EMERGENCIES
No matter how well prepared or planned, emergencies will happen.
The question is how you recover.
THE CALL
- Coast Guard, sheriff, others will want to know -
1. NUMBER OF PEOPLE (BOATS). type & color of boats
2. POSITION. both lat/long and geograpic or last known location
3. NATURE OF DISTRESS or problem
- Prior to your call you need to have thought our or already evaluated at least the following -
Medical conditions of all
What emergency equipment you have on hand
What communications equipment, radios, cell phones
What survival equipment, food, water, gear
Ability to maintain position? Drift and set
Departure point, destination point, planned stops & ETD/ETA - prospective course
On scene weather - wind direction, current, weather, seas, visibility
Shore based contacts, roles and experience
Car registration #s and location
- Record keeping and statements to others
Keep a running log of all that is going on including when, where, who, what and why
Generally do not speak to press, third persons, non-involved others unless calculated and necessary for resolution. Outside people will often only complicate the sheriff, coast guard and other's performances by possibly spreading inaccurate info
SEARCHES
- Secure any existing group safely for the duration with adequate supervision/leadership
- Assess severity of problem - judgment, equipment and skills of the victims
- Assess probable area, project probably locations & victims probable strategy
- Hasty search?
- Begin search from last known location and sweep on projected courses/routes with due regard for wind, waves, tidal currents
- Remember: Protect the remainder of the group first, then protect yourself, then your partner, then the victim.
- As a victim know that air searches will often be by parallel sweeps towards and away from sun. Try and anticipate where plane will next be
HELICOPTER PICK UP
Most helicopters will require at least an 80-foot clearing. They will want to come up into the wind (within 15 degrees) on landing and takeoff, so think of their route into the proposed landing zone. LZ should be relatively flat for at least a 20 ft area, firm and free of loose materials. Mark with an H pattern. Use smoke so they will know direction and strength of wind - but not across LZ. Mark wind direction with T with horizontal bar placed up wind, or stand on downwind side of LZ with your arms outstretched and with back to wind. If using lights do not blind pilot. Never approach from the rear, never approach down a hill or grade.
If a winch is being lowered let it touch the ground to discharge electric shock. Place horse collar, litter or straps securely under your armpits, and arms then firmly down at your side. Make no signals other than thumbs up or down. Usually will be a rescue person on the tether line, or a swimmer in the water.
Gulf of Maine Coast Guard uses "Jayhawks" for choppers (cruising speed of 130 knots) and "Guardian" for plane (cruising speed of 280 knots).
LOST AT SEA, ABANDONING SHIP or LOST KAYAK
- Abandon or sea anchor?
- When if ever would you consider?
- "Never leave your ship until it leaves you."
- Coast Guard's 50-50 Rule.
- Distress call
- Take what you need particularly hypothermia gear
- Attitude, faith, perseverance. Your will is best tool.
- Positive thinking.
- Delegate duties and responsibilites. Convey feelings of acceptance to all. Avoid dissension.
- Establish goals & establish routines.
- If in the water
use your survival bag
huddle together
swim slowly & steadily
use any flotation "bags"
EMERGENCY SHELTERS
Tent Bivy bag Boat shelter Spare clothing Bag Logs, rocks, dunes.
SURVIVAL
Survival is 9/10s attitude!