TEHACHAPI SAR – Jan. 2010
Training # 1
Date: 1/16/10
Type: CPR/AED/First Aid
Location: Golden Hills CSD building.
Weather: Air temp 39, no wind, clear sky
Objective: Certify new TMSAR members and recertify existing members.
Training:
Starting at 0800 hours. Members and 11 prospective members attended. We had three qualified instructors to demonstrate the proper CPR. All in attendance viewed a Red Cross video on CPR/AED/First Aid Till 1200 hours. Lunch break @ 1210 hours. Started hands on training @ 1310 hours. Two type of mannequins where used, Adult and infant. Members had to demonstrate the proper way in administering the different compressions between an adult and infant. Learned how to use an AED, showed proper first aid bandaging, and showed knowledge of overheating and hypothermia. Day ended when all members had passed the practical test @1616 hours.
Training 2
Date: 1/23/2010
Type: 4 Mile Hike
Location: Intersection of Willow Springs and Highline Road, Tehachapi
Weather: Air temp 34, wind chill 28, snow & ice, cloudy
Objective:
To test perspective and probationary members’ basic hiking abilities and gear preparedness.
Training:
Began at 0700 hours. Approximately Members. Base camp was set up south of the road closure barricades. Members were broken down into four four-man teams with a sergeant in charge of each team. After team assignments were given, each team had its 24- and 72-hour packs inspected for required items. After basic safety inspection to make sure all members had proper attire for the conditions, each team was given two NASAR radios and each member was issued a Rino. Members were given five (5) GPS coordinates to follow. Each team started out on the hike and as they reached each way point, they checked back in with base camp to report their position. Between way point one and way point two, the trail was not visible due to snow coverage, therefore, GPS coordinate readings were essential. Team 1 completed the hike in two hours. All teams were back at base within 2 hours of their start times. Debriefing occurred and members were again checked for safety and were then released from training at 1130 hours.
Training #3
Date: 1/27/2010
Type: Alpine
Location: Mt. Pinos
Weather: Air temp 36, cloudy
Objective:
To refresh alpine skills using crampons and ice ax.
Training:
Due to the nature of the training, only a few of members were qualified or available for this type of training. Training started at 0800 hours by picking up a Sheriffs vehicle from the SO. We proceeded to Mt. Pinos and found a suitable location six miles up Cuddy Valley Road. Training started by traversing a sixty five degree slope, approximately two to three feet of snow. This type of training was designed to practice foot holds and to use self-arresting with the ice ax. After an hour of this type of training, we proceeded to work on vertical hill ascending and descending using the ice ax. Members then proceeded to an ice shoot to practice walking techniques, ascending and descending on ice. After this portion of the training was completed, we removed crampons for safety reasons and started our self- arresting techniques. The training went well; we were able to stop our slide within our body lengths. No injuries; no equipment damaged. Training was completed successfully. Returned to SO at 1400 hours.
TEHACHAPI SAR – Feb. 2010
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Training 4
Date: 2/3/2010
Type: Rappel
Location: Sheriff’s Office
Weather: Indoors
Objective:
To self-rescue off rappel line
Training:
Due to time restraints, the rappel training was held at the SO using a hoisting winch. Training started at 0800 hours. The object of the training was to practice self-rescue while on a figure-eight rappel simulating an article of clothing caught in the figure-eight. We attached a two-rap prusik to the rappel line above the figure-eight and with a new carabiner clipped it into our harness for safety. Utilizing a 4’ looped web and a carabiner we created a modified chest harness, attached it to the rappel line so we were secure in an upright position. Then we attached a two-rap prusik 4’ long with a foot loop on the end to raise ourselves up above the figure-eight and then slid the harness prusik up to anchor ourselves down. We repeated this several times and climbed up the rope several feet. We then tried a 2nd method for ascending. Attaching a new prusik using a 25’ 7 mil cord we tied a two-rap prusik on the main line. Then about a 1’ down from the prusik we tied a figure-eight on bright. That figure-eight was connected to our harness for one extra safety. The two loose ends were tied with foot loops, one for each foot. Utilizing the two-foot method, we ascended up the line several feet. This method was easier. We were able to take the load off the line and clear the figure-eight and complete the rappel. Training ended at 1030 hours.
