Hi,
I am in Portland and follow your blog and would like to know what you found out about the SAR qualification process. If you have time to point me in the direction of more info that would be great.
I am encouraged to hear your comments about strengthening the body and the success you have had.
Regarding “self” rescue, I have been seeing these types of packages for getting out of burning buildings and such. It is very interesting given the powerful imagery of people jumping and falling out of the WTC.
http://www.petzl.com/en/pro/works/self-rescue
http://www.rescueresponse.com/store/Rapid_Intervention_Team_RIT_Bags.html
Several manufacturers have similar setups and it seems to be a pretty simple package.
Thanks for the blog.
Best regards,
Robert
Well for your first question its pretty simple. Call your local sheriffs office. Generally the sheriffs office either coordinates civilian SAR outright or works with them closely. There appears to be no physical or knowledge requirements to join. They will teach you everything you need to know. Granted if you showed up and have had no outdoors experience you might be met with some skepticism. I believe that before you go on a search you have to be able to hike 3 miles with a 25lb pack, which I think most people could do. If you are coming to help me out, I would hope you would be in better shape than that. Clark County said that complete training would take no more than 1 year. I am going to try and accelerate that by training with other counties.
Item #2: Thanks! It really makes you feel good when someone comes up to you in the gym to complement your training. Getting in shape is will do wonders for both your health and ego.
As for self rescue, I am not an expert. But that has not held back my opinions before. I should note that I have spent a lot of time rock climbing. Both products look interesting. The fundamental problem is how do you get from a high place to the ground, safely. At my house, on the second story, the answer would be to jump. I have crashed enough times climbing to know that a 6-10 foot fall will not take me (or my wife) out. Now if you are higher, or not feeling spry it seems you have two options. Rope or a ladder of some sort. I like the ladder because I think most people could work that under stress. Still a rope would give you a lot more range.
Here is some considerations:
- Height: Second story, maybe not a big deal. Third story, not a jump I would make willingly. Ladder maybe. Fourth and above rope, if you can do it properly.
- Anchors: If you are at home, drill one into the wall. Work, well you would have to figure that one out. Look for beams I guess. Hooking onto a window sill stikes me as about as safe and just jumping. Definitely a last resort.
- Harness: You could keep some nylon runners with your rope or make hasty harnesses. But I think this is the major failing of the rope. I concentrate when I am making or putting on a harness. Under stress would be something that you would definitely have to practice. Guess this is like carrying a gun, when its game time can you do the job. Maybe you always wear a rigger belt (that still does not sound safe). I guess if you are a firefighter or some other emergency response you might already have one on.
This is kinda fun:
Of course if you take your tactical pants off, you will probably prefer an ATC.
