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Equipment Systems
Revised: February 18, 2007
The equipment you carry on Search and Rescue missions will be the equipment that can save your life and the life of a lost subject. Having the gear alone isn't enough. You need to know how it works, how to maintain it and how to manage it during adverse weather conditions. We've taken what we've learned through experience and put together a list of equipment that meets the demands the seasons and weather instill upon us.
Winter season: Oct. 1st to April 30th
All Clothing must be non-cotton.
Summer season: May 1st to Sept. 30th
Worn clothing may be cotton if conditions allow unless non-cotton is called for by Operations Leader. You must carry a non-cotton full set at all times.
WATER
Drinking Water (2 Quarts Minimum)q
q
Water Purification System (Tabs or Filter System)SHELTER
Rain Gear / Winter Riding Gear (Body Outer Shell Protection, appropriate for the Season)q
q
Tent or Tarp Shelter. If using a tarp shelter they should be: 8x10, 12x14q
25' to 50' Rope or Parachute Cordq
Sleeping Bag (Appropriate for Season & Used for Packaging Subject)q
Closed Cell Sleeping Pad or Inflatable (Appropriate for Season & Used for Packaging Subject)FIRE CRAFT
Matches, Strike Stick or Lighter (Windproof/Waterproof)q
q
Fire StarterCOMMUNICATIONS
Handheld High Band Radio (Check out from your Operation Leader)q
q Cell Phone or Nextel (Optional)
q 2 Meter/220 Portable HAM Radio (Optional)
q FRS Radio (Optional)
NAVIGATION
Compass (2° +/- Liquid Filled with Mirror)q
q
Mission Operation Area Maps (Check out from your Operation Leader)q
UMS Ruler (Uniform Map System)q
Pocket Note Pad and Writing Utensilq
Map Cover (Keep your Maps Dry and in Good Condition)q Highlighter Pens
q GPS Receiver (Optional but highly recommended)
LIGHTING
Head Lamp or Flashlight with Extra Bulb & Batteriesq
q
Spot Light or Search Light for ATV and/or Snowmobile (Optional)q
Chemical Light Sticks (Optional)PERSONAL GEAR
Boots (Appropriate for Season, Type of Riding, Weather & Mission Conditions)q
q
Toilet Paperq Extra Full Set of Clothing (NO COTTON)
q
Hat or Balaclava (NO COTTON)q
Backpack (For Carrying Gear in Ground Search or Recovery Mode)q
Bungee Cords or Tie Downs (For Securing Backpack to ATV or Snowmobile)q
Personal Meds, Eye Glasses, Hygiene Items (As Needed)PERSONAL PROTECTION
Helmet with Face Shield and/or Goggles (Appropriate for Type of Riding)q
q
Ridding gloves (Matching Type of Riding, Weather & Mission Conditions)q
Leather Gloves (For Subject Recovery, Rope Handling and Fueling Equipment)q
Ear Plugs/Protectionq
Sunglassesq
Sunscreenq Gaiters (Optional)
q
Bug Spray (Optional)WINTER GEAR
q Probing Poles
q
Snow Shovelq Avalanche Beacon
q Snow Shoes
(Optional)q Ski Poles (Optional)
q
Extra Fuel for Stove (Optional)q
Extra Fuel for Machine (Optional)(DANGER –Fuel Becomes Super-cooled In Freezing Temps. and Can Cause Server Skin Injuries)
SAFETY & SELF SURVIVAL
q
2/ Large Trash Bags (Emergency Shelter for you and Subject)q
Knife or Multi Toolq
First aid Kit (Suitable for your Training Level)q
Storm Whistleq
Space Bags or Blanket (Emergency Shelter for you and the Subject)q
Duct Tape (Small Roll for Wound Care, Gear and Equipment Repairs)q
Folding Portable Saw or Chain Saw (Optional)
FOOD
Backpacking Type Stove & Eating Utensilq
q Cooking Pot or Cup
q
Food (A minimum of 4 hot meals )q
Quick Energy Snacks (Energy Bars, Candy, Gorp)