Wilderness Search & Rescue, Preparation and Survival

Many accidents in search and rescue operations are the result of a failure to adequately identify and manage risk. Risk management is a process that should be ongoing. Anytime a search is conducted, personnel go into places facing numerous issues that could potentially cause harm.

Safety is a state of mind. We should not trust luck. Most mishaps and injuries are caused by factors that can be controlled. Searchers should not pretend they are immune and think “It can’t happen to me.” Searchers should always expect the unexpected. The more mishaps that can be foreseen, the easier it is to guard against them. Use common sense. It is up to the Searcher to take control of the risks.

The role of searching personnel is often misunderstood. The highest priority is not the health and well-being of the subject. The highest priority is the health and well-being of self, then the team, and then the subject. When these priorities are scrambled, the possibility of a rescuer becoming a patient increases, turning an asset into a liability. If a Searcher becomes injured, then it takes time and vital resources away from the original objective of the search. There are common human errors which greatly contribute to Searchers getting into trouble:

• Fatigue - This is considered to be the number one contributor to human error.

• Lack of communication - A failure to exchange information.

• Complacency - Loss of awareness and the development of overconfidence.

• Lack of knowledge - Insufficient experience or training in the task.

• Distraction - Anything that takes your mind off the job.

• Lack of resources - Insufficient equipment and manpower to safely perform a task.

• Lack of assertiveness - Failing to speak up when things do not seem right.

• Stress - Being overwhelmed by stress leads to human error.

DEHYDRATION

The body is constantly losing water through three (3) normal functions: breathing, sweating and eliminating waste through urination and bowel movements. In fact, a 150-pound (68 kg) person loses over 8 cups (2 litres) of fluid in a normal day. The same 150-pound (68 kg) person may lose more than a gallon (4 litres) of water hiking in the desert in one day.

Dehydration occurs when water is not replaced as fast as it leaves the body. It is important to remain hydrated before

and during a search. Also, be sure to replace lost electrolytes by consuming sports drinks. Thirst is the body’s signal that it needs hydration. When a searcher feels thirsty, they should drink water or a sports drink and eat regularly.

FOOTWEAR

Footwear is the most important gear to be concerned with. It consists of two (2) components: socks and boots. Starting with the socks, follow the three (3) W’s rule of wicking, warmth and wet. The first layer should be a thin high-tech moisture-wicking fabric. Each foot can produce nearly a cup of sweat in one day of heavy activity.

It is important to wick that moisture away to avoid blisters and body heat loss. The sock liner also allows any friction to rub between the socks instead of on the skin helping to prevent hot spots and blisters. Even in the summer, the sock liner keeps feet cool and comfortable.

The warmth layer should be a heavier wool or synthetic sock. Make sure the sock fits the foot. One-size-fits-all or socks that are too large cause wrinkles and bunching, which lead to blisters. This layer also creates a padding layer to keep the feet comfortable after miles of hiking. Even in the summer use a “summer-weight” wool or synthetic sock. Avoid cotton on the feet at all times during the year.

The wet layer is the boots themselves. Comfort and proper fit are very important when choosing a boot. Make sure the boot has good traction with a rugged sole.

COLD WEATHER CLOTHING

In cold temperatures, dress in layers. Strive to maintain a comfortable and slightly cool, but not chilled, temperature before any activity. If a person doesn’t, then their body heats up as their activity increases and they begin to sweat causing their clothing to become wet and to lose some of its insulating properties, which ultimately makes them cold. Remove or add layers of clothing to maintain the slightly cool feeling as the temperature and activities alter heat levels.

The wicking base layer, the layer closest to the skin, should be made of a material such as wool or synthetic that allows moisture (sweat) to be wicked away from the skin. Cotton and similar materials absorb moisture and are slow to dry, keeping moisture next to the skin which can cause chilling and, even worse, hypothermia.

The warmth layer is the insulation layer and should again be wool or synthetic. Thickness equals warmth. Good examples are wool or fleece pants, sweaters, socks, beanie hats, and scarves. Wool retains 80% of its insulating factor when it is soaking wet. Wool can also absorb 30% of its weight in water and still feel dry.

The wind/wet outer layer performs two jobs. The first is to allow moisture wicked away from the skin by the previous layers to escape into the environment, and the second is to protect the insulation layer from the elements, such as wind and rain. The outer layer should be a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type of garment. A plastic raincoat should be avoided because it does not allow moisture to escape causing the inner layers to remain wet and lose their insulation qualities.

WARM WEATHER CLOTHING

While horrible for cold conditions, cotton is ideal for hot conditions. Wear lightweight and light-coloured breathable cotton clothing during hot desert conditions. Long sleeves and long pants help protect the skin from the sun and from desert plants. A wide-brimmed hat is essential for summer months to help keep the sun off the face and neck. Radiation of heat from the head is one of the main ways the body loses heat. Make sure the summer hat is vented to allow heat to escape.

INJURIES

The common types of rescuer injuries are:

Back Injuries

These are very serious and have the potential to greatly impact the volunteer’s life. Serious injury can disable a person permanently. Back injuries are the number one job-related injury. Fatigued muscles are more susceptible to injury. Lighter backpacks reduce fatigue and the potential for a back injury. Remember the proper techniques when lifting anything heavy or awkward.

Shoulder Injuries

These are experienced primarily in swift water rescue operations. The force of the water can easily overpower the strongest person. Attempting to struggle with this force causes injuries that result in a serious loss of time from work, medical costs and potentially permanent damage. Following the proper techniques in this environment greatly reduces this possibility.

Knee Injuries

These injuries are serious and costly. They are prevalent in swift water rescues but can occur from falls or loss of footing. Footwear should be appropriate for the conditions underfoot. Mounted personnel should be especially concerned if they dismount and are required to walk the mount down a steep hill.

Ankle Injuries

These are the most vulnerable part of the body to suffer injuries. This is due to the rough terrain and hazardous conditions that are encountered in searches and rescues. Proper footwear with ankle support and remaining vigilant are required.

POISON IVY, SUMAC, OAK

Rescuers should be aware of the possibility of Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac. Poison Ivy and its relative plants grow abundantly all over. Some people are more susceptible than others to the rash resulting from contact with the plant. Most people experience only a localized itchy rash. Some, however, have a severe allergic reaction to any contact with the plant and should be wary of coming close to it. Regardless, of whether allergic to the plant or not, it is best to stay away from any contact with any part of the plant. If someone does come into contact with the plant wash the plant’s oil off with heavy soap as soon as possible. Washing with just water only spreads the oil around the skin.

SNAKES

The best advice when encountering a snake is to leave it alone. Be aware of pit vipers. And remember that rattlesnakes sometimes travel in pairs, so look behind before jumping back. If you or a fellow rescuer is bitten by a viper/adder, you must evacuate immediately. There is no field treatment.

COLD RELATED PROBLEMS

Be aware that extreme cold weather conditions can create or increase the danger of weather-related injuries, illnesses, and accidents. Ice may make normally sure surfaces slippery and dangerous. Accumulated snow may collapse or become an avalanche. Winter storms can reduce visibility to near zero.

Cold-related emergencies come in two basic categories. The first is generalized cold such as hypothermia which is an overall reduction in body temperature. The second is a local cold injury or damage to body tissue in local parts of the body, usually the extremities. Frostbite and frostnip are the most common.