Note: All equipment used was readily available on our harness. Two rap for personal and three rap for load.
Training 5
Date: 2/6/2010
Type: Alpine
Location: Mountain Park in Tehachapi
Weather: Air Temp. 37 overcast with a light wind 7-10 knots Wind chill 30
Objective:
To refresh alpine skills using crampons and ice ax.
Training:
This training was limited to only four members of the unit that are qualified. Training started at 0900 hours @ Sheriff sub-station in Tehachapi. Members gathered all equipment need for the training and proceeded to ride up to Mountain Park in sheriff’s vehicles. Arrived @ base camp 0924 hours and preceded to locate a suitable slope to start training. This type of training was designed to practice foot holds and to use self-arresting with the ice ax. We started down a 50 to 70 degree and practiced self- arresting techniques with the ice ax. The training went well; we were able to stop our slide within our body lengths. We also practiced traversing the slope with crampons and the ice ax. No injuries; no equipment damaged. Training was completed @ 1135 hours successfully.
Returned to sub-station @ 1200 hours.
Training 6
Date: 2/6/2010
Type: Alpine
Location: Mountain Park in Tehachapi
Weather: Air Temp. 32 degrees overcast with a light wind 7-10 knots wind chill 28 degrees.
Objective:
To refresh alpine skills: hiking, GPS, ice ax, emergency shelter.
Training:
This two day training involved 16 members of our unit. Training started at 0730 HRS @ the duck pond at Mountain Park. At that time our lower base camp with our trailer and communications was established. The sheriff’s department brought up all three snow cats. Unfortunately due to the lack of snow coverage on the road only one of the smaller units were used. At 0900 HRS the small snow cat preceded to ferry members up to the 7000 foot elevation. At 1100 hours all members arrived at the 7000 foot elevation. First order of business was to establish radio communications with the lower base camp. Then we setup the upper base camp and camping sites. At 1200 HRS we started our survival training. This training consists of building a snow cave and emergency shelter and how to keep from getting hypothermia at night. Only four members participated in the self arrest ice axe training. At 1330 HRS we preceded to do GPS training. Members were broken up into teams of three or four and given coordinates. After the coordinates were inputted into the GPS navigation system, members preceded to find those markers. When members reached their first marker new coordinates were given to them over the radio for the next marker. At 1600 HRS a four person team preceded to hike 3.5 miles down the mountainside back to the base camp. At 1630 a four person team also preceded to hike 3.5 miles down the mountainside back to base camp. The second team included snow tracking and snow shoeing in their hike back down the mountainside. Each team was required to carry their 72 hour back pack. Eight members of the team stayed overnight on the mountaintop. At 0945 hours 2-21-10 the remaining members preceded to hike 3.5 miles down the mountainside back to base camp. All members for this training were accounted for at 1040 HRS on2-21-10. Training completed at 1430 hours.
Training 7
Date: 2/28/2010
Type: ELT
Location: Ridgecrest
Weather: Air Temp. 47 degrees, clear skies and no wind.
Objective:
To refresh ELT tracking skills
Training:
The four member Tehachapi team met at Denny’s @0600hrs. We did a pack inspection, radio check, and safety checks on all equipment. After grabbing something to eat we headed out to Ridgecrest to meet up with China Lake rescue team. Arriving at the China Lake base camp @ 0930hrs we checked in and were briefed.
Each of our team members was installed on a China Lake team. A total of three teams were formed plus base camp. Each team set out ¼ mile apart in different directions and proceeded to get DF from the receivers. Once each team established a transponder direction it was called into base camp. Base camp triangulated the direction and then ordered the teams to move again. We shot the DF one more time and sent the direction to base. By the third time base camp had pinpointed the transponder location. Team 2 established the location of the transponder @ 1045hrs and radio in to base. At that time we were ordered back to base. Returned to base @ 1105hrs for debriefing and return all equipment. All members accounted for. Training completed @ 1125hrs.
