GPSAR Digital News for January / February 1999

 

IN THIS ISSUE OF GPSAR NEWS

 

GPSAR Assistance Requested In Delaware County, Pennsylvania

GPSAR Assistance Requested By Pennsylvania State Police

GPSAR And PEMA - "Working Together, So Others May Live

GPSAR And Friskie’s Pet Care Company - "Working Together, So Others May Live"

GPSAR Personnel Attend PetSmart Educational Displays

GPSAR Member News

Free Canine Care Directory

New Products On The Market

What Is Your Thirst Telling You On A SAR Mission Or Training?

How To Put Together A Firestarting Kit

Public Safety Personnel Explosive Alert

WMD (Anthrax) Advisory

Stress Or Burnout - These Questions Could Save Your Life!

Crime Scene Preservation Tips

Tip Of The Month

Story Of The Month

Joke Of The Month

Quote Of The Month

 

 

GPSAR ASSISTANCE REQUESTED IN DELAWARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

 

On January 30, 1999, Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue assistance was requested by officials in Delaware County, Pennsylvania in reference to searching for a woman who’s vehicle was found down an embankment and next to a creek, leaving only clues and no victim. Thanks go out to mutual aid organizations: Northeast Search and Tactical Rescue, Gloucester County Search and Rescue and the Pennsylvania State Military Reserve. Thanks go out to the following GPSAR personnel for their assistance during this all day search: Chief Labov, Assistant Chief Ludwig, Assistant Chief Wallace and partner "RD", Captain Hopkins, Captain Zollers, Lieutenant Hinkley and partner "Rudi", Lieutenant Kratz, Lieutenant Ferron, Sergeant Waldman, and members Baildon, Corrigan and partner "Cyber", Crouthamel, Gopaul, MacIver and partner "Tasha", Packett, Park and Tyler. Thanks also go to Explorer Captain David, Explorer Lieutenant Hawkins, Explorer Lieutenant T. Robertson and Explorers Bleckman, Couchera, Haney, Rice, P. Robertson and Weir. It should also be noted that both the Explorer Unit and the newly established Water Rescue and Recovery Unit (under the command of Lieutenant Ferron) were utilized.

 

After extensive search of the area all the way down to the Delaware River, it was felt by search management that the victim most likely fell into the creek which feeds into the Delaware River, therefore, the search was suspended. This was confirmed on February 10, 1999 when the victims body was found in the Delaware River by a tug boat operator approximately 1/2 mile from where the creek feeds into the Delaware River.

 

 

 

GPSAR ASSISTANCE REQUESTED BY PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE

 

On January 23, 1999, Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue assistance was requested by Pennsylvania State Police in reference to two lost five year old children. Resources were initiated and, the boys were located safely.

 

 

GPSAR AND PEMA - "WORKING TOGETHER, SO OTHERS MAY LIVE"

 

Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue is now listed as a resource under the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s (PEMA) "VOAD" program. VOAD is an Advisory Committee to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council, chaired by the Lieutenant Governor. GPSAR will provide assistance to the Commonwealth when disaster strikes. After meeting in Harrisburg, GPSAR member Sergeant Waldman was given a tour of the State’s emergency communications center. Thanks go to Public Relations Committee member Sergeant Waldman for working on this project.

 

GPSAR AND FRISKIE'S PET CARE COMPANY - "WORKING TOGETHER, SO OTHERS MAY LIVE"

 

Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue is please to announce that the canine pet food giant "Friskie’s" is now a "Supporter" of GPSAR. Recognizing that GPSAR is the primer search and rescue organization in the tri-state area, Friskie’s Pet Care Company will have GPSAR attend expo’s to represent the best of canine search and rescue and to educate the public in this vital area of public safety. Posters and filming will also be done. Further, Friskie’s has made a generous donation to kick start the program. We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Friskie’s Pet Care Company for "Working Together, So Others May Live."

 

GPSAR PERSONNEL ATTEND PETSMART EDUCATIONAL DISPLAYS

 

On January 23, 1999 and February 20, 1999, GPSAR personnel attended Pennsylvania and New Jersey PetSmart locations in order to present educational displays on search and rescue. Thanks go to the following personnel for attending these details: Assistant Chief Wallace with "RD" and "Winston", Captain Hopkins, Lieutenant Hinkley and "Rudi" and members Maria MacIver with "Tasha," Carol Wallace, Chris Wallace and TC Wallace.

