Cave Team works with Death Valley National Park Rangers

The San Bernardino County Sheriff Cave and Technical Rescue Team was invited to do a joint training with rangers at Death Valley National Park. The goal was to develop a hasty team that can get to an injured subject and stabilize him/her in preparation for a helicopter extraction. 

The park is steadily experiencing increased canyoneering. At the moment there are more than 300 identified technical canyons in the park. The canyoneering season is the cool/cold months. It is far too hot in the summer to do canyons. Some of the canyons are relatively easy access with a short hike or shuttle. Some require significantly more effort (heavy packs and long hikes). Huge groups of canyoneers meet during the winter holidays in order to socialize and explore canyons. 

The Coalition of American Canyoneers (CAC) has sponsored a Death Valley cleanup event:  www.americancanyoneers.org/death-valley-service-project-report/

The joint training involved nine members of the Cave team and nine rangers. Initially we had a round table discussion about the basics of canyoneering in class A canyons and how it differs from technical rope rescue. We spent 1 ½ days in Scorpion Canyon. All anchors in the canyon were taken apart. Webbing was replaced. For anchors we built typical cairn anchors, rock chocks, knot chocks and simple loops over horns. We practiced courtesy starts for difficult to access rappels. We backed up anchors with human anchors. We protected rope via padding or creeping the rope. We experimented with a large variety of canyoneering ropes and rappel devices. We performed pack drags and partner assists for downclimbing. 

And of course, we were treated with fantastic weather, including great views of snowcapped Telescope peak.

Farewell UTM: Is it Time to Switch to Something Else?

I started in search and rescue in 1996. In that time I have seen the rise of GPS from expensive, specialty item to a ubiquitous pocket commodity, the replacement of the pager with a reliable cell phone network (not always a good replacement), and ever increasing use of computers in planning and executing SAR missions. Heck, you can even purchase a satellite text communications device that will track you, and allow simple text communication for less than $300. Speaking of my handheld GPS. I haven’t carried a single-purpose GPS in the field in about a decade. I can carry a GPS, and all the maps of California on my cell phone, and I don’t need any network coverage to use those maps, or even to download my track at the end of the mission.  The smartphone is a truly useful SAR tool.

Each year, like every MRA team in the state, my team must retest in one of three disciplines: Technical rope, snow and ice, and search management and tracking. The discipline rotates every three years. We had our search management and tracking training this past month, and I had a chance to reflect on how search management and searching has changed over the years. The basics are the same. We use maps, compass, tracking sticks, sketches, etc. However, I am finding that I no longer print paper maps. Now, keep in mind that I LOVE maps. There’s something about geospatial data that fascinates me. Having a large map nearby that shows the context of information at hand, is very powerful. However, if I am completing a search mission in the field, I like to have that info on my phone where I can overlay my position, and readily store clues, and photos. If I have cell service I can easily send those photos and data to others. This is a game changer. 

Likewise, in the command post we no longer huddle over the paper map on the table, but a computer screen. Sure, we will occasionally print a large map for reference, but much of the work is done looking at a computer screen.

Given this sea change, I’m ready to dump UTM coordinates as the standard. UTM coordinates are incredibly useful when using a paper map. They are also useful in that they can indicate actual distances over ground easily. However, they can be confusing when it comes time to parse them when entering them on a computer. For example, my station’s UTM coordinates are, 11S 0478903E 3773545N. When I enter it on the computer, is there a space between the zone and latitude band? Is there a space between the latitude band and the easting? In our neck of the woods do you include the leading zero in the easting? Do you include the “E” and “N” in the easting and northing? Is there a space or some other punctuation between the easting and the northing? It can be confusing if you want to enter a coordinate in a computer.

Compare this to decimal degrees, 34.1025, -117.2287. A simple, comma separated series of digits. It’s no wonder that this is the standard when dealing with Google Maps, and other auto navigation systems. I've found it to be less susceptible to serious systematic misunderstandings. Many years ago, while on a search in Joshua Tree, I listened to one of the most entertaining radio conversations in my SAR career. A team found, what could be, a clue, and called the command post to report its position. First, the team reported a 3x3 UTM. The command post reported back that they were “missing some digits”. The team repeated the position without the zone and latitude band. Again, the CP reported missed digits. The team then added the zone and latitude band. Guess what? Missed digits. The team then switched to latitude and longitude in DMS. No go. Latitude and longitude in D M.M. No go. Latitude and longitude in D.DD. No go. In frustration, the team said that they would just collect it, and figure it out with the CP later. Who knows what was going on. Maidenhead grids? Township and range? Would reporting in decimal degrees (D.DD) have made it easier in this case? Probably not, as there was something else bigger going on, but I bet all of you have had similar experiences. As we begin to transition to electronic maps, it’s time to drop the mighty UTM a notch, and use something more amenable to copy/paste and easy parsing in the electronic world.

