NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH and RESCUE ASSOCIATION

SEARCHER MODULE 3

FIELD SAFETY

HEALTH AND SAFETY ON THE SEARCH SITE AND IN THE FIELD IS EVERYONE’S

RESPONSIBILITY

FIELD SAFETY

NEGLIGENCE is the means for failure and accidents. You must take reasonable precautions to avoid injury to yourself,your team mates, the MISSING PERSON, and damage to property.

INSTRUCTORS NOTE

The following Health and Safety Program is an awareness level program only. Searchers are required to take courses specifically designed for any operation or skill that requires a higher level of training.

FIELD SAFETY

SAR TEAMS:

Have the primary responsibility for health and safetyMust establish policies on safety and trainingMust utilize competent supervisors

FIELD SAFETY

Specific Responsibilities of SAR Teams:Ensure that equipment, material and protective devices are provided, maintained and usedEnsure that all prescribed measures and procedures are in place and followedMust provide information, instruction and competent supervision to searchers to protect their health and safetyTake every reasonable precaution for the protection of their searchers

FIELD SAFETY

TEAM LEADERS:

Responsible for establishing safe working practices for all assign tasksSupervising searchers to ensure they follow safe practices.Ensuring that no short cuts are taken

FIELD SAFETY

TEAM LEADER…cont’d

Must ensure that the crew is, competent,trained for the tasks in a safe mannerIdentify any additional training needsMust ensure crew has all PPE gear requiredAdvise searchers of any potential, or actual dangers to their health and safety of which they are aware of

FIELD SAFETY

SEARCHERS:Must perform assigned tasks in a manner that is consistent with approved safety practices,procedures and regulations

Work in co-operation with others, in common sense and be alert at all times, both at the search site and in the field

FIELD SAFETYPersonal

EYES:

Wear safety glasses or goggles when working above eye level,traversing through the bush,handling heavy equipment or handling corrosive materials

FIELD SAFETYpersonal

EARS:Regular exposure to noise above 85db can result in permanent hearing lossIf you are within 3 feet and need to shout, the noise level is probably above 85 dbSources of dangerous noise,aircraft,chainsaws,blasting operations

FIELD SAFETYpersonal

EARS ..cont’d

Hearing protection is not as simple as wearing a pair of plugs or earmuffs. Muffs and plugs must be properly fitted and maintained in order to be effective

FIELD SAFETYpersonal

HEAD:Working in any situation where there may be falling of flying debris requires the wearing of a CSA approved hardhat or helmetHats should fit comfortably, not being too tight or too loose

FIELD SAFETYpersonal

HANDS:

Gloves should be worn when performing heavy manual labour and insulated gloves worn as a protection against cold

FIELD SAFETYpersonal

FEET:Any long distance hiking requires durable boots with non-slip soles and proper ankle supportUse gaiters with lower cut bootsHeavy insulated waterproof boots should be worn in cold weather

FIELD SAFETYpersonal

BACK:Improper lifting techniques account for 30% of all back injuriesAvoid back injury. It is Important to keep back and abdomen muscles strong and flexible

FIELD SAFETY

SEARCH PREPARATION:Careful planning is the most important part of a successful search

Factors to consider include; destination, the season,mode of transport, number of people and duration of the search

FIELD SAFETY

PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

Before leaving on any strenuous trip,undergo a physical examination and a physical training program

BACKPACKpersonal

Whether its for an afternoon,or several weeks, certain items should be with you when entering the woods. These are:

BACKPACKPersonal

Wooden matches in a sealed pill bottle or a film canister to keep them dryCandleCompass /topographic mapSmall first- aid kitPocket knife(multi use type)

BACKPACKpersonal-items…cont’d

Insect repellent/lip balmRoll of electric tape/ duct tapeSafety pins, assortedWhistle(pea less) and pocket mirrorA couple of large trash bags(orange)

All these items should fit into your pockets or your back pack

BACKPACKpersonal

When entering a remote area or if you are going to be away for more than one day, you should include the following for your pack

BACKPACKpersonal …cont’d

Additional food- high energy (ie. Chocolate,granola,trail mix, dehydrated soup, bouillon cubesExtra clothing and waterproof rain gear12m (40’) heavy test fishing line,hooks6m (20’) snare wireSmall flashlight

