Mounted search and rescue

["Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <pennbo@bbv.net>
> 1.what does your unit carry for snake bite?

If you're on the scene, you can reduce the impact of the venom by over 1/3
by PROMPTLY using suction to remove as much as possible. The ONLY currently
recommended suction pump for snake and insect bites is Sawyer's.
http://www.sawyerproducts.com/bitestings.htm No cutting / sucking as that
prior First Aid method has been proven innefective.

> 2. What are everyone's thoughts on using an airhorn (small aerosol can)
> in the field? Since noise is a potential way to scare off predators as
> well as a valuable way to alert others on the team in non-radio op areas
> I'm interested in brain storming the pros and cons.

While useful as a noisemaker, I think I'd prefer to carry Family Radio or
GMRS for team chatter communication. Easier to translate what the person is
trying to communicate. ;)

> 3. What are everyone's thoughts on carrying pepper spray or mace?

There is an "ultra hot" pepper spray that is supposed to be effective on all
species of bears that I suspect would make most critters at least hesitate,
if not reconsider. Example: http://www.uppilot.com/bearspray.htm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
Tulare Co, CA
SAR, MSAR, Swiftwater Rescue, US&R,
Hasty Team, ICP
www.CEOates.com/sar