SBSAR Mourns

We are grieving. The search and rescue community in California is grieving. Grieving the loss of one of our family. Eight days ago the call went out, and search and rescue team members from our local teams, from teams as far away as the Bay Area and San Diego, dropped what they were doing and converged on Mt. Baldy. They trudged up her slopes in horrible conditions, with the singular goal of finding Sree. All without any expectation of remuneration. Tim was right there with them.

Tim was a respected member of his SAR family. He exemplified the characteristics of service and courage, which we hold dear. We pray for God's hand on Tim's wife. Tim's family. Tim's students. Tim's West Valley SAR teammates, and all of the people that he touched. He is sorely missed.

To make a donation to Tim's family, please visit West Valley SAR's donation campaign, on GoFundMe.com

MIGU-6

The Mobile Interoperability Gateway Unit (MIGU-6) is a state resources under the care of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. California Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) has created these vehicles, and placed them in regions throughout the state. Their primary mission is to support communications during incdents. Most recently MIGU-6 was deployed to Ridgecrest after the earthquakes, and just last week it participated in a communications exercise at March ARB.

MIGU-6 has the capability to serve satellite internet connectivity for data and phones as well as to provide interoperability between radio systems for many California agencies.

 

West Valley SAR Celebrates 34 Years of Service

Come to the Wicked Cow Restaurant on September 19 to help celebrate West Valley SAR's anniversary. 20% of the proceeds go toward helping the team.

Morongo Basin SAR

October 5th, 2019 marks the 40th year of the Morongo Basin SAR Desert Run. Bring your family for a weekend of fun, and help support Morongo Basin SAR. Check out desertrun.org for details.

Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC)

Winter is coming! Time to sign up for BMC. Classroom sessions will be held on November 9 and

10. Hopefully the field session will be in January, weather permitting. Prerequisite for the full

course (classroom and field session) is Rope Rescue Operator (RRO) certification. However,

anyone can take just the classroom portion and obtain a certificate in Winter Alpine Awareness.

Please register with Bridget Smith at VFU.

Maximizing Search Efficiency with Gaia GPS

GPS units supplement map and compass and oftentimes serve as the primary navigation means during search operations. For this reason, it's important to be proficient with your GPS device of choice. When it comes to choosing a GPS device you have 2 options; a dedicated GPS unit or using your Smartphone. For this article, we will be discussing the benefits of using your smartphone; specifically using Gaia GPS for its rich features, ease of use and availability on both the Android and IOS platforms.

Smartphone or Dedicated GPS?

Smartphones have the advantage in that they are a user-friendly option you are likely already familiar with. The controls and data input are much more intuitive when compared to the toggle keys on a dedicated GPS unit. Smartphones also offer a larger screen with a crisp visual display and cost significantly cheaper assuming you already own one. 

The downside is they can be extremely power-hungry. To mitigate this, keep your phone in Airplane Mode and Low Power Mode (IOS) or Power Saving Mode (Android) and keep a portable power source in your 24hr pack. Check out this previous article on external battery options to keep your phone powered for an entire operational period. 

Another downside is durability; dedicated GPS units are purpose-built to be rugged and most are waterproof to IPX7 standards or better. If you’re concerned about this, there are a number of rugged cases on the market from Otterbox and LifeProof that can increase the durability of your smartphone tremendously. 

Another point to consider is that you'll have to download your maps ahead of time for offline use. However, this is easy to do and you can also customize the maps and layers to work with, which actually makes them much more beneficial than the standard maps that come preloaded on dedicated GPS units.

Gaia GPS Overview

With so many navigational options at our fingertips, let’s discuss some of the reasons why many SAR members have chosen to make Gaia GPS their GPS of choice.

You can use Gaia GPS for free, but you are limited to the default map source (Gaia Topo) and you can't download maps for offline use - making the free version not very SAR worthy. Many of the features discussed in this article require the premium membership, which is only $40 annually - a small price to pay when compared to the upfront cost of a dedicated GPS unit. The premium membership includes access to 250+ map sources across the globe that can be layered and made available for offline use. At a minimum, you need the basic membership for $20 annually, which allows you to download limited maps for offline use. A full comparison of plans and features is available here.

Customizing Gaia GPS

It’s easy to customize the visual display of the map so you can see relevant trip metrics like your current location, elevation, total time, distance, ascent and much more. You can also layer your preferred set of maps, grid overlay and choose to show or hide tracks, waypoints, labels or folders of grouped data. You can easily change your units of measure, coordinate type, datum and distance interval markers all within the settings area. 

Downloading Maps for Offline Use

As mentioned, you need to download your maps for offline use prior to heading into the field. First, you need to decide which map sources are most valuable to you. My default view is the USGS Topo base map with Esri’s World Shaded Relief layer at about 25% as pictured here. I also like to have CalTopo’s Slope-Angle Shading layer downloaded for quick cross-country route analysis during missions. 

