Archives
High Strength Bowline
End-line knot. The classic way to remember how to tie the bowline is as follows: There is a tree next to a rabbit hole. (Make sure the tree comes up from under the hole) The rabbit (the tail of the rope) comes up out of the hole, runs around the tree (twice), and goes back…
Read MoreUphaul Systems and Mechanical Advantage
An uphaul system enables a load (litter, litter bearers and patient, usually) to be raised up a slope. Conceptually, a rope can be tied to the load and rescuers can pull the load up the slope. However, the weight of a litter with litter bearers is often too large (hundreds of pounds) for a reasonable…
Read MoreWater Knot
Used for webbing only. Does not require a safety, although long tails should be left on both sides of the knot. Application: For joining two pieces of webbing or for forming a sling. This knot will slip with time and load. Load the knot firmly before use. When tied, there should be approximately four-inch tails…
Read MoreButterfly (AKA Alpine Butterfly)
Mid-line knot. Probably the best mid-line knot due to the fact that it can be loaded in either direction. Applications: Used for mid-line rigging where you might need to clip a carabiner into the middle of the rope. Advantages: Can be loaded in either direction. Unties easily after loading. Disadvantages: Takes practice to tie correctly.…
Read MoreMedical Director
All EPCSAR members, while providing medical treatment, operate under the license of a Colorado licensed physician and the EPCSAR Medical Director serves as this licensed physician. The Medical Director provides guidance, training, and direction in accordance with El Paso County Protocols. The Medical Director is available via cell phone to provide medical advice during missions. …
Read MorePrusik Hitch
The Prusik hitch is used for attaching a sling to a rope without tying a knot in the rope. The Prusik hitch slides easily on the rope when unloaded and pushed from the end, but locks tight on the rope when the sling is loaded. Three wraps should be used for any Prusik that will…
Read MoreBaseline Rescue Systems
This section defines the baseline rescue system used by EPCSAR. This does not set an exclusive standard, and variations will be made depending upon the situation and specific equipment available at the time. The purpose of this section is to establish a baseline system that will work in the vast majority of rescue situations and…
Read MoreMedical Skill Levels
Actual individual medical capabilities vary greatly among team members. Members may have little or no medical experience, as may be the case of the probationary member, or they may be extremely knowledgeable in the care and treatment involved in advanced life support. Team members are required to hold minimum medical qualification of Emergency Medical Responder …
Read MoreAppendix D – Navigation
Every EPCSAR member who expects to participate in SAR field activities or in overhead planning and operations must be proficient with use of map and compass. Use of map and compass is essential for efficient wilderness navigation, communicating positions, assessing terrain, defining search boundaries, and defining search strategies. Accomplishing these tasks involves a few basic…
Read MoreRadio Frequencies / Channels
The Operational Directives specify what channels will be used for certain operations. The IC may also make channel assignments. Failure to monitor and transmit on the correct channel may jeopardize mission operations. For example, command will usually designate a channel for litter operations. If you transmit on this channel while a litter evacuation is underway,…
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