Archives
Care and Transport of the Patient
After ensuring the team’s safety, patient stabilization is the first responsibility of the field team. Next, care must be administered to the patient to correct any life-threatening trauma and to prepare for the upcoming litter evacuation. It is imperative that any foreseeable complications be attended to before the evacuation is begun, thereby ensuring the patient’s…
Read MoreEffective Communication
Many variables influence the effectiveness of two-way radio communications. Classroom discussion/instruction and field experience provide understanding of how these variables affect communication. The physical location/orientation of the radio’s antenna can be very important. In the field, moving a portable radio a foot or two one way or the other, or ensuring that the antenna is…
Read MoreForces, Knots, & Factor of Safety
There are many forces in a rescue system. It is important for you to know these forces and the working loads. It is important to know that knots are weak points and account for that weakness. We design our systems stronger than they need to be by using a “Factor of Safety”. Forces In America,…
Read MorePatient Packaging – Litter
A subject who will be transported via litter must be properly secured in the litter. This process is called “patient packaging”. All injuries must be considered, and the patient must be immobilized as necessary. This may mean securing and immobilizing an injured limb or the patient’s spine. Principles Basic steps: The Wiggies: The Wiggies is…
Read MoreKnots Introduction
KNOTS Knots are a key element in the technical portion of search and rescue. Team members must be able to tie and finish knots correctly and know how to identify an incorrectly tied knot. Knots require continuous practice to maintain a safe level of proficiency. There are many knots that are suitable for use in…
Read MoreCode of Conduct, Principles of Ethics and Safety
Members are encouraged to purchase a team uniform consisting of a bright orange shirt (wool, synthetic, or cotton) with either long or short sleeves. Team patches and a name tag are worn on the shirt. You must be constantly aware that any time you wear this uniform you represent the team to the public. You…
Read MoreOrientation for New Members
Welcome to EPCSAR. Your application for membership and your presence here indicates that you wish to make a commitment to the values and mission we all share. This chapter will help you better understand the team, its objectives, and a little of its history. TEAM ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The team exists to perform search and rescue…
Read MoreIntroduction
El Paso County Search and Rescue (EPCSAR) is a mountain search and rescue unit dedicated to saving lives through search and rescue and mountain safety education. The team is composed totally of volunteers and is available upon request to help in mountain search and rescue problems anywhere, under the authority of local jurisdictional agencies. The…
Read MoreDouble Fishermans
One-half of a Double Fisherman’s is the most common safety knot for all other knots. To tie a Double Fisherman’s, wrap one rope around the other two times and pass the tail of the rope back through the two loops. Think about starting at one end, wrapping toward the center, and then finishing toward the…
Read MoreEquipment Care
While our radio equipment is very sturdy, reasonable care in its use will result in a long life and low repair costs. Protection from shock is a major consideration in field use. Always use the case provided for the portable radios. If you are carrying a radio, be aware of its presence at all times,…
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