BACKPACKpersonal gear…cont’d

Water decontamination tablets50’ nylon rope(para cord)Small sharpening stoneNylon tarp or similarMetal cup or panSmall axe / folding saw

FIELD SAFETY

FIRST-AID KIT:

The following slide will show the minimum items for a personal first-aid kit

Personal First-Aid kit

Triangular BandagesSterile gauze bandage (4x4)Several rolls of 1 inch and 2 inch gauze bandageAdhesive tape,self adhesive bandageAntiseptic / antiseptic wipesPainkillersExtra personal medications(if a prolong stay)First-aid manual

FIRST-AID KIT

Instructor noteAt this time inform students of the Team first-aid kit, and that the last slide was for minimum items only. This list can be added to as required

MODES OF TRANSPORT

BY FOOT:Stay alert and watch for unforeseen hazards.

Make sure your equipment is in good condition,check laces,soles eyes, and hooks of boots,carry first-aid kit and emergency survival kit in backpack.

MODES OF TRANSPORT

General Travel Precautions: Travel in pairs(minimum number)Use extra caution if you are forced to travel aloneTravel at the speed of the slowest member of your partyInform others where you are goingDO NOT PANIC if you become lost or injured

MODES OF TRANSPORT

TRAVERSING IN WINTER:

Dress in layers,it provides for better insulation. You can pull layers off if you get hotInner wicking layer, middle layer wool, outer layer a waterproof/windproof gortex or similar layer

MODE OF TRANSPORT

IN WINTER..cont:Wear a hat or facemaskWear good gripping warm boots(extra liners if needed)Take snow shoes / cross country skis if required

MODE OF TRANSPORT

ICE SAFETY:Beware of slushy areas and ice over upwelling springs(black ice)Stay on clear ice if you can. Snow acts as an insulator and prevents the ice from freezing solid

MODE OF TRANSPORT

ICE…cont’d

Avoid areas where rocks are protruding from the ice

On unfamiliar ice ,carry a pole, to check the ice ahead of you and if needed, use for support should you fall through the ice

MODE OF TRANSPORT

ICE ..cont’d

If you fall through the ice and don’t have a pole, extend your arms in front of you and kick your feet to the surface, then on your belly, wiggle out of the water like a seal.

When you reach solid footing, roll in the power snow. It will absorb moisture and give some insulation while a fire is being built

MODE OF TRANSPORT

ICE…cont’dMake and carry a set of ice claws(click for claws)

MODE OF TRANSPORT

SNOWMOBILES:Ensure machines are in good operating conditions

Carry a tool kit spare parts and emergency equipment

Wear a CSA approved helmet, face mask and goggles

MODE OF TRANSPORT

SNOWMOBILES…cont’dMachines should be used in PAIRS

Be able to trouble shoot and perform emergency repairs

Wear layered clothing

Wear blaze orange

MODE OF TRANSPORT

SNOWMOBILES…cont’d

DO NOT:

Chase wildlife,Race, or drive recklesslyHill climb in areas of potential avalanches

MODE OF TRANSPORT

ATV’s:Have a valid Operators License, and all required documents for the machine

Ensure the machine is in good working order and free from defects

MODE OF TRANSPORT

ATV’s ..cont’d

When going up,down or across a slope, always shift your weight towards the top of the slope

When turning, slow down to avoid overturning

Do not park on a slope with soft ground

MODE OF TRANSPORT

TRUCKS AND CARS:When driving on gravel and bush roads:Keep your sights high and wideKeep well back from other vehiclesDrive according to existing conditionsKnow your vehicle and YOUR capabilitiesSee and be Seen

MODE OF TRANSPORT

FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT:

Follow the instructions of the pilot.

