Snowmobile Club - SAR

[volcano buster]

Recently some members of our local club passed our state SAR test so we can be deployed by the hosting Sheriff's office. This may place is in use at our regular riding area which is a multiple use area with hikers, hunters, skiers, snowshoers and other sledders. We could also be called out as a resource to other areas of the state if needed.

Does anyone else participate in SAR type activities over snow that can offer up experiences and suggestions on preferred equipment? We can anticipate what we might need or scenarios that we may get into, but if someone has already been involved with this we would appreciate your input.

 

[Dobber1]

90% of our call-outs have been for non-snowmobilers who've made poor decisions and/or were unprepared. Extra clothing is usually what we've needed most in these situations. Radios are usually supplied by SAR. We do use protocol to stay organized, but that's on a case by case basis.

Responders who can be mobile in a short amount of time helps a lot! Some people seem to need hours to get their stuff together and then have to stop for fuel, etc. Normally we would get a "stand by" call before actually being deployed. That's when you should get everything ready to hit the road, not when your're actually deployed.

If the Sheriff's Office is "in charge", don't be in a hurry to sign anything to be part of the "search party", unless they understand the abilities of your group. Sometimes they'll be too conservative in allowing what we as sledders know what needs to be done. I understand they don't want to have to be searching for more than the original party, but they need to trust our judgement.

Our call-outs have been fewer over the last several years & really not sure why. Low snow years? People making wiser decisions? IDK?

Finally...there's power in numbers!

Every area handles searches differently, so would like to hear from others also.