BAMRU Blog

Skyline Blvd., Clouds Rest Search

2012-02-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

At 0254 on Sunday February 12th, BAMRU was paged for an in county search off of Skyline Blvd.

The subjects were two teenagers who had gone for a walk at 2300 hrs. They had subsequently called their parents to alert them that they had become disoriented and estimated themselves to be about 1 mile from the trail head.

Command Post was set up in the back of a truck at the Vista Point trail head on Skyline Blvd by the San Mateo County SAR team. Reports from the subjects' last phone call indicated that they had walked about 200ft from the trail entrance, turned 90 degrees to the right and taken the trail about a mile or so before becoming disoriented and lost. BAMRU team members followed the description of the route in an attempt to find the point last seen and see if they might be hunkered down somewhere nearby. Searchers also searched the area between Skyline and the trail, and along the entire network of trails in the direction which the subjects had traveled. Dog teams were also on scene.

The fog was incredibly dense and it was cold, windy, muddy and wet. Hypothermia was definitely a concern for potentially under-prepared subjects. After searching for approximately two hours with no significant clues or responses to voice calls, we returned to CP. While waiting for the next search assignments, a call came in over the radio that they had been located alive and well. They were at the end of the Alder Spring Trail where they had sought shelter for the night.

We are very happy that the two were uninjured and returned home safe.

All Dressed Up And No Place To Go

2012-02-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

What's a mountain rescue team to do when there isn't enough snow in the mountains to bury a picket? Well, if you're all dressed up for snow and there isn't any around, strip a few layers and head to the beach!

This year's unusually low snow fall has us all a bit stirred up. As a team accredited by the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA), each year we are required to go through a re-accreditation process in one of three mountain rescue disciplines; Technical Rock, Technical Snow & Ice, and Wilderness Search. This year, we were slated to join other MRA teams from the region in early March for the technical snow and ice re- accreditation. Sadly, last week the decision was made to postpone the event until next year due to inadequate snow cover.

As San Franciscans have basked in the sun and enjoyed a beautiful "June-uary" here by the bay, BAMRUvians have been cancelling or rescheduling snow trainings, and scrambling to find areas where we can practice these important rescue skills.

The last weekend of January, 12 team members headed up to Tahoe and camped out near Donner Summit. There was just enough snow to demonstrate an avalanche pit and build a few impressive snow shelters. We were able to place snow pickets, build a few bollards, practice beacon searches and a probe line. While we were able to accomplish all of our goals, the snow level was less than impressive. Soon after this lack luster introduction to winter, what little snow there was has continued to melt even more.

Two of our dedicated team members weren't going to let this dry season get in the way ofrefreshing their crevasse rescue skills. Eszter and Chris made the best of the blue skies and headed out to the beach this past weekend to brush up on their Z-rigs and snow anchors.

The results are below:

"It proved impossible to pound a snow picket in vertically more than 6" - at least, not without using a heavier hammer than we had brought. That happens in hard-pack snow sometimes, at which point you either dig a T-slot (bury the picket horizontally) or declare it ice and use a screw.

Digging a shallow T-slot in wet sand proved completely reasonable, which was
really surprising. It's a lot like digging one in snow - there's enough
cohesion in the sand that the slot maintains enough integrity that you can form
all the component parts and bury the picket and have something that looks like
an anchor.

But it isn't really an anchor. The big difference shows up here: if you stomp on snow, either before digging to "work harden" it, or after burying to compact it, you are forming new, larger, crystal structures that contribute to the integrity of the anchor.

This doesn't happen in sand. So all you have for anchor integrity in the sand is, basically, the weight of the sand plus a *little* "mud effect", where there is some localized cohesion of the particles, basically through the surface tension of water (I'm guessing).

So light tension on the line to simulate a load while building and operating

the system was completely reasonable. But once we started to try to haul even a bodyweight load, the anchor ripped right out."

Hopefully the snow will eventually come, and we will be able to put our beach skills to use. In the meantime, three thumbs up for creative and fun training solutions. Our puffies, shovels, ice axes and pickets are waiting!

Mock Search

2012-01-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

This year, with the MRA ice and snow re-accreditation scheduled for early March, BAMRU has begun the recruiting season early. On Saturday January 14th we held the first of two trainings intended to introduce those who are new to search and rescue to the ins and outs of a search scenario.

We started the day at 0800 in Redwood Memorial Park. After brief introductions, the 18 guests were divided up into teams, each led by a BAMRU team proctor. Individuals were assigned roles within their team such as lead medical, navigator and comms (communications). With little to no search and rescue experience, the guests did an impressive job of carrying out their search assignments safely and efficiently.