TEHACHAPI SAR – Mar. 2010
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Training 8
Date: 3/6/2010
Type: MRA certification.
Location: Malibu Canyon State Park
Weather: 52 degrees, overcast with light rain.
Objective:
Observe the Mountain Rescue Association wilderness certification process.
TMSAR members left the sub-station @ 0330hrs and proceeded to pick up more members in Bakersfield. Arrived in Bakersfield @ 0450hrs and picked up other members. Arrived @ Malibu Canyon State Park @ 0632hrs and proceeded to meet up with China Lake unit. China Lake was there to get recertified with MRA in Wilderness search and invited us to observe. China Lake started the morning with command post and tracking part of the exercise, followed by grid search and ELT/medical in the afternoon. TMSAR members observed all the necessary MRA processes needed for our certification. Left Malibu Canyon State Park @ 1300 hrs and returned to Tehachapi @ 1545 hrs. End of training.
Training 9
Date: 3/13/2010
Type: 4 mile hike and pack inspection
Location: Intersection of Willow Springs and Highline Road, Tehachapi
Weather: 30 degrees, overcast with light snow, wind 10-15knots wind chill 21 degrees.
Objective:
Annual qualifying hike and pack inspection for all members.
Members met @ Albertsons at 0800hrs. Location for the training was given and members signed in. Arrived at hiking location @ 0835hrs base camp was established. All packs inspected, GPS and radios issued, team leaders selected and maps given out. Base camp did a radio check with team leaders and @ 0855hrs teams proceeded to the first waypoint. A total of 6 different waypoints were placed in the 4 mile course, and teams checked in at each point. Teams returned to base camp and debriefed @ 1028hrs. All members accounted for and radios checked in @1035hrs. End of training.
Training 10
Date: 3/20/2010
Type: Grid search
Location: Intersection of Willow Springs and Highline Road, Tehachapi
Weather: 52 degrees, partly cloudy wind @ 5knots
Objective: Refresh and refine evidence grid search
Members met at staging area @ 0800hrs; from there all members were instructed to proceed to the base camp location. All members arrived at base camp @ 0835hrs, members where then briefed, radios and GPS assigned to each member. Members were broken up into two teams and team leaders selected. Team leaders were briefed on the search grid coordinates and maps then given transportation to the search area. Teams reached the search coordinates by @ 0920hrs. Radio communications with base could not be established, so a radio relay person was stationed on top of a small hill. At that time radio contacted with base was now possible with the relay. Teams could now search their grids for evidence. Team leaders called in there GPS coordinates to base camp and base gave them authorization to search. Base camp was able to track the movements of each team with the new improved tracking table. Each team movement was plotted on the table. Team two found the first clue @ 1015hrs and call in the coordinates to base. Base instructed the team leader what to do with the evidence. After the evidence was secured, team two continued on the search. Team one found two pieces of evidence @1136hrs and 1141hrs and call in to base for further instructions. Evidence was secured and the search continued. Team two found the last clue @ 1209hrs and call it into base. At that time base informed the team leaders that all clues have been recovered and to return to base. The search area was 1 kilometer by 2 kilometers. All teams returned to base @ 1221hrs. Debriefing started at 1225hrs, team members all accounted for, radios and GPS checked. No members sustained any injuries. 1300hrs training ended.
Training 11
Date: 3/21/2010
Type: HAM Radio
Location: Alpine, Ca.
Weather: 47 degrees, partly cloudy wind @ 0knots
Objective: introduction for HAM radio operations.
Meeting started @ 1400hrs. This meeting was set up with just a few members of our unit. The purpose of the meeting was to establish a dialog with the Tehachapi Ham Radio community. I case of emergency, the Ham radio operators are a valuable asset. We were told how we can expand our existing radio communication with minor modifications to our system. The help was greatly appreciated by our team members. Meeting ended @ 1800hrs.
