Archives
D4H Supplement: Attendance Tab
Correct completion of the attendance tab is critical for reporting. Prior to events/exercises/incidents, the attendance tab should list everyone invited to the event. The list of people on the attendance tab will have the event added to their calendar. If they have calendar syncing set up this even will then show up in their Google…
Read MoreFigure Eight Family
The simple Figure 8 knot is of little practical use in rescue, as it does not join ropes together or create loops for attachment of carabiners. The practical variations of the Figure 8 knot all show two parallel ropes tied in a Figure 8 knot. The figure 8 does not need to be safetied, but…
Read MoreAppendix A – SCARAB
The SCARAB friction device is made by Conterra, Inc. Conterra designed the device for rappelling and lowering rescue loads. The device and techniques for its use have been extensively tested by the company, and it meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for General Rescue equipment. WHEN USED PROPERLY, the SCARAB is suitable for rescue…
Read MoreCommunications – Introduction
While executing your assignment, you will need to effectively communicate your progress and findings to Command. Most mission communication occurs via commercial VHF radio. Radios improve our efficiency and enhance our safety. EPCSAR and most mountain rescue teams utilize very high frequency (VHF) frequency modulation (FM) radios. We operate on specific, licensed frequencies and individual…
Read MorePersonal Equipment Lists
All Members List: List 1, 1a, 1b, and 2 (basic load and available items) 4-Season List: Lists 1, 1a, 1b, 2, and 3 (extended missions, inclement weather, out of county) 4-Season Heavy: Lists 1, 1a, 1b, 2, 3, and 4 (extended or extreme weather and altitude) List 1: All Times, All Members: (Operate single mission…
Read MoreVehicles
EPCSAR has built a fleet of vehicles that transport equipment and personnel that can travel on roads, 4×4 roads, trails and over deep snow and can provide a mobile command post with advanced communication capabilities. These vehicles are essential to our mission and allow us to respond in virtually any weather conditions. To replace all…
Read MoreFigure Eight on a Bight
End-line knot and good end-line safety knot. Applications: Used wherever a loop is needed in the end of the rope for clipping carabiners. In EPCSAR, the figure 8 on a bight is used for: Load line for technical evacuations Tensionless anchor Piggyback hauling system Safety knot at the end of a rappel line to prevent…
Read MoreAppendix B – Use of the Rescue 8
APPENDIX B – BASIC USE OF THE RESCUE EIGHT Rescue eight, single wrapped for rappel; safety prusik above device Rescue eight, double wrapped for rappel; safety prusik above device Rescue eight, tied-off/locked off (courtesy, CMC Rope Rescue Manual, 4th Edition)
Read MoreTeam Equipment
VHF Equipment Our Team has two general kinds of VHF equipment: base/mobile units and portable or hand-held radios. The base/mobile radios operate at a higher power (typically 40-100 watts) with a more effective antenna. These units are excellent for long-range communications and for use as a mission base radio. The team portables (handheld transceivers, commonly…
Read MoreAnchors
When using ropes to support yourself or a rescue load, you have to attach them to something that will not release when the expected load (plus the safety factor) is applied. This attachment point is called the anchor. The anchor consists of both the object to which the rope is tied and the method of…
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