 

 

GPSAR MEMBER NEWS

 

Congratulations to Assistant Chief Wallace for receiving the Colonia Volunteer Chemical Hook & Ladder Company "Certificate of Appreciation" for outstanding community service and, a "Certificate of Appreciation" from the Jersey Shore Council of the Boy Scouts of America for his canine presentation.

 

Congratulations to member Jack Corrigan and his partner "Cyber" for successfully completing and certifying in Canine Search and Rescue Air Scent Level 1.

 

Congratulations to Chief Labov for successfully completing and being certified in FEMA’s Radiological Emergency Manager Training Program.

 

Congratulations to Lieutenant Ferron for successfully completing and being certified in Ice Rescue.

 

Congratulations to the following GPSAR personnel for successfully completing and being certified in FEMA’s Disaster Preparedness For Animals: Captain Zollers, Lieutenant Kratz, Sergeant Marshman and members Crouthamel and Gingras.

 

Congratulations to the following GPSAR personnel for successfully completing and being certified (or recertified) in OC Pepper Foam Public Safety Officer Training Program: Assistant Chief TJ Wallace, Captain Hopkins, Captain Zollers, Lieutenant Hinkley, Lieutenant Ferron, Sergeant Waldman and members Baildon, Bell, Corrigan, Packett, Park, A. Tartaglia,,and Chris Wallace.

 

 

FREE CANINE CARE DIRECTORY

 

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has instituted a 24 hour, 7 day a week, toll free animal care information phone line. The service provides pre-recorded information on more than 125 topics developed by veterinary and animal behavior specialists. Additionally, when you call, you will be sent $5.00 in coupons. Some of the valuable topics are listed below. Call toll free: (888) 252-7387 and enter the three digit code number for your topic of choice. You may listen to more than one topic per call.

 

Canine: Allergies, 110 - Arthritis, 111 - Car Sickness, 112 - Exercise, 116 - Fleas, 117 - Parvovirus, 125 - Vomiting, 129 - Worms, 130 - Aggressions to People, 135 - Aggression to Other Dogs, 136 - Destructive Chewing, 139 - Digging, 140 - Separation Anxiety, 145 - Noise Anxiety, 201 - Cancer, 206 - Cataracts, 207 - Cold Weather Tips, 208 - Dehydration, 212 - Ear Mites, 214 - Estrus, 215 - First Aid, 216 - Heartworms, 219 - Insect Bites, 223 - Skin Problems, 230 - Ticks, 232 - Microchipping, 414 - Disaster Preparation, 411 - Spaying & Neutering, 413.

 

 

NEW PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET

 

Mountain Bike Team Members should check into the "Topeak Alien" which packs enough bicycle tools inside a 3 1/2", durable nylon case to repair just about any part you can pedal. The 20 tools include Allen wrenches, Phillips and flat-head screw drivers, a universal chain tool, tire levers, a knife, and spoke wrenches. There is even a bottle opener. Cost is $40.00. For purchase or information, call: (800) 250-3068.

 

SAR members will be interested in this item weighing no more than a quarter, yet punching out a beam so bright you can see it up to a mile away, the "Photon Micro-Light II" provides illumination for those just-in-case moments. The light is available with a red, blue, green, white, yellow or orange bulb. The unit uses a 10 year lithium battery. Cost is $16.00 to $24.00. For purchase or information, call: (541) 338-7194 or check it out at their web site at: www.photonlight.com

 

 

WHAT IS YOUR THIRST TELLING YOU ON A SAR MISSION OR TRAINING?

 

Hydration (or drinking) is essentially the replacement of body fluids lost through sweating, exhaling and elimination. Hydrating is something everyone already does on a daily basis. The problem is, that most people do not do enough of it, especially those who work outside in the heat. It is possible to sweat 2 to 4 liters in an hour.

 

Human sweat is sometimes described as a filtrate of blood plasma. Extreme sweat loss can significantly reduce blood plasma volume, affecting cardiac output and blood flow to muscles and skin, seriously compromising one’s ability to continue exercising. Research of distance runners shows a 2% slowing of pace for each percent lost in body weight due to dehydration. Muscles are 70% water. If you dehydrate a muscle by only 3%, you lose 8% of your speed and 10% of your strength. Dehydration can impair concentration and coordination, severe dehydration can even lead to disorientation. Therefore, replenishing lost body fluids is essential not only to performance but to your health and safety as well. It minimizes the effects of dehydration on muscles and the brain, lessens the rise in internal body temperature and reduces the stress placed on the circulatory system.

