the main base if in case we needed any forms signed.

so we all went home. another job well done!!

JakPak

2009-09-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

had our monthly meeting yesterday and we had a visitor! with gifts!

a JakPak representative met with our members to showcase their new 3 in 1 device; its a waterproof jacket, bivy sack, and tent combined into one moderately lightweight package.

i was impressed by the ingenuity and engineering of the device, but without a field test i am wary of the stability of the tent and the ability of the mosquito net to keep critters out.

for those of you with high quality gear, you will probably find that the JakPak wont be a suitable replacement for your current set-up. however, if you are looking for something that you can throw into your vehicle, on an atv or snowmobile, or into your backpack as a survival shelter - this is a great space saving piece of equipment.

New Leaders

2009-09-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kelly M. as our new President and Ken S. as VP.

-- Posted from my iPhone