Along the way we discussed search tactics such as how to call out to a subject, probability of detection in various landscapes, how to safely split up to perform hasty searches up drainages, how to manage clues and even a little bit of tracking.

Once the subject was located the finding team requested the needed resources from CP and we soon all converged in the area where the subject was located. Thinking we were on our way "out of the woods" so to speak, the proctors threw in another twist and one of the team leaders found herself with a lower tib-fib fracture. The guests quickly devised a plan to get her splinted up and carried out of the field.

While one patient was carried out on the shoulders of her teammates, the initial patient was packaged into a litter and the guests proceeded with what became an arduous carry out including a cold stream crossing and a surprise flat tire on the litter wheel which made the evacuation quite difficult. Despite many detours and obstacles the group did a great job and never gave up. It was wonderful to see a group of strangers come together and complete such a difficult task.

After lunch and a well deserved break, the BAMRU attendees set up a high angle system demonstration over the side of a bridge. It was a great opportunity for the guests to get their hands on a 1:1 hauling system and see what it feels like to hoist a patient, a litter and a litter attendant up 25 feet or so during a rescue.

We really appreciate everyone who chose to spend their entire Saturday working with us in the cold shade of the Redwoods. It was a pleasure getting to know you!

Below is a video of the tired team rolling the patient into CP (Comand Post). Well done team.

Pacifica Search

2012-01-15T16:36:00.000-08:00

On January 15th, at 0650 BAMRU was called for an in county search for a despondent subject. Eight of our team members deployed to Pacifica. As search teams gathered at the CP, investigators learned that the missing person was possibly located in a another city. The subject was soon found and the search was called off. Thanks to all who deployed into the early morning fog to help this individual.

Thanks to Lucas Marciniak for the write up and to Chris Kanterjiev for being OL.

2011 Awards and Recognitions

2012-01-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of our dedicated team members, we had a wonderful year in 2011. We celebrated the close of our 40th year of service with a year end holiday party graciously hosted by our recruiting officer, John Mandish. Many thanks to John and the folks at Baker & Mckenzie for allowing us to gather together in their space.

The efforts of every team member and trainee make what we do possible. This past year we recognized a few people on our team who far went above and beyond the regular call of duty.

Searcher of the Year

The 2011 searcher of the year award was presented to Ethan Frantz. In addition to his willingness to assist in our team trainings, Ethan volunteered 166 search hours to the unit in 2011. Ethan is always willing to help newer trainees in the field and

his role as Operations Leader allowed BAMRU to participate on several searches this year. Without someone stepping up to perform this vital role, we cannot deploy team members on a search. Ethan has also been elected to serve as the team's Executive Officer. We are all looking forward to a great year ahead under his leadership.

Member of the Year

Blake Gleason was awarded the member of the year award for 2011. Blake organized and taught multiple trainings this past year, some very technical and in alpine environments which requires a great deal of attention, logistical details, and long hours to make sure that we were all learning the needed skills for technical alpine rescues while maintaining a high level of safety. With searches and trainings combined, Blake volunteered a total of 668 hours to the unit in 2011. With seemingly endless energy he is often the first to volunteer for needed roles, to host skills days at his house, and is one of the newly elected members of our Board of Directors.

Recognition

In addition to Ethan and Blake, BAMRU is very grateful to the following members for their exceptional service to our team:

Sarah Roth: served as executive officer in 2011 and helped us to have a record year in fund raising.

Will Gilmore: BAMRU's secretary whose countless hours behind the scenes is bringing our team a new level of organization.

And to the following for their year's on the team:

Wayne Behrens (25yrs)

Tom Lass (20 yrs)

Gerald Stone (10yrs)

Bill Parker (5yrs)

Ben Yaffe (5yrs)

We are very lucky to have such wonderful teammates and look forward to getting to know more skilled searchers during the 2012 recruiting season!

Fall Training Summary

2011-12-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy fall for the Bamruvians.

We kicked off the season of change with a succesful North Peak summit in September; the final in a series of summer alpine trainings which brought us to Mt. Abbot, Laurel and Conness.

In October, we held our medical training in Redwood City. This two day course was designed for SAR volunteers and presented by Tom Lass (Firefighter Paramedic) and Dr. John Lissoway of Stanford. We covered patient care issues encountered in outdoor and high altitude emergencies, basic patient assessment, triage in the wilderness, wilderness emergency scenarios and use of various search and rescue equipment.

