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Entries by Jeff Lehman (172)

Tuesday
Jun012021

Zello: A Network Radio Solution

For a number of years, the Cave Team has been using network radios to augment existing radio communications. Recently, the tool that we have been using, Zello, has offered their commercial product for free to emergency services organizations. We jumped at this opportunity and transitioned from their free product to the commercial version.

Network radios are devices or applications that operate like traditional radio services in a one-to-many fashion. Instead of using trunked radio systems, conventional repeaters, or direct radio connectivity, they connect to a data network. This data network can be via cell data or that provided by a WiFi connection. In order for Zello to work in the field, you must have a cell connection. Once connected, however, you create your own push-to-talk (PTT) radio network that works anywhere you are in cell coverage.

In addition to voice PTT functionality there is also text and image messaging, and location sharing. Location sharing can be handy in many SAR scenarios. In fact, on a recent search mission some of my teammates were looking for the command post, and unable to find the right location. I was able to give them an idea of where they were relative to the CP location, and speed their arrival.

My team is spread out all over Southern California, and Zello has provided us a useful one-to-many tool for wide area coordination that is quickly deployed. After using Zello for a number of years, I have compiled a few thoughts that may help in understanding how you may integrate Zello into your team's activities. You can read it here.

Like any tool, regular training is necessary for success. Using Zello takes a bit of practice, and does not replace our existing radio networks. It is a powerful tool, however, and if your team is interested, feel free to contact Jeff Lehman (jlehman@sbsar.org) for more information.
 

 

Tuesday
Feb042020

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.

 

Monday
Dec162019

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

Friday
Nov152019

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.

 

Wednesday
Sep112019

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.

Sunday
Sep082019

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.
Monday
Jul292019

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.

 

Saturday
May192018

May 2018 IESARC Show

Tuesday
Mar062018

Cave Team and West Valley SAR Successfuly Complete Reaccreditation

Once a year the teams of the California Region of the Mountain Rescue Association meet to complete a reaccreditaion in one of three disciplines. This year was the technical rock test, and it was held in the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine CA. Rain, wind, and a possibility of snow were in the forecast for the weekend, but as the date approached, the weather eased a bit. No rain or snow, but plenty of wind.

Each team must contribute a patient and two evaluators. The evaluators must have more than 5 years of experience, be a recognized leader on the team, and complete an online evaluator certification. Before the general briefing there is a team leader briefing, and a briefing for the patients. After the general briefing, each team is introduced to their evaluators and given a map to their test location.

Each team must quickly reach their subject, assess their condition, and evacuate them to definitive care. Teams are evaluated on a variety of criteria. Some examples are: timeliness, safety, technical proficiency, medical care, and leadership. 

While these evaluations can be a bit nerve wracking, I have come to enjoy them. My team grows and strengthens every time it is tested, and I get to continue relationships with fellow teams from accross the state. 

West Valley SAR and the Cave Rescue Team successfully completed their reaccreditation in technical rope rescue this year. Both of these teams are fully accredited with the MRA. Wrightwood SAR is accredited in search management, and SB Mountain SAR is progressing toward an accreditation with the MRA.

 

Sunday
Feb042018

Search Dog Fundraiser