Training 12
Date: 3/28/2010
Type: ELT
Location: Golden Hills
Weather: 59 degrees, partly cloudy wind @ 5-10knots
Objective: introduction to a new type of ELT hunting unit
Training started @ 1000hrs with classroom instruction. Members were brief on the proper use of the ELT finding units. This included the operation of the key pad, setting deferent frequencies, volume control, range settings, proper way to set up the antenna, and the proper way to store the unit. After the class room instruction, members were given the opportunity to try the unit in a small field. For 2-1/2 hours all of the attending members put the new units through a mock hunt. Later this year we will have a full blown ELT search, and we look forward in using out new units. Training ended @ 1500hrs.
TEHACHAPI SAR – Apr. 2010
Training 13
Date: 4/10-11/2010
Type: Alpine
Location: Mt Whitney
Weather: 32 degrees, clear
Objective: Alpine climb with full pack.
Due to the nature of this type of training, only a few members were qualified to attempt the hike up to Lower Boy Scout Lake via the Mountaineer Trail. 0730 hrs, after pack and gear inspection we started up the Whitney trail. We hiked for ¾ of a mile until we came to Lone Pine Creek which is also the beginning of the Mountaineer Trail. After a short break, we started up this new route, which was now completely covered in several feet of snow. The snow and 30 degree vertical ascent made this route very difficult; we proceeded up 2 more miles with an altitude gain of 1600 ft. We arrived at the part of the trail that was referred to as the ledges; an almost vertical rock face that zigzags back and forth up another 200 ft in elevation which was no small feat because of the 40-45* pound backpacks we were carrying. After we cleared the ledges, we started the last ¼ mile trek to the ridge before reaching Lower Boy Scout Lake. At the altitude of 10,000 ft, one member started to show symptoms of High Altitude Sickness. After taking a break, the symptoms did not lessen so the decision was made to go back down to a lower elevation. The descent was uneventful except one member went off trail and fell through the snow and was hanging by his pack; another member fell through a ice bridge crossing over a stream. No one was injured during this training. Training ended at 2100 hours.
Training 14
Date: 4/16-17/2010
Type: 4x4 certification.
Location: Dove Springs
Weather: 52 degrees, winds @ 20 to 30 knots with 70 to 80 gusts
Objective: Annual 4x4 certification and ELT search for all members.
Training began on 4-16 @ 0700hrs with the advanced team setting up base camp and, 4x4 courses and ELT location. That evening the training team set forth the agenda for the next day. All other members arrived @ base camp on 4/17 @ 0800hrs. Members were given their evaluation sheets and told to proceed to one of the three trainings. These trainings included: (1) Quad certification and course. Members could get their quads certified through our safety check list. Once the quad was safety checked, it could be used to qualify on the off road course. (2) Sheriff‘s vehicle radio and 4x4 course. Members showed the proper use of the radios and knowledge of the 4wd Sheriff’s truck. Once that was accomplished, each member completed a detailed off road course. (3) Winch operations. Each member had to demonstrate the proper use of the vehicle’s winching system. Members also had to demonstrate how to winch a Jeep up a hill using a quad. The 4x4 training ended @ 1600hrs, at 1645 began our ELT search. Command post was set up and team leaders were picked, radios and GPS assigned. Radio communications were not adequate so we had to set up a relay person. There were a total of three field teams, base camp and a radio relay. The commander instructed team leaders of the downed aircraft’s last known location. Each field team was assigned a GPS location and was told to begin hunting for an ELT signal. Base camp tracked all of the field teams on a map and computer. Team 1 was able to locate the first signal and bearing. This was plotted on the map @ base camp, and then the team was told were to move. After each team sent in their bearings and base was able to plot this on a map, we could triangulate the location of the ELT beacon. Once base could give a location, (within 100 meters) each team was assigned to that area. The beacon was found @ 1830 hrs and teams returned to base. Al l members accounted for and were debriefed. On 4-18 the advanced team broke down command post and camp. Training ended @ 1100hrs
TEHACHAPI SAR – May. 2010
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Training 15
Date: 5/8/2010
Type: GPS Mapping
Location: PCT
Weather: 49 degrees, clear
Objective: Map out intersecting roads on Pacific Crest Trail.
