Mounted search and rescue

[David Baquis <baquis@ACCESS-BOARD.GOV>]

Information technology is progressing rapidly.  One day there will be a
"personal health record" that could be accessed nationally in emergencies -
especially helpful in assisting someone who is unconscious. It might have
instructions on who to contact and under what circumstances.  See:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2005pres/20050606.html

In addition, there is a growth of research in personal wearable sensors
which could aid in SAR.  We have seen tracking of cell phones and vehicles.
There is also personal alert systems that set off an alarm when two people
(such as parents and children) are separated (such as when shopping in
malls).  Radio Frequency Identification tags (RFID) raise privacy issues,
but FYI: http://www.networkworld.com/news/2004/0503widernetside.html

Here is another article with examples of applications, including tracking
marathon runners: http://www.dmia.org/sol_center/bptr/04sep30_bptr.html  I
guess that puts an end to the day when someone could cut into the race at
the end and win without showing much perspiration. (grin)

David B

-----Original Message-----
From: Una Smith [mailto:una.smith@att.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 3:13 PM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] "ICE" for Rescuers


After posting this morning, I thought about it some more and now I am
considering concealing the personal numbers recorded on my cell phone,
precisely so that responders on scene cannot contact my family.  If I am the
one needing emergency help, I do not want my family to be contacted until
the emergency is all over.  There would be nothing for them to do, except
panic. My SAR teammates know this...but probably I should mention it to them
all again.

This has been my practice for over 20 years now, ever since
I called my mother when she knew I was overseas.  She totally freaked out,
thinking something terrible must have happened.

        Una Smith
        New Mexico
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