SAR technicians are equipped with packs specifically designed to support them in diverse and challenging environments. These packs contain a variety of essential items that ensure readiness for navigation, medical emergencies, survival, and rescue operations. Below is a detailed list of common items found in a SAR technician's pack.
The items listed below can vary from SAR organization as well as the scope of the technician and jurisdiction they are working in. As well, these items may be separated into different packs. For example, the ropes and supporting hardware is often in its own pack.
Since different rescue scenarios may require different types of equipment, having different packs with appropriate gear can be beneficial depending on the scale of the search operation, location being searched, and the time of year.
Recommended items for a SAR pack:
- Technical rescue gear - ropes, pulleys, prusiks, helmet, harness, headlamp
- Navigation tools - compass/map, GPS device, signal mirror, whistle, flares
- Medical and first aid supplies - First aid kit
- Survival gear - heat blanket, firestarter, matches, lighter, water purification tablets
- Clothing and shelter - rain gear, extra clothing, emergency shelter
- Food and hydration - high-energy food items, water
- Other miscellaneous items - tape, scissors, knife
These items often form the core of a SAR technician's pack, enabling them to perform search and rescue operations effectively. The selection of gear is designed to maximize efficiency while minimizing weight, ensuring that technicians can respond swiftly in emergency situations.
Below is a list of some our favourite tools that we think are essential for most rescue scenarios and why:
Coaxsher SR-1 Endeavor Search and Resuce Pack
Modularity and Customization: The pack is highly modular, allowing users to configure it according to their specific needs for each mission. It includes removable modules like a medical kit case and a water reservoir case, making it versatile for different scenarios.
Comfort and Ergonomics: The SR-1 Endeavor is designed for all-day comfort with an aluminum stay frame for a custom fit, an ergonomically-designed harness system, and an adjustable hip-belt/torso length. This ensures comfort during long operations and adapts well to different team members.
Durability and Quality: Made from DuPont 1000 Denier Cordura, the pack features quick-release ITW Nexus buckles, YKK zipper pulls, and reinforced stress points. These materials and features ensure durability and reliability in challenging environments.
Practicality and Versatility: Users appreciate the pack's ability to organize equipment effectively with multiple pockets and daisy chain connection points. This helps in managing gear efficiently during missions.
Courant Rebel 11mm Static Kernmantle
Consistent Performance: The Courant Rebel rope is praised for its consistent performance in variable conditions, making it a reliable choice for rope rescue professionals on the West Coast.
Durability and Efficiency: It features a hybrid construction with a 32-strand polyester sheath and an X-Braid polyamide core, offering superior wear resistance and low stretch, which enhances its durability and efficiency in demanding environments.
Versatility and Safety: The rope is available in multiple colors, aiding in rope management during complex rescue scenarios. It also holds EN 1891-A certification, ensuring compatibility with modern mechanical devices, which is crucial for safety.
Handling and Knotability: The rope provides exceptional handling characteristics, making it easy to maneuver and knot, which is beneficial for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Longevity and Cost Efficiency: Its durable construction contributes to a long lifespan, offering a cost-effective solution over time by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Conterra Technical Rescue Riggers Guide 4th Edition
Comprehensive and Modern Techniques: The guide is recognized as the most comprehensive rope rescue guide available, featuring modern techniques and updated information on systems like the DCTTRS (Dual Capability Two Tension Rope System). It includes over 600 illustrations and photos, making it a valuable resource for both training and quick reference in the field.
Practicality and Portability: Printed on storm-proof paper, the guide is designed to be rugged and portable, allowing it to be taken into the field for immediate reference during rescue operations. Its compact size (4” x 6”) makes it easy to carry without adding bulk to rescue gear.
Educational Value: While not an instructional text, it serves as an excellent educational enhancement for classes taught by competent instructors. It helps reinforce existing knowledge and provides a quick reference for trained personnel, ensuring they stay updated with the latest techniques and best practices.