 

Thirst is a poor indicator of the body’s fluid balance. For example, a marathon runner who drops 6 to 8 lbs. through sweating is naturally thirsty when the race is over. They have lost several pints of body fluid, yet thirst is satisfied after drinking just one point of water. If this runner relied on thirst to signal that the body was dehydrated, it would take 12 to 24 hours to replenish the fluids lost. By the time you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated!

 

When outside in warm temperatures, the primary concern is not loss of electrolytes or minerals but loss of H2O. The rate at which a body hydrates is also related to how fast the stomach can empty. This rate varies from person to person depending on such factors as the stomach’s volume, temperature and acidity as well as the "osmolality" of the liquid (the amount of dissolved substances in the solution). In general, the higher the osmolality, the slower the stomach empties. Therefore, for prolonged search and rescue missions or training's in hot weather, water seems to be the best choice. It empties from the stomach with minimal delay, is easy to obtain and reduces dehydration associated with heavy sweating. In cold weather, a drink that contains relatively low levels of carbohydrates such as sports drinks will enhance your performance on missions or training's lasting an hour or more.

 

Remember, however, that too much intake can cause stomach distress. Too little intake is not effective enough. So, what is the answer? This varies from person to person depending on the person’s size, the intensity of their workout during the mission, the temperature and other factors. There is a formula suggested on how to determine how much you need to drink during a mission or training.

 

A. Weigh yourself nude and dry.

B. Keep track of everything you drink (in ounces) during a training of 2 hours or more.

C Weigh yourself again when you are finished.

Subtract C from A, then add B to find your total weight loss. You should drink this amount of liquid over the course of your mission or training during that time period.

 

Example:

A. You weigh 150 lbs.

B. You are out training for 2 hours during which you drink 8 oz. of water (.5 lb).

C. After the training, you weigh 148.5 lbs. Your total weight loss is 2 lbs (150 - 148.5 + .5). In this case, you should consume 16 oz. (1 lb.) of fluid per hour. If you take a drink every 15 minutes, you will need to drink 4 oz. each time. If you drink every 10 minutes, you will need to drink about 2.5 oz. each time.

 

It is recommended that you use this formula for training's and missions under different conditions (hot weather, cold weather, etc.) as your needs will obviously change from January to July. Remember, 1 oz. of liquid = 1 oz of weight; 16 oz. of fluid - 1 lb.

 

Hot or Cold Liquids? Research indicates that cold fluids are absorbed by the body more quickly than warm fluids. Also, during strenuous training's or missions, especially in warm weather, your body temperature rises. This increase in body temperature amplifies the effects of dehydration. When you ingest cold liquids, the body uses some of its deep heat to raise the temperature of the liquid to match the temperature of the stomach, therefore, cold liquids are more effective at fighting dehydration in two ways: they are absorbed faster than warm liquids and, they help lower the body’s core temperature.

 

In the past in order to hydrate properly and follow the above, you would have had to carry four 16 oz. bottles of water, keep them cold and shift your concentration from your search and rescue activities to your water bottle every 10 to 15 minutes. Today, however, there are many new types of hydration systems that you wear on your back. These insulated packs hold the equivalent of multiple water bottles and have drinking tubes that lead directly to your mouth and valves that are easy to operate without taking your mind (or your hands) off of your activities. One of them will surely serve your needs!

 

 

 

HOW TO PUT TOGETHER A FIRESTARTING KIT

 

To put together a weather resistant firestarting kit (which should be part of your field equipment), follow these simple steps. Get an old plastic 35mm film canister and slide in a small square of fine (150-grit) sandpaper. Next, add two birthday candles - the kind that won’t blow out. Note that you will have to trim about half an inch off of the bottoms of the candles so they will fit into the canister. Add up to 20 "strike anywhere" matches. When the time comes to start a fire, pop open the canister, strike a match against the sandpaper, and light the candle. Use it to ignite your kindling. There will be no problem if the wind snuffs out the candle, it will start right back up. Be sure to keep the wick dry as even these candles have their limitations. Finally, always make sure the candle is out before you pack it up.

 

 

PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL EXPLOSIVE ALERT

 

All GPSAR personnel are to be aware that there has been a recent increase in the use of flashlights as housings for explosive devices in the United States and its territories.

