The FBI's FREE, 197-page "Handbook of Forensic Services" is a handy reference for those tasked with recognizing, preserving, and collecting forensic-related evidence

The Handbook of Forensic Services (revised in 2007), edited by Kim Waggoner, and published by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is an excellent how-to manual for those tasked with dealing with trace evidence, either from the standpoint of recognizing it so it can be preserved for collection by the agency of jurisdiction, or collected, packaged, and submitted directly to a forensic science laboratory.

Indexed for quick access, it covers:

• Submitting Evidence
• Evidence Examinations
• Crime Scene Safety
• Crime Scene Search

This detailed, 197-page forensic manual is MibSAR recommended for SAR-trailer reference libraries.

Best of all, this publication can be downloaded for free here. 

How to use the aiming off technique with your map and compass

Aiming off is an essential land navigation technique to use when your attack point is not immediately visible.

Source: This article was adapted from the Ultimate Navigation Manual, by Lyle F. Brotherton. Copyright © 2011 by Harper Collins Publishers, London, UK. All Rights Reserved. Excerpted with Expressed Written Permission. Order your copy today at www.MicroNavigation.com or www.Amazon.com.

In poor weather you can lose sight of even the largest attack point—small or subtle attack points (such as a contour change) can be missed even in the best of conditions.

The technique involves aiming at a linear feature, deliberately to one side of the attack point, then simply following it to your attack point.

Steps

1. Select your Attack Point.
2. Identify a Linear Feature such as a wall, stream or track near to the attack point.
3. Take a Bearing to one side of your attack point.
4. Calculate from the map the approximate distance from the point at which you will reach the linear feature to your attack point.
5. Walk this bearing.
6. When you reach the linear feature use it as a Handrail to find your attack point, pacing the distance.

The added advantage of flowing water (rivers, brooks, streams, etc.) is that you can also work out from the contour lines which way they are flowing, in this instance you would walk downstream. It might be worth noting that when you hit the linear feature you pace how far it is to your attack point just in case you overshoot it

The December 2013 issue of "SAR News," published by the Arizona Search and Rescue Council, Inc., is online

The December 2013 issue of SAR News, published by the Arizona Search and Rescue Council, Inc., is  online.

Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) efficiency requires more than triage tags

Good article on how to manage mass casualty incidents (MCIs) more effectively in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services:

The Sept. 12, 2008, collision between two trains in a remote area on the outskirts of Los Angeles was an "all-hands" MCI that required significant manpower and resources. This incident presents the opportunity for me to review components of MCI management that are often neglected or omitted from MCI action plans:

• Scene Management
• Communications
• Use of helicopters
• Forward Triage & Re-Triage
• Staging Vehicles and People
• Patient Transfer Teams

Read this timely article here.

Even Santa needs a rescue every now and again

Source: Glossop Mountain Rescue Team via Peter Zimmer at LandSAR New Zealand

Human v. animal bone identification tips for SAR operators

While the final determination of whether a bone is animal or human in origin is best left to the forensic anthropologist or other qualified expert, there are several good indicators available to SAR operators in the field.

In her article entitled Determination of Human Versus Nonhuman Skeletal Material, Kathy Taylor, Ph.D., describes several ways animal bones can be differentiated from human bones.

Dr. Taylor is a forensic anthropologist with the King County Medical Examiner's Office in Seattle, Washington, USA.

Her article is excerpted below, with her expressed written permission.