TMSAR will be mapping the PCT in section E and F. This mapping will start north of 170th in Rosamond all the way to Walker Pass. The team will locate all intersecting roads to the trail. The reason for this mapping is to insure better access to the trail in case of emergencies. Our team set off @ 0900hrs up various dirt roads to assess it indeed they would cross over the trail. Four wheel drive vehicles were used for this mission. The team was able to locate some roads that could be used and marked them on a map and shot in GPS coordinates. Training ended @ 1430hrs with all members returning safely.
Training 16
Date: 5/15/2010
Type: Map and Compass
Location: Bear Valley Springs
Weather: 66 degrees, clear
Objective: Refresh the use of a Compass
Members arrived at the training site @ 0800hrs. Members first showed the proper way to set up the compass and demonstrated the use. Next, all members walked off their strides and measured that distance. Members were then broken up into teams and sent off on a preset course. Teams had to find markers and identify them. Training ended @ 1105hrs, all members safe and accounted for.
Training 17
Date: 5/21/2010 to 5/23/2010
Type: Explorer competition
Location: Water Canyon
Weather: 42 degrees, cloudy winds 35 to 45 knots
Objective: Evaluate explorers on search and medical.
Advance team arrived on site on 5/20 to set up camp and training scenarios. The rest of the team arrived the morning of the 21, at 0830hrs the medical scenario began. The scenario was: lost hiker on a trail, down a steep grade had no water for two days and was injured. The hiker was spotted by Air-5. Each team had to go in evaluate the victim and call for the needed resources on the radio. Teams were graded by two evaluators on communications, medical knowledge, and team work. Each team was given 15 minutes to complete the task. All teams completed the scenarios by night fall, at that time TMSAR became the medical emergency unit at the site till the end of the competition. Training ended 5/23 @1400hrs.
Training 18
Date: 5/29/2010
Type: GPS mapping
Location: PCT
Weather: 51 degrees, clear
Objective: Map out intersecting roads on Pacific Crest Trail.
The team will locate all intersecting roads to the trail. The reason for this mapping is to insure better access to the trail in case of emergencies. Our team set off @ 0600hrs up various dirt roads to assess it indeed they would cross over the trail. Four wheel drive vehicles were used for this mission. The team was able to locate a half way point on the trail and marked the GPS location. Training ended @ 1400hrs with all members returning safely.
Training 19
Date: 6/12/2010
Type: ELT search
Location: Rosemond
Weather: 65 degrees, clear
Objective: Locate ELT beacon
Members set out in two teams to search for the ELT beacon. Each team leader established radio communications with base and waited for instructions. Each team was given GPS coordinates and was asked to do a sweep of that area. Did not take long for both teams to locate the beacon signal, a direction was given and teams instructed to move location. The entire exercise took about two hours, at that time teams returned to base and training was over. 1200hrs
Training 20
Date: 6/19/2010
Type: PCT mapping
Location: trail north of 170th
Weather: 65 degrees, clear
Objective: Map intersecting points on trail.
The team will locate all intersecting roads to the trail. The reason for this mapping is to insure better access to the trail in case of emergencies. Our team set off @ 0500hrs up various dirt roads to assess it indeed they would cross over the trail. Four wheel drive vehicles were used for this mission. The team was able to locate a half way point on the trail and marked the GPS location. Training ended @ 1200hrs with all members returning safely.
Training 21
Date: 6/26-27/2010
Type: Man Tracking
Location: Tehachapi
Weather: 79 to99 degrees, clear
Objective: Certified investigative man tracking class.