For November's training we found ourselves hanging over a rocky ledge in a Berekeley park as we reviewed and refined skills from triangulating to building and running technical rope hauling systems. Our skills training day is an opportunity for team and field members to get important, hands on skills practice in any area.

This past weekend, we took the opportunity to stay local once again before the snow hits, and we practiced setting up the field antenna with our beloved truck "Baby Blue". The field antenna can be set up to extend well above the height of the truck and provides us with a better radio range for vital communications on searches.

This month, members of BAMRU will be digging out their snowshoes, crampons and ice axes as we say goodbye to the fall and prepare for the winter season. This winter our team will be readying ourselves for participation in the Mountain Rescue Association's snow and ice re-cert on March 3rd, 2012 in June Lake.

Give the Gift of Someone Being Found!

2011-11-29T18:22:00.000-08:00

If you're a snowboarder, skier, hiker, climber, or a person who ever leaves the house, there is a chance that someday you or someone you know may require the help of search and rescue. This holiday season, consider helping our team to continue to operate by making an online donation. Donations of $25 or more will receive a BAMRU t-shirt in return. Wishing everyone safe and happy holidays from BAMRU!

To redeem your t-shirt, send your donation confirmation with shirt size, color, and shipping information to jamescutsinger at yahoo.com click here to donate

2011-11-20T09:45:00.000-08:00

Thankfully, search and rescue call outs don't always come pouring in. When we aren't training or participating in an operation, BAMRU team members can be found volunteering at events all over our local community. Here are some of the things we've been up to this fall.

Urban Shield:
Over the weekend of October 15 - 17, BAMRU was requested to provide staff at the annual Urban Shield SWAT exercise. During the weekend, SWAT teams from around the world converged on the Bay Area to compete, with each team not sleeping for more than a few hours the entire weekend and performing tasks from rappelling off the Bay Bridge to taking a building back from terrorists. Over 75 law enforcement agencies took part in one form or another and over 3,000 persons were involved in the event as participants, role players, or volunteers. The exercise was operated by the Alameda County Sheriff, with BAMRU operating on behalf of the San Mateo County Sheriff.

We extend our thanks and congratulations to the teams who participated and look forward to helping with other trainings in the future.

Halfmoon Bay Pumpkin Festival:
The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Fest is the biggest coastside art & music festival of the year; the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office (and BAMRU) provided traffic control and crowd services. A BAMRU team memebr was on site to help with logistics, crowd control and traffic control at several locations, and returned three lost children to their mothers.

Hug-a-Tree:
Hug-a-tree is a community outreach program for which we periodically perform presentations on behalf of the Sheriff's Office. The program teaches kids (and parents) some basic and vital survival principles to use if they ever get lost. We have performed this for schools, youth groups, Boy & Girl Scouts, friends and family groups. It promotes good practices for kids (and adults) when going into the back country and can have applications for urban environments as well.

Coming up- Storm Watch:
The rainy season is upon us. Although we welcome the needed water, sometimes we get too much of a good thing. When the weather results in dangerous conditions you can expect to see BAMRU members out in the community assisting the San Mateo County Sheriff's office with their Storm Watch program. 'Storm Watch' is an emergency response procedure that the San Mateo Sheriff's Office uses for the Santa Cruz mountains and San Mateo coast.

Free Topo Maps

2011-11-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

BAMRU is a heavy user of GPS and Mapping tools, and has deep experience with a variety of products. Having quick access to current maps is critical for our team.

One of our members has developed CalTopo, a website with printable USGS topos for all of California. It's faster and more convenient than any service we've seen. CalTopo was created for search and rescue teams, and now for the first time it is available to the general public.

Give CalTopo a try, and if you like it, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to BAMRU. Learn More

San Carlos Search

2011-10-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday afternoon, Oct 19th, BAMRU was called to a search in San Carlos. Local residents heard a person with a dog stranded in the bush, and called 911. Police arrived and heard a dog, but could not approach the subject due to steep and difficult terrain.

BAMRU staffed one operational period Wednesday evening, and a follow-on period which started at daybreak on Thursday. Teams from San Mateo SAR, Alameda and Marin joined the search. The subject was not found.

The vegetation in the search area was thick. Following the operation, a BAMRU searcher had to visit the hospital to be treated for a bad case of poison oak.

Thanks to all who attended.

News: San Mateo Patch

Armstrong Redwoods Search

2011-10-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

On the evening of Friday, October 7th BAMRU received a page for assistance in locating a missing subject whose vehicle was found parked at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Sonoma County. The park is located just outside of Guerneville, about an hour and a half north of San Francisco.

