SAR COORDINATES

October 2010

TONTO RIM SEARCH AND RESCUE SQUAD, Inc.

P.O. BOX 357
STRAWBERRY, AZ 85544

A self-supporting, not-for-profit group of volunteer citizens dedicated to improving safety in the Arizona wilderness.

Operating under the authority of the Gila County Sheriff's Office
John Armer, Sheriff

TRSAR Squad meets monthly

General Public Welcome
2nd Thursday @ 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Payson Public Library Meeting Room
328 N. McLane Road - Payson, Arizona

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Don’t forget; the meetings this month are 12th for the Board
and 14th for the General Meeting.

Fossil Creek 2010 - Rescue #14

By Hal Baas

The call-out came at 1450 hours on Saturday, Sept 25th. The subject of the call was a 13 year-old boy who had been at the old dam site and was hiking out the old flume road trail toward the bottom parking lot on Fossil Creek. The boy had become overheated, dehydrated, was throwing up and was not able to hike out.

Driving up from Payson through Pine and Strawberry on a weekend afternoon with a fair going on can be extremely frustrating with many drivers sightseeing, not knowing where they want to go, etc. But it is always something -- recreational vehicle traffic, highway construction, a slow cement truck or semi, smoke from a fire or bad weather. After I joined TRSAR, it took me a year to finally get in the right mindset for initial mission response -- which is to just relax and go with the flow. There is really no way to avoid the inevitable delays, and trying too hard, rushing or getting worked up only makes you tense and tired before you even get to the command location.

Shortly after getting on the dirt section of Fossil Creek Road we saw that the dust cloud ahead of us was from Tammy's vehicle. At about the same time we heard Rod on the radio advising that the lower parking lot was full and he would try and make some parking available at the lower area where the entrance to the power plant used to be. Kathy got on the radio and called Tammy to suggest that we pull over together at a good parking area just below the upper trailhead so we could carpool down in one vehicle. An added benefit was that the three of us in one truck were able to discuss mission strategy and possible assignments on the way down.

At the command/parking area, we learned additional and more accurate information. As a SAR team member you should always expect this to happen. The callouts are usually made based on the reporting party's information and before the sheriff arrives on scene. The majority of missions turn out to be a little different from what you might expect from the callout message. It is important to always take a wide variety of your gear and supplies with you. It often turns out that you will need something with you on the mission that you didn't expect from the original callout message. In this case we learned that the boy was part of a Scout troop and they were attempting to carry him out with a makeshift litter. They had been attempting to give him food and water but he was unable to keep it down.

TRSAR members were assigned into an advance team to accompany 3 Pine-Strawberry Fire/EMT personnel for a quick entry and to locate and assess the subject. Additional TRSAR members were held at command to bring in the litter and wheel if needed.

Eddy was one of the first members to arrive, driving his quad in from Strawberry. Rod and Eddy had determined that the quad could be used to help with the creek crossing. There is a poured concrete section of creek bed that had 8 to 10 inches of swift water flowing over. We could slowly walk across it but then everyone's socks and boots would be soaked. Eddy made many trips with his quad to ferry SAR, Fire/EMT, other personnel and equipment items across the creek. Some took their footwear off to cross the creek and a couple had water shoes, but with Eddy's help we saved a lot of time.

I had never hiked up the old flume road trail before because all the prior missions I went on were before the decommissioning of the power plant and we were able to drive our 4WD vehicles all the way to the dam. Now it is a steep trail hike and you gain altitude fast. On a hot day you will consume a lot of water just getting in to where subjects might be.

Whenever the advance team met people hiking out, we stopped and asked if they had seen the sick Boy Scout, how far in was he and what could they report about his physical condition. As a result of an early report, the EMT personnel called for the litter. The backup SAR members and Dep. Cronk, started in about 20 minutes after the initial team with the litter.

The advance TRSAR team came to the Scouts and leaders after hiking the flume road about 1.6 miles. The EMT's gave the boy a thorough medical assessment. The boy was deemed able to hike out and the litter was not needed. The return was uneventful and thankfully Eddy was there to provide ferry service again. The mission was concluded at about 1800.

Pack aCheck

Ok… Now remember the Ten Backpack Essentials? They are listed at the bottom of this article in case you forgot.

Lets talk about the first item on the list; Hydration. You can never carry too much water… well almost. Water is pretty heavy so most people don’t want to carry very much. The trouble is that out here in the Great South West there usually isn’t very much water laying around out there where we go on missions. So you have to carry enough water with you to last as long as you expect to be out on a mission and then some more for the unexpected. Here is an interesting web page on water consumption by the Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

Another web site with recommended water consumption while hiking the Grand Canyon is put out by the National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-smart.htm Note- Their 10 Essentials list is a little different than ours but basically they cover the same things.

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Here is an excerpt from that web page:

YOU SWEAT AROUND 1/2 TO 1 QUART OF FLUID FOR EVERY HOUR YOU WALK IN THE HEAT.

This fluid/electrolyte loss can exceed 2 quarts per hour if you hike uphill in direct sunlight and during the hottest time of the day. Because inner canyon air is so dry and hot, sweat evaporates instantly, making it’s loss almost imperceptible. Keep an eye out for salt rings on your clothes.