This was a certified 16 hour man tracking class. The class was open to all sheriff department personal. The course out line included:
· Sun Angle, tracking stick, tracking terms, scene preservation, track sketch, track signs, terrain, track traps, jumping tracking, and interviews.
We had a total of four different groups from the department attend. Training started @ 0800hs on Saturday, continued till 1700hrs on Sunday. Each team accomplished the class with great success and with the exception of a couple of members getting dehydrated all others stayed safe.
TEHACHAPI SAR – July. 2010
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Training 22
Date: 7/10/2010
Type: Patrol hike
Location: Pacific crest trail
Weather: 93 degrees, clear
Objective: set track and patrol trail
Team members started at 0530hrs at drop off point. All members carried radios, 48 hour pack, water, and GPS trackers. Additional members were stationed at the pickup point 8.30 miles away. The team did not encounter any hikers during the day. GPS zones were plotted for possible LZ’s incase a helicopter was needed for emergency. Rendezvous with the pick up team was @ 1140hrs. All team members were transported back to the drop-off point and debriefed, no injuries, and all members accounted for. Hike over @ 1330 hrs.
Training 23
Date: 7/17/2010
Type: Grid search
Location: Mountain Park
Weather: 87 degrees, clear
Objective: Refine grid search
Members arrived at 0800hrs at base camp. Members where then broken up into teams and team leaders picked. Radios and GPS were given to all team leaders and team leaders were then briefed. Search for the missing items started @ 1000hrs, teams were instructed to search certain grid coordinates. All items were recovered and teams reported back to base camp @ 1200hrs. All teams debriefed, radios and GPS handed in. Training ended @ 1330hrs.
Training 24
Date: 7/24/2010
Type: Patrol hike
Location: Pacific crest trail
Weather: 96 degrees, clear
Objective: set track and patrol trail
Team members started at 0600hrs at drop off point. All members carried radios, 48 hour pack, water, and GPS trackers. Additional members were stationed at the pickup point 6 miles away. Our team encountered hikers, during the day. We check to make sure that they did not need anything and then moved on. GPS zones were plotted for possible LZ’s incase a helicopter was needed for emergency. Rendezvous with the pick up team was @ 1030hrs. All team members were transported back to the drop-off point and debriefed, no injuries, and all members accounted for. Hike over @ 1200 hrs.
Training 25
Date: 7/24-25/2010
Type: survival training
Location: Mammoth area
Weather: 80s degrees, some rain
Objective: overnight hike
Members set forth on a overnight training. Team members started the training @ 0600 on 7-24 with a 6 mile hike to base camp location. After base was set up different types of skills were practiced by team members. Team members practiced overnight survival skills. Training ended on 7 -25 @ 1200hrs.
Training 26
Date: 7/31/2010
Type: Patrol hike
Location: Pacific crest trail
Weather: 90 degrees, clear
Objective: set track and patrol trail
Team members started at 0700hrs at drop off point. All members carried radios, 48 hour pack, water, and GPS trackers. Additional members were stationed at the pickup point 6 miles away. Our team encountered no hikers during the day. No injuries and all members accounted for. Hike over @ 1230hrs.
Training 27
Date: 8/7/2010
Type: Patrol
Location: Pacific crest trail
Weather: 92 degrees, clear
Objective: patrol trail
Team members started at 0600hrs in vehicles and preceded to the trail heads. All members carried radios, 48 hour pack, water, and GPS trackers. Team members stayed in the vehicles and went to four different trail heads, covering more than 100 miles for the day. Our team encountered no hikers during the day. No injuries and all members accounted for. Training over @ 1230hrs
Training 28
Date: 8/14/2010
Type: Downed airplane search
Location: Area off Willow Springs road
Weather: 95 degrees, clear
Objective: Locate downed aircraft and administer medical aid as needed
Team members started at 0700hrs by meeting at the sub-station. Four Sheriff’s vehicles were taken and driven to base camp. All members were then briefed and team leaders given their instructions. Teams were told that the aircraft went down somewhere north of base camp, and were instructed to locate an ELT signal. Each team shot a direction with the ELT locater and relayed the azimuth back to base. Base gathered all of the information and moved the teams to different GPS locations to ensure a good cross section on the map. Once base determined the GPS coordinates of the ELT beacon, it directed the teams to that location. Teams arrived at the crash site and radio back the pilot was missing. All teams joined up and began a grid search for the pilot. Within 5 minutes the injured pilot was located, and EMT personal began to treat him. All injuries were addressed and the victim was evacuated from the area. Team members returned to base camp and debriefed. All personal accounted for and no injuries. All members returned to sub-station @ 1500hrs and training ended.