MODE OF TRANSPORT

HELICOPTERS:Follow the instructions of the pilot or crewApproach or leave the helicopter only when toldApproach or leave in a crouched positionAlways enter or exit on the down slope side

MODE OF TRANSPORT

HELICOPTERS…cont’dExercise extreme caution when jumping from the skidsEnsure you have NO LOOSE GEAR or Tall items on you

Or your pack Ensure there is no loose objects near the landing site(LZ)Never throw or drop objects while the rotors are turning.ALWAYS approach or leave the helicopter in the view of the pilot. NEVER to the rear of the helicopter

MODE OF TRANSPORT

BOATS and CANOES:Always wear a CSA approved life jacket or PFD

Each craft should have required safety and operational gear for its size

CAMP / SITE SAFETY

Camps sites/ search sites should be located away from potential hazards

Store flammable and hazardous materials properly

Open fires are to be kept small and in a safe location

CAMP / SITE SAFETY

Ensure appropriate First-Aid equipment is available

Ensure food and water is properly prepared and stored

CAMP/SITE SAFETY

CAMP /SITE LOCATION:In an open areaClose to safe drinking waterAvoid areas of potential landslides rockslides windfalls

CAMP /SITE SAFETY

CAMP/SITE SAFETY…cont’dAvoid tall and/ or dead trees which could fall or drop dead branches in wind stormsTents/ lean-top's, and vehicles should be placed a sufficient distance apart to prevent the spread of fireCooking areas should be well separated from sleeping areasFood should be elevated to reduce the attractiveness to nuisance animals

CAMP / SITE SAFETY

FIRE HAZARDS:Be on the alert for potential causes of a forest fire, such as a brush fire, a fire from wood or propane stoves and lanterns, careless smoking or signal firesNO OPEN FLAME SHOULD BE LEFT UNATTENDED

CAMP /SITE SAFETY

LIGHTNING:During a lightning storm,disconnect all radio antennas and ground themAvoid tall trees and open spaces, particularly on high groundIf anyone is hit by lightning and suffers respiratory failure, CPR must start immediately

CAMP / SITE SAFETY

NUISANCE ANIMALS:Reduce the possibly of unwanted animals with proper site layout and garbage disposal

Destroy any animal you suspect of having RABIES, AND SEND REMAINS TO A CERTIFIED LABORATORY

CAMP / SITE SAFETY

COMMUNICATIONS:Dependable communications are absolutely essential for relaying information back to the command post , or in the event of a severe storm, an accident, or a member of the team is becoming sick or is lost

CAMP / SITE SAFETY

AXES/ MACHETES:Be careful of dull bladesSharpen at least twice a day if in constant useKeep in a sheath when not in useNever carry an axe or machete over your shoulder

EQUIPMENT SAFETY

CHAINSAWS:

Wear safety bootsWear cutter pantsWear gloves, hard hatWear eye, and ear protection

EQUIPMENT SAFETY

CHAINSAWS…cont’dKeep chain filed regularly, reduces likelihood of kickbacksChainsaw should have a chain brakeDo not use the tip of blade for cuttingEnsure all parts are tight and chain properly tensionedEnsure idle is properly set Do not use saw for cutting brush, or stripping barkStart the saw on the ground, NEVER on your kneeAlways have a first-aid kit nearby

EQUIPMENT SAFETY

LIGHTING AND HEATING

LANTERNS:Propane or battery operated lanterns are recommendedLanterns operating on flammable fluids, may get knocked over, which can result in a fireLanterns should be hung from the ceiling

LIGHTING AND HEATING

Cont’d

Light lanterns outsideKeep away from flammable materialBe careful In taking hanging lanterns down, handles may be hotLet lanterns cool down before refueling

LIGHTING AND HEATING

STOVE HEATING IN TENTS:Ensure that walls nearest the stove, have heat resistant or aluminum foil which reflects heat around the tent

REFERENCES

MERRY,WAYNE,1999, Basic Ground Search and Rescue in Canada: A Home Study Guide, Context NorthSmith,Richard; LaValla,Richard; Hood,Rick;Lawson,Norm;and Kerr,Guy; 2003,Field Operating Guide to Search and Rescue(FOG)-SAR Skills Handbook,ERI Canada, Alberta, CanadaNewfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association, 2002, Provincial Training Standards ManualUmpherson,Don; Bennett, Douglas and Webb,J.R., 1991,

Bush Safety in Mineral Exploration, Education Series#2 Ministry of Northern Development and Mines