Do not wait until you are feeling thirsty to start replacing fluids and electrolytes. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Even a mild level of dehydration can make hiking a lot less fun. The more dehydrated you become, the less efficient your body is at cooling making hiking more difficult.

Your body can only absorb about 1 quart of fluid per hour, so drink ½ to 1 quart of fluids every hour that you are hiking in the heat. Carry a water bottle in your hand and drink small amounts often, alternate between water and a sports drink with electrolytes.

Balance your food intake with fluid consumption, else you run the risk of becoming dangerously debilitated and severely ill.

Food is your body's primary source of fuel and salts (electrolytes) while hiking in the canyon. Eat a salty snack every time you take a drink.

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A great way to carry water is a Camelbak : http://www.free2dayshipping.com/camelbak.html , http://www.rei.com/search?query=camelbak+packs

You don’t have to stop to get a drink of water. You just grab the tube hanging on your shoulder and take a sip as you go. Some Camelbaks also double as a small day pack so you can carry your other essentials in it as well.

Don’t forget to carry electrolytes. Some options are Gatorade, electrolyte tablets ( http://www.rei.com/product/761714 ), salty crackers or other salty foods. Most experienced hikers recommend that you dilute Gatorade with an equal amount of water to reduce the salt and sugar content to a less/better concentration in the mix.

Don’t over do! Too little water is bad… too much water is bad… too little electrolytes are bad… and too much electrolytes are bad. Below is an excerpt from the National Park Service web page on hiking the Grand Canyon. (Even though this was written for the Grand Canyon it applies equally to Us here in Rim Country.)

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Here is the excerpt from the web page:

The Hazardous H's

WATCH OUT FOR THESE HEALTH HAZARDS!

HEAT EXHAUSTION - The result of dehydration due to intense sweating. Hikers can lose one or two quarts (liters) of water per hour. Rangers at Phantom Ranch and Indian Garden treat many cases of heat exhaustion each day in summer.

Symptoms: pale face, nausea, vomiting, cool and moist skin, headache, cramps.

Treatment: drink water with electrolytes, eat high-energy foods (with fats and sugars), rest in the shade for 30-45 minutes, and cool the body by getting wet.

HEATSTROKE - A life-threatening emergency where the body's heat regulating mechanisms become overwhelmed by a combination of internal heat production and environmental demands. Your body loses its ability to cool itself. Grand Canyon has two to three cases of heatstroke a year. Untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.

Symptoms: flushed face, dry skin, weak and rapid pulse, high core body temperature, confusion, poor judgment or inability to cope, unconsciousness, seizures.

Treatment: the heatstroke victim must be cooled immediately! Continuously pour water on the victim's head and torso, fan to create an evaporative cooling effect. Immerse the victim in cold water if possible. Move the victim to shade and remove excess clothing. The victim needs evacuation to a hospital. Someone should go for help while attempts to cool the victim continue.

HYPONATREMIA (water intoxication) - An illness that mimics the early symptoms of heat exhaustion. It is the result of low sodium in the blood caused by drinking too much water and losing too much salt through sweating.

Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, altered mental states, confusion, frequent urination. The victim may appear intoxicated. In extreme cases seizures may occur.

Treatment: have the victim eat salty foods, slowly drink sports drinks with electrolytes, and rest in the shade. If mental alertness decreases, seek immediate help!

HYPOTHERMIA - A life-threatening emergency where the body cannot keep itself warm, due to exhaustion and exposure to cold, wet, windy weather.

Symptoms: uncontrolled shivering, poor muscle control, careless attitude. Look for signs of the "umbles" - stumbling, mumbling, fumbling, grumbling.

Treatment: remove wet clothing and put on dry clothing, drink warm sugary liquids, warm victim by body contact with another person, protect from wind, rain, and cold

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For more information on these illnesses and for a list of good sources of electrolytes contact your TRSAR Safety Officers: Ira Gibel at ( pinetr32@hotmail.com ) or Gary Morris at ( mercurymorris@hotmail.com ) .

The Ten Backpack Essentials

These are the basic things every backpacker should have in their pack when they go out hiking. This list applies to anyone whether they are hiking just for fun or going on a SAR rescue mission. SAR members who do not have these basic things with them may be putting themselves and/or others at risk and may be making themselves a potential liability instead of an asset on a mission.

1. Hydration

Camelback, Water bottles and Water, Water, Water!

Electrolytes

Water Filter or other water treatment system (optional)

2. Nutrition

Extra days supply of food

Energy food ( energy bars, trail mix, etc.)

3. Fire

At least two ways to make fire ( lighter, waterproof matches, flint & steel, etc.)

Fire starter ( dryer lint, Vaseline cotton balls, commercial fire starter sticks, etc.)

4. Sun Protection

Sunscreen and lip balm

Sunglasses

5. Knife and Tools

Pocket knife, Leatherman, compact hand saw, etc.