Support for the Community: A portion of the sales supports volunteer mountain rescue efforts, which aligns with the values of many in the rescue community, including those at Coast Ropes.
Industry Recognition and Standards: The guide has become a standard reference globally, with previous editions widely adopted. Its updates align with evolving industry standards, such as those from EMBC in Canada, ensuring that users are always informed about the latest methodologies and technologies.
SMC Flex
Versatility and Configurability: The SMC FLEX is highly versatile and can be configured in multiple ways to solve various problems. It can be used as a standalone unit or connected with other FLEX pads using FLEX Clips to increase its surface area, making it adaptable to different scenarios.
Durability and Lightweight Design: Made from ultra-lightweight, abrasion-resistant plastic, the FLEX is durable yet easy to carry, making it ideal for field operations where mobility is crucial.
Rope Protection and Management: It effectively protects moving and non-moving ropes from abrasive edges and can redirect ropes around obstacles, which is essential for maintaining equipment integrity and ensuring safe operations.
Environmental Responsibility: The FLEX is 100% recyclable, aligning with environmental values and reducing waste, which is important for companies and professionals committed to sustainability.
Cost-Effectiveness: As a budget-friendly option compared to other rope protection systems, the SMC FLEX offers a cost-effective solution for rope management and protection needs.
Petzl Falcon Mountain Harness
Comfort and Lightweight Design: The Falcon Mountain harness is ultra-lightweight and comfortable, featuring a semi-rigid, slim waistbelt and leg loops with 3D foam padding. This design provides an optimal balance between low weight and comfort, making it ideal for long rescue operations involving climbing techniques.
Ergonomic Features: The harness includes DOUBLEBACK self-locking buckles on the waistbelt and leg loops, allowing for quick and easy adjustments. It also features four equipment loops for easy gear access and two slots for CARITOOL tool holders, enhancing its practicality in the field.
Versatility and Modularity: The ventral attachment point has a textile bridge, which facilitates mobility during climbing and comfort while walking. Additionally, the rear plastic buckle allows for attaching a TOP or TOP CROLL L chest harness, providing flexibility in different scenarios.
Certifications and Safety: The Falcon Mountain harness meets multiple safety standards, including CE EN 813, CE EN 358, and ASTM F1772, ensuring compliance with international safety regulations and providing users with confidence in its reliability.
Practicality for Rescue Operations: It is especially suited for rescue operations that involve climbing techniques, offering a balance of mobility and comfort that is essential for such missions.
Conterra Scarab® Rescue Tool
Strength and Durability: The Scarab is incredibly strong, with a frame and crossbar strength exceeding 40kN. It has undergone extensive testing, including drop and slow pull tests, as well as heat and wear studies, ensuring its reliability in demanding environments.
Versatility and Ease of Use: It is designed to handle both single and double ropes, making it versatile for various rescue scenarios. The Scarab allows for easy attachment of ropes without unclipping from an anchor and offers super easy lock-off capabilities, making it user-friendly for both right- and left-handed users.
Adjustable Friction and Load Capacity: The device provides instantly adjustable friction by simply wrapping a horn, allowing for precise control over heavy loads. It can lower loads of up to 600 lbs with just two fingers, making it efficient for rescue operations.
Compact and Lightweight Design: The Scarab comes in two models: the TI (Titanium) and the FR (Stainless Steel). The TI model is ultra-lightweight at 185g, while the FR model is more robust at 385g, offering options for different operational needs.
Certifications and Compliance: The Scarab FR meets NFPA 1983 (12 ED) “G” (general use) standards for 12.5mm rope, ensuring compliance with industry safety regulations and providing users with confidence in its performance.
Conterra Focus Rigging Plate
Multi-Directional Strength: The Focus Rigging Plate offers a Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) of 40kN in any direction, allowing users to orient it as needed to manage complex rigging setups efficiently. This flexibility is crucial for creating stable and secure systems in various rescue scenarios.
Certifications and Compliance: The plate is certified to meet NFPA 1983 (G) standards, ensuring it meets rigorous safety requirements for general use in rescue and rope access operations. This certification provides users with confidence in its reliability and compliance with industry regulations.