 

Essentially, individuals have been booby trapping flashlights and leaving them at crime scenes, bomb and arson scenes or where their intended victim will find them. To date, these devices have killed one law enforcement officer, injured several and injured a number of civilians. The flashlights are generally metal, like the mag lights. The batteries are removed and a small pipe bomb is inserted into the housing. The bomber then rigs the flashlight in one of two ways, either wiring the flashlight to explode when the switch is activated or setting the bomb to trigger if it is moved, by use of a purchased or improvised mercury switch.

 

A mag light rigged with an improvised motion switch claimed the life of a Puerto Rican Police Officer.

 

During the conduct of crime scene search, or in any circumstances when a flashlight is encountered where it is not expected, leave the light alone. If the owner is located, allow the owner to take custody of the light. If no owner can be found, notify your supervisor . Do not attempt to open or examine the light yourself. The ATF has reported finding about 20 of these in the last year.

 

Also remember, that these devices may be utilized as a secondary explosive device after public safety personnel arrive to the scene of the initial explosion. The intent, of course, is to injure the rescue workers as well.

 

 

WMD (ANTHRAX) ADVISORY

 

Recently, we have seen a series of anthrax scares caused by hoax letter advising the reader (victim) that the anthrax was contained within the envelope. Some of these letters were found to contain a form of inert powder with an accompanying note advising the recipient that he or she has been exposed to anthrax. Other notes have merely contained the written statement advising the reader of the presence of anthrax, although no foreign substance was contained within the envelope. The reaction to these events by WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) responders has resulted in evacuation and decontamination efforts.

 

Responders and victims should note that anthrax spores are harmful only if inhaled, ingested, or when introduced into an open an open wound or the eyes. Persons exposed to anthrax are not contagious. All responders should follow local protocols for hazardous materials incidents involving biological hazards. Upon receipt of a threat, a thorough hazard risk assessment should be conducted. Upon notification, the FBI will coordinate a thorough risk assessment in conjunction with the health department and other authorities on biological agents to ensure timely dissemination of appropriate technical advice.

 

Any contaminated evidence gathered at the scene should be triple-bagged. Individuals should be advised to await laboratory test results which will be available within 48 hours. These individuals do NOT need to be placed on chemoprophylaxis while awaiting laboratory test results to determine whether an infectious agent was present. The individual needs to be instructed that if they become ill before laboratory results are available, they should immediately contact their local health department and proceed immediately to a pre-determined emergency department, where they should inform the attending staff of their potential exposure.

 

Victims who may be in the immediate area and are potentially contaminated should be decontaminated with SOAP AND WATER, no bleach solutions are required. A 1:10 dilution of household bleach (i.e. Clorox - 5.25% hypochlorite) should only be used if there is confirmation of the agent and an inability to remove the materials through soap and water decontamination and should be rinsed off after 10 to 15 minutes.

 

The threatened use of weapons of mass destruction is a Federal Crime and should be reported to the FBI as soon as possible.

 

 

 

STRESS OR BURNOUT - THESE QUESTIONS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

 

Emergency services functions can be quite stressful, therefore, take a moment to check each of the statements that apply to you on this public service personnel questionnaire. This questionnaire could help save your career...or even your life! When finished, consult the scoring key below to see how well you are dealing with the stress in your life.

 

1. I am dissatisfied with my job.

2. I am pessimistic about my work.

3. My work affects my home life.

4. I cannot wait for my shift to end.

5. * I sometimes use alcohol or other drugs to forget work.

6. I often wish to change jobs.

7. I take a lot of sick days.

8. I feel I cannot talk to anyone about what my job is like.

9. I often feel like crying or breaking things.

10. I have less energy than I use to have.

11. My work absenteeism is up.

12. I feel under stress.

13. * It is rare for me to be completely relaxed.

14. I am gaining or losing weight.

15. My sex life has deteriorated.

16. * My job performance is deteriorating.

17. I think more and more about my job.

18. * I often feel depressed.

19. I am not sleeping well.

20. I do not feel like helping citizens anymore.

21. There is no one I can trust.

22. I am sometimes underagressive or overaggressive.

23. I do not have many outside interests anymore.

24. * I sometimes feel like I will explode.

25. I no longer take good care of myself.

26. No one understands me.

27. * I think of suicide.

28. * I often flash back to unpleasant things in the past.

29. * My family and peers are worried about me.

30. * I keep hoping for a major change in my life.

31. My spiritual life is not satisfying.

32. * I feel like I am on a treadmill and cannot get off.

33. * My life is becoming unmanageable.

34. * I feel very bad about several aspects of my job.