MibSAR-recommended bone manuals for SAR-trailer reference libraries:

The Human Bone Manual, by Tim D. White and Pieter A. Folkens (Elsevier Academic Press, 2005)

Human Osteology: A Laboratory and Field Manual, by William M. Bass (Missouri Archaeological Society, 2005)

K-9 Handlers: Cool "God Made A Dog" Tribute Video

God Made a Dog Video

Source: MibSAR's own Dave Goodyear

The January 2014 issue of "Mountain Pro Magazine" is online

The January 2014 issue of Mountain Pro Magazine is online and its got two articles of potential interest to SAR operators:

• UK Lowland Rescue profile on page 22
• Avalanche Safety on page 26

How to improve your observation skills during difficult searches

While not much has been written about it, a volunteer searcher using binoculars to scan Nevada's mountainous terrain is credited with spotting the overturned Jeep belonging to a missing family of 6—including 4 children between the ages of 3 and 10—in a rugged canyon. They had been missing in snowy, sub-zero weather for two days.

The group was found safe in an area called Trinity Canyon, according to the Pershing County Sheriff's Office. They were discovered from a distance by a volunteer searcher using binoculars to scan mountainsides, the sheriff's office said. —CNN, December 10, 2013

If it were not for this volunteer's observation skills, this search may have had a different outcome.

To sharpen our observation skills—both with the unaided eye and when using optics—we can draw on the training our war fighters currently receive.

Source: This article was adapted from the Combat Observation and Decision-Making in Irregular and Ambiguous Conflicts (CODIAC) Manual, by Greg Williams and David Scott-Donelan, 2010. This training program was inspired by the US Marine Corps’ Combat Hunter Program and was published by the US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) & Joint Task Force North (JTF–N).

According to the Combat Observation and Decision-Making in Irregular and Ambiguous Conflicts (CODIAC) Manual, when a team enters a search area, observers should be assigned to cover overlapping fields of observation and conduct searches of their visual fields.

A hasty visual search should be conducted before a detailed search

The Hasty Search: In a hasty search, the observer quickly glances at specific points, terrain features, or other areas that could conceal the enemy. He/she does not sweep his/her eyes across the entire terrain, because that is less effective at detecting movement. Instead, the observer should start the search by viewing the area closest to his/her position and then working out. Searches should be conducted by looking from right-to-left (because this goes against most people’s natural tendency to read from left-to-right). If able, personnel should use binoculars, rather than higher powered optics, during a hasty search. Binoculars give the observer a wider field of view, thereby increasing the efficiency of the search. If a threat is detected, the observer should transition to a higher power optic, if available.

The Detailed Search: After completing a hasty search, the observer should initiate a detailed search using the overlapping strip method. Normally, the area nearest the observer offers the greatest danger; therefore, the search should begin there. The observer systematically searches the terrain, starting at the right flank and then moving his/her observation towards the left in a 180˚ arc. Each visual arc should include about 50 meters of depth. After reaching the left flank, the observer searches the next swath nearest to his/her post. Each visual arc should overlap the previous search area by at least 10 meters in order to ensure total visual coverage of the area. Also, the search should extend as far back as the observer can see, and it should always encompass the areas of interest that were identified during the hasty search.

Observation cycles

Surveillance teams should repeat this cycle of hasty-then-detailed searches every 15 to 20 minutes, depending upon the terrain and specific responsibilities. When maintaining observation over time, personnel should keep their head and body movements to a minimum. They should also take special note of key terrain features and observe them closely during each visual search.

Key Terrain Features

With each consecutive visual pass over an area, personnel should take note of prominent terrain features (positive space) as well as any areas that may offer cover or concealment to the enemy (negative space). This way, observers become familiar with the terrain.

• Positive Space: Positive space has mass; it includes solid objects such as buildings, trees, signs, or vehicles. Personnel cannot typically see through positive space, but it naturally attracts the human eye. People are inclined to look from positive space to positive space.

• Negative Space: Negative space falls between positive spaces. These areas of shadow and background may be overlooked by untrained observers, which explains why good camouflage resembles negative space. Personnel must consciously observe negative spaces.

• Other Key Features: Personnel must remember to pay particular attention to possible anchor points, habitual areas, and natural lines of drift. Additionally, the acronym “KOCCOA” can help warfighters and law enforcement remember the specific terrain features to observe.