Training 29
Date: 8/21/2010
Type: Fundraiser, Assist with Parks service run
Location: Mountain Meadows
Weather: 79 degrees, clear
Objective: Provide First aid stations, safety locations, Practice radio communications and GPS with map table.
Members arrived at the sub-station @ 0600hrs. Vehicles issued to officers and all members carpooled to base camp. All members briefed @ 0630hrs at base camp, teams assigned location to be stationed. A total of: five first aid teams, two mobile safety teams, mobile commander and base operation. All teams established radio communication with base and gave them the GPS coordinates. During the event, one individual needed minor medical aid and safety one returned him to base. The event ended @ 1100hrs and all members returned to base. All members were debriefed and base camp broken down. Training ended @ 1130hrs.
Training 30
Date: 8/29/2010
Type: Rope work
Location: Mountain Park
Weather: 85 degrees, clear
Objective: Refine rope skills
Members arrived at Mountain Park @ 0830hrs. All members were briefed and instructions given. Members refined rope tying skills and different knots used in rappelling. Members hung 5’ off the ground while practicing tying off with their harness. Members set a Tyrolean line and used different knot combinations. Training ended @ 1315hrs with no injuries.
TEHACHAPI SAR – September. 2010
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Training 31
Date: 8/30 to 9/3/2010
Type: Volunteer Academy
Location: Main Sheriff’s Office
Weather: 90 degrees, clear
Objective: Service Academy
This was a five day Academy open to all of Kern County Search and Rescue volunteers. Areas that the academy went over: INTRO TO CRIMINAL LAW, CRIME SCENE AND EVIDENCE PRESERVATION, PATROL PROEDURES/ OFFICER SAFETY, SEARCH TECHNIQUES, K-9 UNIT, COURT TESTIMONY, TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS, DANGEROUS DRUGS, RADIO COMMUNICATIONS, DEFENSIVE DRIVING, TRAFFIC CONTROL.
Training 32
Date: 9/6/2010
Type: Rappelling
Location: Tehachapi
Weather: 84 degrees, clear
Objective: Set up for rappelling training
Advance training team arrived at the rock face @0800hrs. The team set out to set up rappel lines and anchors system. Set up stokes recover and z rig system. Laying out all systems needed for the next weeks training. Training was ended at 1230hrs.
Training 33
Date: 9/12/2010
Type: Rappelling
Location: Tehachapi
Weather: 73degrees, clear with a 5 to 10 knot wind or the east.
Objective: Refine rappelling and recovery
Training started at 0630hrs. Training team set up all of the rappelling lines, z rig, haul lines, and safety checked all of the systems by two separate people. The rest of the team was instructed in the scenario for the day. Two EMT’s were to rappel down to the victim and medically evaluate the situation. After the victim was stabilized, he was then placed into a stokes. The EMT and stokes were then hauled up the 100’ rock face. For this exercise we had: 3 EMT’s, 1 victim, 1 person on belay for rappel, 2 edge personal, 1 on belay for haul line, 1 relay person, 1 haul master, 7 haul personal, 1 safety officer, 3 back up persons at base camp. We repeated this scenario throughout the morning and early afternoon. Upon completion of this exercise, all team members were invited to rappel down the rock face. Training ended @ 1500hrs, no major injuries, all members accounted for.