6. First-aid Kit

7. Illumination

Headlamp or flashlight with extra bulb and batteries

Backup flashlight

8. Navigation

Map of the area in a waterproof holder

Compass ( You must know how to use it or it is basically useless )

GPS ( Optional as part of this list but essential for SAR)

9. Insulation and/or body covering

Extra clothing appropriate for the location and time of the year ( Jacket, socks, pants,

Rain gear, etc.)

10. Emergency Shelter

Tarp, tent, bivy, space blanket, cord, webbing, duct tape - basic things necessary to

make an emergency shelter.

The list above assumes that you have dressed appropriately for the location and the time of year.

Appropriate dress would include:

1. Hat - To protect you from the Sun, rain and/or keep your head cool or warm.

2. Gloves

3. Sturdy Footwear adequate for the climate and time of year.

4. Clothing suitable for the climate and time of year. Preferably synthetics in layers that can be added to or removed that wick perspiration from the body and helps to control body temperature. Clothing that protects you from the sun or rain, heat or cold, etc.

5. Wrist watch or some other reliable timepiece.

Greg 521

Notes on Ringo

Ringo had a bit of a rough go when we took him out to the line search training on Saturday, Sept. 18th. He was in a completely new element: scrubby grass that was higher than his head, dirt and gravel, he got bullhead stickers in his feet, and it was much hotter than he was used to. He did four searches, and found two people (Lauren's German Shepherd, Dar, found the other two). So he was at 50 percent. But considering us humans only found about half of the stuff we were line searching for (.22 shells and kids' toys), Ringo probably did better than we did.

But yesterday was a banner day for Ringo. Ted Lucas laid out a track at Green Valley Park at 7am, and Ringo didn't get to track it until about 8:30. He just flew through the track, and this time there was no human at the end for him to scent, as Ted had laid the track and then gone to rope training.
Then we did two tracks on pavement with bait - his first time on pavement - and he found both humans. After that Greg Reed laid a track with no bait on it whatsoever, just his hat at the start and him at the finish. I tracked Ringo on that one, and could not see Greg's footprints and of course no bait. Ringo got off track maybe twice, but worked it out and started air scenting and found Greg hiding behind a building.

Ringo is doing very well!

Susan

Letter to Editor Injured Horsewoman

Editor,
In the Tuesday edition of the Roundup there was an article about a woman who suffered significant injuries after falling from a horse. As one of the Tonto Rim Search and Rescue volunteers at the scene, I want to comment on the outstanding response by our local professional emergency responders and medical personnel. When I arrived, there already were Payson Police, Payson Fire, Hellsgate Fire, EMS ambulance and possibly others I did not identify working to provide emergency assistance to the injured woman. These many emergency responders did the lion's share of the work while we in Search and Rescue provided assistance, primarily for equipment and subject transport. Native Air was already waiting with their medical transport helicopter landed at the end of Granite Dells road when the woman was transported out of the wooded trail. If my own family or loved one needed emergency medical assistance, I cannot imagine a better response than what was demonstrated by our local professional responders last Sunday.

Hal Baas

October 2010 Training & Events Schedule

21-Oct. (Thu.)	Navigation Training - time 1800 - Pine canyon narrows area - Instructor Jim Oelerich Parking coordinates 459556/3802694
23-Oct (Sat)	Line Search Training – Time: 0900 – Place: Natural Bridge Road
30-31 Oct. (Sat.-Sun.)	Rope Certification – Time: 0800 – Place: Squad Building – Instructors: Roger Miotto and rope instructors in charge.

Planned Training Sessions ( Coming this Year)

6-7 Nov. (Sat.-Sun.)	Rope Certification – Time: 0800 – Place: Squad Building – Instructors: Roger Miotto and rope instructors in charge.
	Planned Navigation Training – Compass and GPS
	Planned Mock Mission
	Planned First Aid – Time: TBA – Place: TBA
	Planned CPR – – Time: TBA – Place: TBA

If you would like to volunteer to run a training session, or if you have a training session request contact any Board Member or Don Johnson

Italics = Sign-up required to attend this training

See following notes:

To reserve use of squad ATV, contact Don Johnson at 928-474-5335. Jacket, gloves, boots, helmet, and eye protection required to operate Squad ATV

Active: Members wishing to remain on active status must attend at least three official Squad functions per quarter of the calendar year, as well as two training exercises per six months of the calendar year.

Reserve: Members who wish to remain on reserve status must attend at least one official Squad function per quarter of the calendar year as well as one training exercise per six months of the calendar year.

Laws that are still on the books

It is a misdemeanor in New York to arrest a dead man for being in debt.
Funeral directors in Nevada can be arrested for using profane or obscene language in the presence of a dead person.
Until as recently as 1975 it was illegal for a police officer in Maine to arrest a body.

Business Cards for Active Members

All active members are permitted to have business cards with your SAR info on them. If you do not have them yet, or if you have used up the ones you had, contact Mike Taylor to place your order. They are nice to have when you are doing any Squad activities, and the best part is they are free. A common use for them is to hand out to family members of the search/rescue subject.

Email miket@trsar.org or call 978-8009.

Website

Tonto Rim SAR Members can now have your very own email address through our site. Just contact our Webmaster at jack@jackswebs.com to arrange for it, no cost to you or us.