El Nino prep begins
SCV Search and Rescue trains for swift-water rescue
The Santa Clarita Valley Search and Rescue Team was among a group of eight that trained this past weekend to learn how to effectively make swift-water rescues in anticipation of El Nino storms predicted for Los Angeles County, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
At least 36 “specialists” representing eight Search and Rescue Teams participated in the specialized training — and got soaked in the process.
“I got wet more than they told me I would,” veteran Santa Clarita Valley Search and Rescue Team member Dave Christianson told The Signal Tuesday.
“I think we learn new things every time we get together,” he said. “We did learn new stuff on this weekend though.”
The focus of the swift-water training, according to sheriff’s officials, was to learn how to rescue a victim safely from a fast-flowing river or channel without having to actually get in the water.
“You learn different ways of doing things by working with
the equipment,” said Christianson, who has been pulling motorists out of ravines and scooping up stranded hikers for more than seven years.
Upcoming training sessions are expected to help certify this weekend’s participating Search and Rescue Team members as swift-water rescue technicians,
sheriff’s officials said.
Many current Search and Rescue Team members already possess this certification, which enables them to rescue a person trapped in a river or channel by entering the water and making contact with them.
Swift-water rescue responses present the highest level of
risk to responding public safety agencies.
One-third of all swift-water deaths are those attempting to save someone from a river or channel.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue
Team members are reserve deputies who volunteer their time to help others for $1 a year, and who partner with sheriff’s civilian volunteers who volunteer for free.
There are 200 members of the eight Search and Rescue teams of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
They are all emergency medical technicians and certified mountaineers.
These rescuers were activated for 597 search and rescue missions last year, making Los Angeles County one of the most active for search and rescue missions in the nation.
Reserve deputies and civilian volunteers are supervised by full-time sheriff’s deputies.
For more info go to www. rfb.lasd.org.