 

Scoring:

 

* Critical Items: Any 1 or more of these items indicates a problem that could require professional attention.

 

If you checked 0-3 noncritical items, you may be handling stress well.

 

If you checked 4-10 noncritical items, you are moderately stressed and must watch for burnout.

 

If you checked 11-15 critical and noncritical items, you are probably highly stressed and experiencing burnout.

 

If you checked 16 or more items, your stress/burnout may be at a life-threatening level.

 

 

CRIME SCENE PRESERVATION TIPS

 

During your career in search and rescue, it is inevitable that you will eventually encounter a crime scene. The following tips will assist you in preserving the scene properly for the investigating officers.

 

1. Survey and assess the scene before proceeding to the victim.

2. Try to approach the victim from a route different from the victims (or assailant’s) probable route.

3. Follow the same path to and from the victim at all times.

4. Avoid stepping on bloodstains or spatter if possible.

5. If administering first aid, when cutting clothing, if at all possible, try to preserve any points of wounding.

6. Document and report all of your actions to the investigating officer.

7. Keep all unnecessary people away from the victim and the scene until police arrive.

8. Do not smoke or eat at the scene.

9. Do not touch any evidence if at all possible.

10. Do not make comments to any bystanders about the situation.

11. Remember, law enforcement officers are in charge of the crime scene. Rescue personnel are in charge of the patient. When administering first aid, the person with the most medical experience will be the person in charge of the patient. First Aider will be in charge over anyone without such training, EMT over First Aider, Paramedic over EMT, etc.

 

 

TIP OF THE MONTH

 

To simplify your online hunt for camping, climbing, cycling, paddling and other outdoor gear, go to: www.rei-outlet.com

You can register for a product and receive e-mail notification when it’s in stock. Markdowns range from 20 to 50 percent, depending on the product. Seconds and discontinued stock are also available. REI backs the products with a 30 day money back guarantee.

 

 

STORY OF THE MONTH

 

Friedrich Riesfeldt 46, a zookeeper from Germany unfortunately received more than he bargained for. Overzealous, he fed one of the sick and constipated elephants "Stefan" 22 doses of animal laxative and a bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the pachyderm finally let fly, and unfortunately suffocated the keeper under 200 pounds of feces. Rescue workers say ill-fated Riesfeldt, was attempting to give the ailing elephant an olive-oil enema when the animal unloaded on him like a dump truck full of mud. According to rescuers’, "The sheer force of the elephant’s unexpected defecation knocked Mr. Riesfeldt to the ground, where he struck his head on a rock and lay unconscious as the elephant continued to evacuate on top of him. With no one else there at the time of the accident to help him, Riesfeldt was under the dung pile for at least an hour and apparently suffocated, before a watchman came along. According to police investigators on the scene, "It seems to be one of those freak accidents that happen."

 

 

JOKE OF THE MONTH

 

"Visit To The Vet" - A man runs into the vet’s office carrying his dog, yelling for help. The vet rushes him back to an examination room and has him put his dog down on the examination table. The vet examines the still, limp body and, after a few moments tells the man that his dog, regrettably, has died. The man, clearly agitated and not willing to accept this, demanded a second opinion. The vet goes into the back room and comes out with a cat and puts the cat down next to the dog’s body. The cat sniffs the body, walks from head to tail poking and sniffing the dog’s body and finally looks at the vet and meows. The vet looks at the man and says, "I’m sorry, but the cat thinks that your dog is dead too." The man is still unwilling to accept that his dog is dead. The vet brings in a black Labrador. The lab sniffs the body, walks from head to tail and finally looks at the vet and barks. The vet looks at the man and says, "I’m sorry, but the lab thinks your dog is dead too." The man, finally resigned to the diagnosis, thanks the vet and asks how much he owes. The vet answers, "$650.00." "$650.00 to tell me my dog is dead?" exclaimed the man... "Well," the vet replies, "I would only have charged you $50.00 for my initial diagnosis. The additional $600.00 was for the cat scan and lab tests."

 

 

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

 

A professional chooses goals that are achievable and avoids ideals that are out of their span of influence. They judge only themselves. They lead when required and follow when allowed. They understand that time heals most wounds and effort cures most ills. They focus on the task and not the taskmaster. They can overlook lapses in judgement, pride, and exuberance in themselves as well as others. As team players they expend their energy on performance rather than wasting it on the pursuit of victory. They profess to know something, not everything.

 

 

Allen Wilson