To do this, make your preferred map sources visible on the main map, then choose the icon to download your maps and preferred layers. Save yourself time in the future by downloading the full mountain ranges you SAR frequent so you don’t have to think about it before heading out to a call. Map downloads are limited to 10,000 tiles and vary in size depending on your preferred zoom level, so you might need to download a few overlapping maps to get the full mountain range. Check these links for a full reference guide on how to download your maps on IOS or Android. Now let’s talk about some of the practical ways we can use Gaia GPS to aid in efficient search operations.

Search Assignments

Often times we show up to a mission and are presented with an area assignment to search. 

Ideally, CP sends out the GPX files for area assignments ahead of time and you can easily import the GPX file directly to Gaia. You can do this by simply clicking on the attachment from the email and copying to Gaia. Check these links for a full reference guide on how to import GPX files to IOS or Android.

If the search areas aren't available ahead of time, you’ll likely receive a paper map with your search assignment on it. If this is the case, you can create your own area within Gaia by either creating waypoints for the boundary lines or using visual references on the map to quickly create an area by dragging the area points by freehand. 

During your search you may come across clues, areas of interest, tracks, visual disturbances etc. You can take pictures of these items in Gaia which will automatically create a waypoint with that photo. Alternatively you can create just a waypoint with details of the information to be relayed back to CP.

Mission Debriefs

When it comes to completing your mission, the most important part is relaying all pertinent details back to CP. The best way to do this is by exporting your entire GPX file (tracks, waypoints, photos, notes etc) and emailing the files to CP. The only way to export all related files is to assign everything to a singular folder and export that entire folder. If you only export a track, any waypoints or photos taken during that recording won't be included in that export. As a general rule, when showing up to a search create a folder for that days operational period first, then start recording. As you add waypoints or take photos during the recording, you can choose to save those items to the same folder. Once you save an item to a folder once - it becomes the default folder for the next item you save. This will make the export process and organization of data within the app much more streamlined. Check these links for a full reference guide on how to export your tracks on IOS or Android.

Creating a Historical Geospatial Database with Gaia

Having all related search files categorized by folders also makes future cross-referencing of your searches much more convenient and realistic. Imagine you are searching an area for a lost hiker and their PLS is in the general vicinity of a search you remember from a few years back. You can quickly access that previous search folder, see clues, tracks, lost person behavior and even chose to make the components of that folder visible on your main map and that might lead you to check an area that might have otherwise been overlooked.

 You can include all relevant notes that don't have geospatial qualities such as POD, areas of interest, or maybe other items pertaining to your own mental debrief in the folder’s notes section. This keeps everything organized for future reference and you can copy/paste CP relevant notes when exporting your track to relay certain information back to CP. Currently there’s no way to automatically include notes on a file with the export, but this would be a great improvement for Gaia and SAR applicable! If you agree you can vote for this feature request here.

Guiding to a Location

Let’s say you are in the field, and CP gives you a UTM location of a new PLS for the subject. Now you need to make your way to that location which involves a cross country route through difficult terrain. Create a waypoint for the location given, then choose “Save and Guide”. This gives you a straight line bearing from your current location to the new waypoint. You can see your bearing and distance to the new location and have a visual bearing line to reference as you begin your route.

If you have an internet connection you can create a route to a location using the snap-to-trail feature which also measures distances within the app. Check these links for a full reference guide on how to do this for IOS or Android.

Becoming Proficient Through Everyday Use

The best way to become proficient is through repeated use! If you're going into the wilderness for recreational adventures, don’t forget about Gaia! Play around with some of the features mentioned here and become proficient before you find yourself on a search. 

 

If you’re using Gaia for recreational hikes, it's beneficial to keep all SAR related data in a separate folder and your personal hikes categorized elsewhere. Without a good organization method, your data can quickly get overwhelming and crowd your map. I find it best to organize all my personal data into folders by geographic regions and use a specific folder just for SAR, with subfolders by mission. The benefit is that you can choose to show or hide specific folders as to not overwhelm your map with data. I generally keep all folders hidden unless I want to reference them during a search or other recording.

These are just a few of the things you can do with Gaia GPS. For additional documentation on Gaia features and how to articles check out Gaia’s help section here

We will be holding a county course for those interested on Wednesday, Sept 4th from 1800 - 2030 so bring your questions! Message Jeff Lehman for more information. 

Basic Search and Rescue Academy June 2019

Another group of new members to serve the citizens of San Bernardino County, and the State of California. A big "thank you" to the cadre of BSAR instructors, and mentoring team members. The county is in your debt.

Basic Mountaineering Course 2018-2019

It is time to sign up for the Basic Mountaineering Course. Please notify Brent Meelker at Volunteer Forces of your intent to participate. The lecture session will be held at aviation. The field session is snow dependent. Location is yet to be determined. It is possible it will be out of county.

Prerequisites for the full course require certification as a Rope Rescue Operator (RRO). Any SAR member in good standing may attend the lecture session only. This results in a certificate for “Winter Alpine Awareness.”

The dates for BMC are:
Lecture session November 10, 11

Field session January 19, 20
February 16, 17 (if January is canceled)
March 9, 10 (if February is canceled)