Mounted search and rescue

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

From: <pennbo@bbv.net>
> I've been thinking about getting headlamps with red bulbs for night
> riding. I know that red light is better for using at night as far as
> human eyesight goes. Does anyone have any info on how red light affects
> equine eyesight?

For years we have used red flood lamps in stalls during foal watch -
providing enough light for the cameras that I monitor from the house and
share live images online - with no apparent affect on the pregnant mare. I
have no idea how a red light might impact a horse in uneven terrain. But
I'll mention that a red light won't reach out as far as the common clear
light, which could be an issue.

The new rescue-style headlamps have substantial penetration in the dark, and
are great for hands-free work. I recently invested in a new sleek model -
Princeton Aurora - anticipating the need for the Cave Rescue team training
starting this weekend. I figured a new/better/smaller light was also a good
investment for USAR (confined space) and other night response.

For a handheld flashlight I wouldn't use less than 20,000 candlepower
(preferably more) so you can visually sweep a larger area. An example of the
latest Mag-Lite is on http://store.yahoo.com/swps/magrecflasby.html  Yes,
you'll need to pack spare batteries.

If you're feeling wealthy, invest in night vision goggles from the surplus /
survival / tactical stores online. ;)

I carry a 3 million candlepower portable spotlight  in my truck. Wouldn't
last long enough for a night search, but it is real handy when the Hasty
Team arrives at Oh-dark-thirty at a wilderness trailhead and we want to take
a serious look at tracks and other possible clues. My small orange cones and
large flagging tape have protected more than one backcountry PLS. With the
engine running I can support my 300w halogen light if we need to keep an
area lit up. I swear the Sgt. calls me for Hasty Team because he wants
access to all the gear I always carry in my truck - he calls it the
mini-Command Post. <g> But quality lighting is indeed critical for night
search.

I have to share a tale. A friend of mine from Backcountry Horsemen met this
guy who essentially lives in the backcountry, wandering around the western
USA, who will take a ranch job or whatever in heavy snow winter then head
into the backcountry again. Wish I could recall this traveler's name - his
wife travels with him - because he has a web site that documents his travels
and such. He'll come in for supplies periodically, which is how my friend
met him.

Apparently this guy packs along a laptop, video camera, digital camera,
portable battery, solar recharging system, etc. And his pack mule's panniers
are rigged with battery operated "tail lights" for when he's traveling along
a roadside after dark. Christmas lights decorate the pack mule seasonally.
And he has an air horn rigged on his saddle. High tech wilderness resident.
;)

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