Recent content by AK_SAR

Indeed they do. See for example Alaska pararescuemen honored From that article: The article goes on to note that when not deployed, the Alaska ANG's 176 Wing, including PJs, Pavehawks, HC-130s, and the 11th Rescue Coordination Center, is the busiest AF rescue unit in the country. They conduct...

The PJs rock! Here in Alaska we are fortunate to have the PJs of the 212th Rescue Squadron, part of the 176 Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard. They are supported by the Pavehawks of the 210 RQS, and the HC-130s of the 211 RQS. The squadrons of the 176 Wing are among the most active rescue...

What's odd is that the burned areas seem to be concentrated in a couple of spots on the top of the fuselage. Some of the photos show a smaller burned area around the right engine, but most of the fire damage appears to be on top of the fuselage. As I recall the cabin emergency oxygen tanks...

Veneficus & mycrofft: Not sure what the fuss is about? Some improvs work great, some sorta' work, some don't work at all. That would be true of any improvisation in any facet of life, not just EMS. Yes, it is worthwhile to try to sort out the good from the bad from the ugly. However, you...

You have a marvelous grasp of the obvious.

Jelly Roll splint for leg Take two ensolite pads, put under leg, adjust overlap to fit leg length. Best to put something under knee so it is flexed slightly. Roll in from each side, secure with webbing, cravats or whatever. It works kind of like a ski patrol quickie splint. Just as good, or...

InciWeb For wildland fire information try InciWeb: http://inciweb.org/

Just be aware that NSP has gone to a brand new 5th edition OEC book. There are some changes, so make sure you are using that (most recent) edition. As noted above, OEC is a national program, so there shouldn't be any differences in challenging the course from place to place. However, once...

AMS makes you feel like crap. Fortunately for me, that's all I've personally experienced. HAPE and HACE can kill you. Definitive treatment for all is go down to a lower elevation. A Gamow Bag is a short term option for HAPE or HACE.

If you are thinking about vests, check out some of the ones designed for ski patrollers. Another alternative to look at is a timber cruiser vest, or a surveyor's vest. They make lots of different styles with various pocket configurations. Generally bigger, better designed pockets than...

I know.....Been there, done that......To old for that $h*t now. :)

Actually, Gordon Geisbrecht at University of Manitoba (aka "Professor Popsicle") has done lots of studies. I think he refers to them as graduate students, rather than "really hard up volunteers". :) I hear he has some openings in his program, if you want to go to grad school! ;) See...

The above suggestions are all good. I would add that you ought to try to find out what types of missions are most common for your team, then try to get some experience in those areas. Your team will presumably teach you the specific SAR skills, but you want to get familiar with the environment...

So.......it's snowing. What's your point? :rolleyes: In Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska, snow and/or icy streets is pretty much normal conditions from November through April. Ain't nuthin' special. About the same as if you asked the folks in Seattle & Portland what they do when it rains.

The long survival times of some cold water near drowning victims may be related to becoming severely hypothermic before drowning. Anna Bågenholm survived 80 minutes submerged in ice water, but apparently had an air pocket for at least the first 40 minutes. For a discussion of her case, and...