2013-02-23 Mock/Critque/Notes

From PCSAR

critique rough notes recorded by Brett Wuth

2013-02-24 09:59

Critique notes

First Notification

Investigation

Communications

• swapped of radio person
• battery went dead
• lots of traffic jams, b/c calling in clues
  • recommend radios transmit location
• consider having more channels in use
• had to lift radio up to get better spot
• difficulty communicating in heavily treed
• no response from CP after subject found (shut down radio)
• good crisp traffic
• best experience with connectivity
  • good choice of CP location
  • CP radio is better

"use debrief instead of critique term"

• rescue sleigh
  • need more familiarity with equipment and procedure
    • training in class didn't prep for packaging
  • no medical person rode with pt.
  • identified late that needed attendants to help with trail

• light quality
  • some only for reading, but not searching
• headlamp quality
• perhaps PCSAR should have stock pile
• have redundant light source

• thermal scope
• $1000 for camper version
• US export restriction
• used for hunting

• GPS was new, didn't know how to use, therefore wasn't useful
• we need to keep our GPS skills fresh
• Too long traffic sending in GPS location. Can we develop a short form?

Briefing

• rushed
• left MD late.
• felt CP rushed to get back on schedule
• if you feel ill prepared by briefing, ask questions
• should read handout, will give extra information required

• TL's were good monitoring members
• should ask early about medical conditions
• should self identify medical issues
• will find job that matches ability
• don't be macho, be honest about limitations
• should put teams together matched on ability
  • e.g. speed
• could have matched
• numbered people off, caused mismatch

• Training opportunity was awesome
• senior members, sometimes backed off to let students
• scope of experience, capability, practice of members was not clear in training exercise
• typical search, will match people with who you know

• training works
• good to split up experienced people

searching

• realistic area for mock
• switches snowshoes on and off was realistic
• footwear and lighting key

• one person in running shoes
• people tired not using search cube
  • take break
• looking back helps with navigation

• types of search not clear
• assumed too much about search type

• consistency of note taking

• don't be too distracted by radio traffic of other teams

Extraction

• scouting worked well
• are there liability issues of walking person out, or should we always use stretcher
• hypothermic should be gentle movement, because lying on ground, requires carry

• write SAR beside prints to indicate already identified

• take advantage of wait times
  • adjust clothing, rub points, snack break, rest

• back door of equipment trailer needs traction mat
• steps in command post need traction mat
• put lubricant/alcohol
• need to know where key for side door
• weatherproof one lock on outside
• have other locks on interior

• good work has been done on command post

• orange beacon on roof

• change out red and blue lens on command post

• head phones on radio are faulty

• should have ear bud for FRS for ghosts

• stretcher tire is chronically flat
  • consider foam filled