SAR Question

[McFlyfi]

So you've done everything right for your backcountry trip- You've left maps, itineraries, with multiple people(Wives/friends/relatives). You've got your permit(s). You've even got a satellite phone to call in the cavalry if it becomes necessary.

Let's say that it becomes necessary. Who do you call? Call your main contact (most likely wife/girlfriend), and have them arrange help/rescue?

Bring numbers along to call directly, say county Sheriff or SAR? Forest Service? Local Ranger station?

It seems having the ability to call is only a small part of the equation. Who to call seems to be more inportant if getting help becomes necessary.

I've been bringing a sat phone along for years, and never had to use it. I am now wondering how to use it if it becomes necessary.

[rayfound]

I have a SPOT. I have it go to a few people who I think would know what to do, or know where I am going, in addition to my Family.

I would think that numbers for the appropriate agencies would be a good 1st start and worth carrying. I would expect County Sheriff would be able to interface with other agencies in the case of an Emergency, so that would probably be my 1st priority.

[Wildman]

Good advice by Ray. In most counties in California, the Sheriff is the primary agency responsible for SAR. That being said, LA County Fire department also has a complete SAR capability including helicopters with hoists. In many areas of the Eastern Sierra, the Sheriff's Department does not have aviation assets and CHP H-80 is the first helicopter of choice because they fly the same kind of ship that once landed on the summit of Everest...have a paramedic on board and have hoist capability. They also will fly military ships depending on the situation and availability.

Since you already carry the SAT phone (good idea in my book), when you are making your plans for a trip...make a call to the local county sheriff's department to see what they recommend. You would need a number that is the 24 hour dispatch number with a back up for another agency like Forest Service or Park Service. Not all federal agencies maintain a 24 hour emergency phone presence.

Having a secondary contact point with someone who knows your party and your itinerary is also a possibility should you not be able to get through to the primary reporting point for some reason.

You are really well ahead of the curve in being prepared for the unthinkable. Should it happen, you simply execute your plan.

[Eric]

Matt did you buy a sat. phone or rent one? Like Jim said pretty good idea you having one
Eric

[Papasequoia]

Looks like some good answers above so ... let's dance!

[NorcalBob]

Good advice by Ray. In most counties in California, the Sheriff is the primary agency responsible for SAR. That being said, LA County Fire department also has a complete SAR capability including helicopters with hoists. In many areas of the Eastern Sierra, the Sheriff's Department does not have aviation assets and CHP H-80 is the first helicopter of choice because they fly the same kind of ship that once landed on the summit of Everest...have a paramedic on board and have hoist capability. They also will fly military ships depending on the situation and availability.

Since you already carry the SAT phone (good idea in my book), when you are making your plans for a trip...make a call to the local county sheriff's department to see what they recommend. You would need a number that is the 24 hour dispatch number with a back up for another agency like Forest Service or Park Service. Not all federal agencies maintain a 24 hour emergency phone presence.

Having a secondary contact point with someone who knows your party and your itinerary is also a possibility should you not be able to get through to the primary reporting point for some reason.

You are really well ahead of the curve in being prepared for the unthinkable. Should it happen, you simply execute your plan.

Ditto what Jim said.
And yes, I'm a former SAR ranger with the USNPS. Especially this part: "You would need a number that is the 24 hour dispatch number with a back up for another agency like Forest Service or Park Service. Not all federal agencies maintain a 24 hour emergency phone presence".

[McFlyfi]

You would need a number that is the 24 hour dispatch number with a back up for another agency like Forest Service or Park Service. Not all federal agencies maintain a 24 hour emergency phone presence.

With the advent of 911 systems, this is really key. I've always carried family contact numbers, and more recently, counth Sheriff's numbers, even though I knew they were 8-5, Monday- Friday numbers.

Without too much trouble, I was able to locate a 24 hour dispatch number for Tulare County, as well as the name & phone number of the SAR coordinator/director.

Matt did you buy a sat. phone or rent one?

We rent them. Buying is just too cumbersome and expensive. I've used a couple of different companies, but one of them stands out. If anyone wants a recommendation, check with me.

I have a SPOT.

I want to talk about this. Maybe on a different thread? I've been interested in them since they first came out.
The map tracking, the 911 capability, and the new ones can even interface with certain devices (iPhone)? There has been some complaint in the past that "OK" messages don't get out, or that it's hard to tell if the message has been sent. How has it worked for you?

Thanks for the input, guys.

[flybob]

I don't worry about it, I have a PLB

http://www.acrelectronics.com/products/ ... nk-406-gps

Mine is the Terrafix version of this model.

Here is the main differences between a PLB and a SPOT type device:

http://www.acrelectronics.com/media/pro ... 20Spot.pdf

BTW 400 milliwatts = just under 1/2 watt (.4w)

[Eric]

I don't worry about it, I have a PLB

http://www.acrelectronics.com/products/ ... nk-406-gps

Mine is a much older version on this model.

Here is the main differences between a PLB and a SPOT type device:

http://www.acrelectronics.com/media/pro ... 20Spot.pdf

BTW 400 milliwatts = just under 1/2 watt (.4w)

Bob thanks for the link.
Eric

[Papasequoia]

Apparently it was a bit early for the "who ya gonna call?" video as there was still some other info about what equipment to use that came after. And in an odd coincidence I was catching up on magazine reading this morning where I am woefully behind and Backpacker magazine gave an Editor's Choice award to a piece of gear that would fit into this category. The inReach by DeLorme can be used alone to send texts, post to facebook and twitter, signal rescuers and track real time progress on an online map. It can also be paired with the DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w which was a 2011 Editor's choice award winner or an Android phone so that you can receive messages as well. Something more to look at for those who may be interested.

http://www.backpacker.com/editors-choice-2012-inreach-by-delorme/gear/16453