Durability and Build Quality: Built in Bellingham, WA, the Focus Rigging Plate is designed to withstand harsh environments, reflecting a commitment to quality and durability. Its robust construction ensures it can handle demanding conditions typical of search and rescue operations.
Portability and Practicality: Weighing 270g (9.5oz), the plate is lightweight and easy to transport, making it a practical choice for field operations where mobility is essential. Its compact size also facilitates easy storage and deployment in tight spaces.
Versatility in Rigging: The plate's ability to bring order to complex rigging setups makes it a valuable tool for both search and rescue teams and rope access professionals. It helps simplify and organize rigging configurations, which is essential for efficient and safe operations.
Conterra Delta V
Versatility in Use: The Delta V is a multi-functional tool that serves as both a belaying and rappelling device. It includes a "Guide Belay" mode, which is useful for bringing up multiple clients, making it ideal for guiding and rescue operations.
Strength and Safety: The anchor point of the Delta V is strength-rated at 26kN, ensuring it can safely arrest two climbers. This provides users with confidence in its ability to handle critical loads during rescue scenarios.
Integration with Rescue Systems: The Delta V works well as part of the Dual Capability Two Tension Rope System (DCTTRS), which is becoming a standard in mountain rescue. It also functions as a 26kN rigging plate to organize rescue systems, offering flexibility in complex operations.
Lightweight and Compact Design: Weighing only 95g (or 101g in some versions), the Delta V is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on a harness. This design ensures minimal added weight while providing essential functionality.
Quality and Manufacturing: The Delta V is machined from solid billet stock in an ISO 9001 facility, ensuring high-quality construction and reliability. Its refined design includes cooling fins for efficient heat dissipation, enhancing performance during prolonged use.
Eyolf Katrol S
Strength and Smooth Operation: The Katrol S features high-strength aluminum side plates and a needle bearing, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads. This combination provides reliability and efficiency in demanding environments.
Versatility and Prusik Minding: Unlike many pulleys, the Katrol S is designed to either mind a Prusik or not, offering flexibility in different scenarios. This unique feature allows users to adapt the pulley to their specific needs without interference from other operations.
Convenience and Maintenance: The pulley has a bolted assembly, allowing for easy maintenance and repair. The use of a high-strength steel bolt with a rust inhibitor ensures durability and extends the product's lifespan.
Practicality and Cost-Effectiveness: The Katrol S can be used to create a haul and rope grab system when paired with a hand-ascender, eliminating the need for more expensive specialized tools. This practicality, combined with its reasonable price, makes it a valuable addition to any gear set.
Canadian Design and Reliability: Designed with Canadian mountain conditions in mind, the Katrol S balances efficiency with a lower weight, making it suitable for both rope access professionals and search and rescue teams who require reliable gear in challenging environments.
Eyolf Katrol L
High-Strength Construction and Efficiency: The Katrol L features high-strength aluminum side plates and a highly efficient ball bearing, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads. This combination provides reliability and efficiency in demanding environments, making it ideal for heavy-duty rescue operations.
Versatility and Prusik Minding: The pulley is designed to mind a Prusik on the shorter ear of the side plate without interfering with other operations. This unique feature allows users to stick with one style of pulley for various tasks, enhancing versatility and reducing the need for multiple pulleys.
Durability and Maintenance: The pulley has a bolted assembly, allowing for easy maintenance and repair. The use of a high-strength steel bolt with a rust inhibitor ensures durability and extends the product's lifespan, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
Certifications and Compliance: The Katrol L is CE tested and certified to EN12278 standards, with a Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) of 36 kN. This certification provides users with confidence in its reliability and compliance with industry regulations.
Practicality and Cost-Effectiveness: The Katrol L is well-priced, offering a balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. Its robust design and efficient operation make it a valuable addition to any rescue kit, providing long-term value for both rope access professionals and search and rescue teams.
Leave a comment