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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: Karen Nesbitt <spanishequines@yahoo.com>
  • To: MSAR <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [MSAR] Natural light or flash...
  • Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:59:44 -0700 (PDT)

 
Responding to:

Message: 5
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:50:49 -0700
From: "Barry Wells" <barrywells@tds.net>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] BackPack Question
To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Message-ID: <CAEMKBHKNDMDDPBENEENGEEDCNAA.barrywells@tds.net" ymailto="mailto:CAEMKBHKNDMDDPBENEENGEEDCNAA.barrywells@tds.net">CAEMKBHKNDMDDPBENEENGEEDCNAA.barrywells@tds.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"

Heavy Sigh,  Its just this type of info that gets people in trouble.  Take
a light source, two is better.  We are looking for clues and lost folks. If
we could fire flares I would do it. Wondering around in the dark will just
get you trouble.  Possibly endangering yourself and others. People are lost,
we are not sneaking around trying to be undetected. I have had people call
out when seeing the lights of a search party. While I have worked without
lights I have found that on a dark night in the forest it becomes black as a
tunnel and no amount of "Night Vision" will help you. But that's my opinion.
-------------->>>>
 
Not agreeing with you, nor disagreeing!
 
Everyone is a wee bit different when it comes to vision and night vision.  I would not discount the use idea of packing a flashlight, it does has its uses, however when receiving a bright blast of light, THAT blast does two things... it illuminates the area, while blinding anyone looking into or towards  the light until focus is gained or regained and then they need time to readjust to the light.
 
Fatique will also hinder your tracking ability.
 
I recently did a comparison for my own benefit on whether I prefer nite driving versus day time...  I found depending on my stress level one would have more benefit over the other in certain situations.  For me personally, that day, night drive was more safe, I was able to focus on my target of strickly adhearing to reading  roadsigns, while incomparison of having to veiw the scenery and the signs,  watching both was more stressful with my type of vision.  Under the stress I was under, I was a safer driver when I required tunnel vision to drive.
 
But then that is me!   Even professional drivers will admit the second trip is never the same as the first because you will not ever veiw the same thing every time.
 
Your main goal is to focus on your target and to have the least distraction.  Whether you use a light or not, that is an individual matter.  Not every one is 20/20.  Not everyones ability to focus is the same speed either.
 
Guess the question then becomes when do you best track?  In the day or at night?  In the fog, or sunlight?  Hows your floaters?  Which is your strongest eye. 
 
Perhaps a heads up to the crew before a flare is fired would benefit all so each can adapt in the manner they see fit, you know, kind if like sing out holler fire in the hole on three?!  The team could then keep with their focus.
 
Perhaps googling what your vision is when dialated and not would help you to understand what the nite eyes are talking about.
 
Just my personal and humble opinion having gone through some vision changes in my day through aging.
 
Or get your eyes checked and ask your doctor!
        Karen

 

 
 
 



  • [MSAR] Natural light or flash..., Karen Nesbitt, 03/15/2010

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