KOCCOA (pronounced “co-CO-uh”) helps you remember the high priority terrain features, these are:
K = Key terrain features
O = Observation points
C = Cover
C = Concealment
O = Obstacles
A = Avenues of approach

Light and Shadow

Due to constantly changing clouds and the sun’s positions, light is a changing factor in observation. Observers should carefully watch the changing contrast and shadows. An area that the observer first thought held no enemy may reveal an adversary when the light changes.

Rotation

To minimize fatigue and reduce the likelihood of change blindness, team members should reassign observation duty approximately every 30 minutes.

Variety of Optics

Many factors (such as distance, light level, and obstacles) affect what personnel can see with their naked eyes and/or particular optical devices. When possible, a tactical team should simultaneously employ
a range of optical devices and naked-eye viewing. By using a variety of observation tools, personnel have a greater likelihood of identifying a target.

U.S. Coast Guardsman dies of injuries suffered in rescue operation off Alaska

SEATTLE — A U.S. Coast Guardsman died in a Seattle hospital Wednesday of injuries suffered while conducting a rescue operation near Amak island, Alaska, on Nov. 11.

Petty Officer Third Class Travis Obendorf’s family was by his side when he died in Swedish Hospital following surgery, the Coast Guard said.

At the time of his injury,  Obendorf and his colleagues aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche were conducting small boat operations to assist the disabled fishing vessel Alaska Mist with 22 crew aboard. During the first transfer of passengers, Obendorf was injured while recovering the small boat. Read more.

Source: Point Last Scene

The International Commission For Alpine Rescue (IKAR) has released the long-awaited final video from their 2013 congress in Croatia

Grab a cup of coffee (or two) and check out the 56-minute final video from the 2013 IKAR-CISA (International Commission For Alpine Rescue) Congress that was held in Croatia. It was hosted by the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service and its awesome...

How to use a prusik-hitch self belay when rappelling

The prusik-hitch self belay technique can be used to help protect a rappeller from losing control of a rappel.

Source: This article was adapted from the CMC Rope Rescue Manual, Revised 4th edition, Edited by James A. Frank. Copyright © 2013 by CMC Rescue, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Excerpted With Expressed Written Permission. Order a copy today at 1.800.235.5741, www.CMCrescue.com.

CMC reminds us that, like a bottom belay, the prusik-hitch self belay does not protect against failure of:

1. the anchor,
2. the equipment,
3. or a mistake in rigging. 

There are several systems used, each requiring reactions by the rappeller. The simplest method to set up a self belay is to attach a prusik above the descender and clip it into the harness, as shown below.

One hand is the brake hand that controls the rappel and the other slides the prusik down the rope.

The prusik-hitch self belay with a figure 8 rappel device.

If the rescuer loses control of the rappel, the prusik should grab the rope and stop him.

Caution: Like all prusik-hitch-based systems, the self belay is dependent on selecting prusik material that will grip the rope reliably when the rappeller lets go of the hitch.

It also depends on the rappeller letting go of the prusik hitch. The loss of control of the rappel may cause the falling person to panic and the instinctive reaction is to grab the rope. If that hand is tending the prusik hitch, it is possible to pull the knot down the rope with you.

The correct response is to let go of the prusik hitch, allowing it to grab the rope. It has been CMC's experience in classes that the student will most often let go of the prusik hitch if the rappel begins to move too fast and heat builds up in the hand.

While this setup works well with a figure 8-type descender, CMC says it is not as convenient with brake bar racks, which require the use of two hands, one hand on the bottom bar and the other holding the rope. As a result, a hand is not available to tend the self belay. While the hand that controls the spread of the bars can be used for the belay, the rescuer has to stop each time he wants to adjust the bars.

One solution to this issue, according to CMC, is a simple tactical rappel setup.

How to handle a stuck prusik hitch

It the self belay prusik hitch activates, either intentionally or unexpectedly, the rescuer's weight will have to be unloaded from the prusik hitch to loosen it.

