So who is taking the lead on this? Shouldn't we, like, go to a meeting or something?
Only if you want to be part of Cibola S&R crew.
The rep from CS&R told us some good info and I'm paraphrasing here:
- she feels that a 4x4 based S&R team would be very helpful in the Puerco area. Her team has limited 4x4 capability and she feels that a 4x4 team can greatly help with rescue efforts using their vehicle and recovery equipment. Currently, her crew has to hand carry the patient to a vehicle and then 4wheel to a paramedic standing by. In Puerco, it'd be easier to have a 4x4 bring the patient to the EMS and cut out the middle man, so to speak.
- she suggested that a 4x4 based S&R team/club/org is started and report to the same hierarchy (dept of public safety DPS) that her team reports to. This new 4x4 S&R org will be under the same rules and good Samaritan protection as any other NM S&R orgs.
- given that our vehicles are usually full of recovery gear, all we'd need is to get trained in the actual "rescue" operation of the person in trouble. No, we don't get to recover vehicles, only people. The vehicles is not in the scope of S&R operation, much to our dismay I'm sure! This is how she put it and I tweaked it slightly "it'll be up to the parents of the dumbass to call the tow truck and bring the stranded Jeep back home"
- I can't recall what she said regarding medical training but it'd be helpful to have a doctor in this organization.
- If there are any interest then read up on NM S&R
http://www.dps.nm.org/index.php/search-rescue/
- Most S&R operations occur after 5pm and before 8am so you'll be working nights more than likely
- This is a community service volunteer type of thing. If you get called for S&R duty from DPS, it's between you and your employer to work things out. DPS will send out email and automated phone calls to the designated personnel from this 4x4 group. The group will then report to the incident commander at the site and assist as needed.
I think that's about it. Let me know if I missed anything.