Training 35
Date: 10/8-10/ 2010
Type: Sar City
Location: Barstow
Weather: 78 and clear
Objective: Instruction in different SAR operations
Members arrived @ Barstow City College on 10/8 to attend evening classes. Each member was able to participate in a multitude of SAR instruction. For a list of classes, please visit sarcityusa.org. As of this weekend, all of our members are now, investigative tracking certified. We also have two new HAM radio licensed members.
Training 36
Date: 10/16/2010
Type: Night survival hike
Location: PCT
Weather: 43 degrees clear, with a 5 to 10 knot wind or the north.
Objective: improve night rescue skills and patrol trail.
Members meet @ the Sub-station at 1800 hrs. All members were briefed on the training, and were given radios, packs checked and assigned teams. Members arrived at the drop off point @ 2000hrs, and preceded to head north. The team marked all interesting points on the GPS, also marking LZ points for helicopter extractions. Members also trained in night tracking, and practiced survival skills. At the 7.5-mile mark, the team set up a base camp and rolled out the tents for the night. At 0530hrs, all team members proceeded down to the ending point, completing the 9.75-mile training. That morning, members encountered a pair of hikers going southbound. SAR members asked the hikers if they needed any assistance, but they did not need any. All members returned the bottom base @ 1100hrs and training ende
Training 37
Date: 11/6/ 2010
Type: Muti- county training
Location: Alabama Hills
Weather: 64 and light cloud cover
Objective: Training with other county teams
Our team set out @ 0500 hrs from the Tehachapi station for Alabama Hills. TMSAR meet up with teams from, Ventura County, Inyo County and Kern County @ 0800hrs. All members were broken up into four rescue teams, (8 to 6 members per team) for the scenario. This scenario was practice for a Mountain Rescue Association high angle rescue recertification. The four teams set out on the same problem in different sites. The problem: hiker stuck on a rock and needs medical attention. Each team hiked for an hour or more up a steep grade or class 3 to 4 rocks. After reaching the victim each team set up a stokes recovery system and lowered a person down. After the victim was packaged into the stokes he or she was raised up and carried out of the area. Training ended @ 1500hrs after the debriefing.
Training 38
Date: 11/13/ 2010
Type: Rappelling
Location: Highway 178
Weather: 72, clear
Objective: Locate new areas for rappelling
Members scouted new locations for rappelling, we found on the 178. The rock face has a vertical of 140 feet with some nice crevasses to challenge people. Members set up anchors point and tried different rappel techniques and used self-belay line.
Training 39
Date: 11/20/ 2010
Type: Rope, knots
Location: Mountain Park
Weather: 30 and light snow fall
Objective: Refresh knot tying, and rope skills.
Team members arrived at Mountain Park @ 0700hrs. Three stations were set up, knots, anchors, and stokes packaging. Each team member was able to get one on one instruction on each station. This was a refresher for the senior members and new instruction for new members. In addition, members were able to observe the proper way to install a Tyrolean rope system. Training ended @ 1430hrs with no injuries
Training 40
Date: 12/4/10
Type: CPR/AED/First Aid
Location: Golden Hills
Weather: Air temp 45, no wind, partly cloudy
Objective: Certify new TMSAR members and recertify existing members.
Starting at 0800 hours. all members and prospective members attended. We had three qualified instructors to demonstrate the proper CPR. All in attendance viewed a Red Cross video on CPR/AED/First Aid and hands on training. Two types of mannequins where used, Adult and infant. Members had to demonstrate the proper way in administering the different compressions between an adult and infant. Learned how to use an AED, showed proper first aid bandaging, and showed knowledge of overheating and hypothermia. Day ended when all members had passed the practical test.
Training 41
Date: 12/9/10
Type: Rappelling
Location: Kern River
Weather: Air temp 53, no wind, partly cloudy
Objective: MRA training
Practice MRA rescue technician requirements such as: rappel and knot tie off, rappel and pass knot, single rope rappel with any device, self belay with a prusik brake, ascend with prisiks. Each team member had to demonstrate this and other skills. Training lasted 4 hours.
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