FRIDAY FORUM: Water Rescue Resource Depletion
If your area is experiencing flash flooding, chances are, your neighbors are as well. This equates to rapid resource depletion. The cavalry simply might not be coming, because they’re tied up elsewhere. “Sorry, John Wayne time, you’re on your own boss.”
“That’s unsafe!” You say. Of course it is! It’s also reality. On two separate unanticipated flash flood events I’ve ended up with just a small team and no support. During Hurricane Ida, myself and another rescuer ended up in the back of a civilian’s pickup truck making rescues entirely unsupported. It happens.
Therefore, you must be ready. I once heard an “experienced” rescuer telling a lesser so not to put anything in their PFD “because you’ll always have the truck with you so just get what you need at the time.” I disagree. While I’m not advocating to carry the kitchen sink, you need enough to be independent, and most importantly, get yourself out of trouble when the boat flips.
This is my standard carry, fine tuned over many incidents. As you can see, it’s nothing extreme, but coupled with a throw rope you can make a lot of magic happen.
-Multi-Loop Rescue Strap
-1 set Magnapulleys
-3 large carabiners with sling
-Bound loop prussik
-Whistle
-Knife
-Radio pouch
-Center punch with tether
As I write this rescuers all across the Southeast are engaged in rescues following Hurricane Helene with one reported LODD so far. God speed…
“That’s unsafe!” You say. Of course it is! It’s also reality. On two separate unanticipated flash flood events I’ve ended up with just a small team and no support. During Hurricane Ida, myself and another rescuer ended up in the back of a civilian’s pickup truck making rescues entirely unsupported. It happens.
Therefore, you must be ready. I once heard an “experienced” rescuer telling a lesser so not to put anything in their PFD “because you’ll always have the truck with you so just get what you need at the time.” I disagree. While I’m not advocating to carry the kitchen sink, you need enough to be independent, and most importantly, get yourself out of trouble when the boat flips.
This is my standard carry, fine tuned over many incidents. As you can see, it’s nothing extreme, but coupled with a throw rope you can make a lot of magic happen.
-Multi-Loop Rescue Strap
-1 set Magnapulleys
-3 large carabiners with sling
-Bound loop prussik
-Whistle
-Knife
-Radio pouch
-Center punch with tether
As I write this rescuers all across the Southeast are engaged in rescues following Hurricane Helene with one reported LODD so far. God speed…
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