Archives
Considerations
Weather Colorado weather, especially in the mountains, is exceptionally changeable. Often rescuers as well as the patient must brave below zero cold and blizzard conditions, as well as the threat of hypothermia and frostbite. Therefore, emphasis is placed upon the members’ ability to be self-sufficient in all types of weather and terrain to avoid a…
Read MoreFigure Eight Retrace (AKA Figure Eight Follow Through)
The Figure 8 Retrace is identical in form to the Figure 8 on a Bight. It is used when the end of the rope is to be tied around or through something. It is the usual knot used by rock climbers to tie into their harnesses. While this is a common practice and makes for…
Read MoreAppendix C – Search Strategy and Tactics
One of the primary functions of EPCSAR is to search for lost people. The objective of a search is to find the lost person in the minimum amount of time. The strategies used by EPCSAR are largely based upon techniques taught in the courses: Managing the Lost Person Incident; Managing Land Search Operations; Incident Command…
Read MoreRESCUE BASE
EPCSAR’s building is referred to as Rescue Base (RB). RB consists of a vehicle bay and numerous rooms for different purposes. RB DESCRIPTIONS The main entrance for RB is on the east side of the building. Upon entering through the main entrance, you will find two bathrooms on the left and a conference room and communication room…
Read MoreBrakes
Brakes (Friction Devices) A brake is a friction device (analogous to a rappel device as discussed in the chapter on Individual Rope Skills) that permits a single brakeman to hold a rope supporting a rescue load without tiring. That is, the brake reduces a load that may be 750 pounds to a load of a…
Read MorePersonal Equipment
All EPCSAR members accumulate a fairly extensive amount of personal equipment during the time they are active in mountain rescue. This does not mean, however, that a new member has to buy hundreds of dollars of equipment before becoming involved in missions and team activities. Initially, only basic mountaineering equipment, much of which most people…
Read MoreTeam Equipment
It is the policy of EPCSAR that all equipment or material which is owned by or entrusted to EPCSAR can be used only for EPCSAR operations and for scheduled training. No EPCSAR equipment or material shall be used by any individual member or group of members, for personal or recreational purposes. All equipment leaving the…
Read MoreSquare Knot
The square knot is used to tie the two ends of a single line together such that they will secure something, for example a bundle of objects. In SAR the only place we use a square knot is to finish the creation of a NASAR webbing harness. Applications: This knot is used in SAR to…
Read MoreDouble Sheet Bend
While the double sheet bend is frequently used to tie two ropes of dissimilar diameters, it has come into common use in mountain rescue for joining two ropes of the same diameter. Both tails of the double sheet bend must be safetied. VARIATION: Double SHeet Bend on a FIgure Eight on a Bight Applications: Used…
Read MoreTrail Carry
Trail carries are common missions for EPCSAR. In fact, it is our most common mission. The use of the word “Trail” can be misleading as trails can be very difficult, steep, and on rugged terrain. While EPCSAR conducts many missions on Barr Trail, which is a well-defined path, it is not the only location…
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