A hard pull on the prusik hitch with both hands may get it to slide.

An extra prusik or ascender, along with an etrier or foot sling, can be used to take the rescuer's weight off the hitch in order to free it. Attach the etrier above the decender and stand up as discussed below.

What if you do not have extra gear, or you are not strong enough to free the prusik hitch by brute force?

CMC recommends the following procedure to free a stuck prusik, and it recommends you practice it with someone experienced with this technique, and that you do it close to the ground until you are proficient with it.

1. Lock off the descender with a single wrap.
2. Form a bight in the rope below the descender and put one foot in the bight with the knee bent.
3. Bring the rope from the bight over the top of the descender, still bending the knee, and then wrap the rope two more times around the descender for a total of three wraps.
4. Stand up in the bight to take the weight off of the prusik hitch. Lossen the hitch and slide it down.
5. Sit back down in the harness. Unlock the descender, making sure not to load the prusik hitch.

The January-March, 2013 issue of the Civil Air Patrol's (CAP's) "Volunteer Magazine" is now online

The January-March, 2013 issue of the Civil Air Patrol's (CAP's) Volunteer Magazine is now online.

EMT RipShears—The World's Fastest Trauma Shears

EMT RipShears are the world's fastest trauma shears. Just snip and rip! Expose patients' wounds faster so you can "head to toe, treat as you go" without switching tools.

Four tools in one:

• Trauma shear
• Safety knife
• Reflex hammer
• O2 Wrench

According to the manufacturer, RipShears can slice through turnout gear, combat boots, leather jackets, denim, wet suits, CBR gear, bandages, sport wraps, plastic packaging, seat belts and much more.

The Ripshears Firefly model glows in the dark, and the Ripper unit is sold separately for those wishing to upgrade a pair of standard, 7.25-inch trauma shears.

Learn more about RipSears here.

Source: Soldier Systems Daily

The Combat Man-Trackers of the Vietnam War

Great article entitled "Vietnam's Combat Trackers," by Ken Olsen, in the American Legion Magazine...

Pete Peterson was recruited for the combat trackers while recovering at a U.S. military hospital in Japan during the fall of 1968. It wasn’t a hard sell for the two trackers who shared his hospital ward. Peterson had lost several friends in a firefight with the North Vietnamese while he was sidelined with an ankle injury. “The tracker’s job was to hunt down the enemy,” says Peterson, who had been serving with an infantry company. “I liked the idea of that. I wanted some payback.”

When he returned to Vietnam, Peterson joined one of the elite Army teams charged with finding an enemy known for melting into the jungle, gathering intelligence, and searching for missing U.S. soldiers and pilots. Although the secrecy surrounding the combat trackers has meant their accomplishments were all but lost to history, they were so successful that the North Vietnamese army put a bounty on the five-man teams and their Labrador retrievers. That bounty was a point of pride with the trackers, part of what made the work both arduous and gratifying. Read more here...

Source: Institute of Visual Tracking & Tactical Acuity

Amazing video footage of heli rescue of crane operator trapped by raging construction fire in Kingston, Ontario

Amazing video footage of heli rescue of crane operator trapped by raging construction fire in Kingston, Ontario.

Controlling bleeding is often more important than establishing an airway—but what is the best method to do so?

Controlling bleeding is often more important than establishing an airway—but what is the best method to do so? An alternative to the tourniquet: the iTClamp50.

Hypothermia: How to recognize and prevent this deadly condition

How to recognize and prevent hypothermia.
Source: The friendly folks over at Dan's Depot.

 

New video/audio of last moments of the Granite Mountain Hotshots at the Yarnell HIll Fire

New video/audio of last moments of the Granite Mountain Hotshots at the Yarnell Hill Fire.

December 2013 issue of the National Search Dog Alliance's "SAR Dog News" is online

The December 2013 issue of the National Search Dog Alliance's "SAR Dog News" is online.