The following morning of Saturday, October 8th BAMRU joined about five other SAR units for an 0830 briefing by Sonoma County SAR. The missing person was not from the local area and was described as an individual that did not show signs of having trouble at home or at work.

BAMRU searched a densely vegetated hillside, that consisted of trees, brush and poison oak. This search required the team to use their navigational expertise and their familiarity with the use of UTM coordinates as they translate to the map proved extremely useful.

Around noon on the 8th the subject was located near the last point last seen and media reports indicate that it is likely to be deemed a suicide. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the friends and family.

News: Press Democrat, Sacramento Man Missing In Sonoma Redwoods

Kings Canyon Search

2011-10-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

At approximately 0300 on October 1, BAMRU was paged to provide mutual aid support in King's Canyon National Park for a solo hiker who was one week past his planned exit date after an approximately 111 mile journey.

Our theme of preparedness was not in vain as NPS, who was managing the search, assigned BAMRU to a 72 hour ground search assignment. The team was transported 50 minutes via NPS helicopter to the start of their assignment where they proceeded to search until sunset before arriving at Evolution Meadow and setting up camp for the evening.

At 0800 on October 2 the team called in via satellite phone and were informed that the subject had walked out under his own power and in good health. After hearing the good news, BAMRU took the opportunity to do a small training exercise of a fine grid search on their way to the LZ where NPS greeted them once again and returned them to the helibase.

As always, we are grateful for a good outcome and the resources provided by the National Park Service.

News: Fresno Bee | Mercury News | ABC News

Huddart Park Find

2011-10-02T01:27:00.000-07:00

Last evening BAMRU was called to search for a five year old girl in Huddart Park. She was camping with a large group, and went missing just as darkness fell.

So confusing is the Huddart terrain, so thick its' forest. The search operation included K9 teams, San Mateo SAR, a Helicopter, mounted patrol, and BAMRU.

A dog picked up the scent. Somehow this five year old had gotten to the bottom of a ravine, steep and dark black. Alone there with a green glow stick, she was found, safe and healthy.

"The moment you give a child back to her mother, who never knew if she would see that child again, really makes the early morning trainings, the long slogs thru mud and rain, all worth it." - BAMRU on NPR

News: New York Post | Redwood City Patch | London Daily Mail

Covelo Search

2011-08-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

On August 3, 2011, BAMRU was paged to respond to a missing man in the Mendocino National Forest in Trinity County. The search base was the Covelo Forest Service Station with the command post located several hours into the forest via fire roads. The search had been continued via the involvement of Napa Search and Rescue, Marin Search and Rescue, CARDA, and the Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt County Sheriff's Offices.

BAMRU members transported to the Forest Service station late August 3 and caught a few hours of sleep before being transported to the CP. Nothing significant was found during the Thursday search operations. The search continued on Friday, and was concluded with the subject not found at the end of Friday.

The search area was vast and remote. The 3 hour drive to Covelo was easy compared to the 2 1/2 hour off road adventure required to reach the search base. It is often hard to appreciate just how rugged and remote some parts of California are. A relevant book is Ishi - In Two Worlds, which tells the story of a Native American who emerged from the stone age into the modern world in 1911.

Our condolences go out to the subject's family and friends. Thanks to the BAMRU members who participated in the search.

Update: Aug 13 According to Mendocino County Sheriff's Department, the missing man, Martin Dyer was located alive in the Hoxie Crossing area. More information at the Sacramento Bee

Missing Hiker in Portola State Park

2011-07-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

On July 7th, a lost 27 YO male contacted his wife via cell phone saying he was lost and needed help. The subject was on a cross country trip from Portola State Park to Big Basin, a rugged and densely forested area in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

SMSAR, BAMRU, and SCU began search operations in early evening. BAMRU team members were given hasty search assignments to flank a tracking dog and handler, drive the valley floor road, climb the trails from the valley floor, and hike the ridge trails to Lane Camp and in the opposite direction (an approximate 11 mile loop).

As day broke, BAMRU crossed paths with a group of lumber company workers who had seen the subject. After that, the Subject was quickly found in good condition, and transported back to awaiting Sheriff Deputies and Park Rangers for their debrief.

It was learned that the Subject was initially without water, disoriented, exhausted, and very confused about the trails / roads along the ridge. Indeed, the terrain was so confusing that our searchers also lost their way from time to time.

Many thanks to our searchers who worked all night, and were able to bring this gentleman home safe and sound.

Amador County Search

2011-07-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

On Sunday July 3rd, BAMRU received a mutual aid request from the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) to support Amador County Sheriff’s Office (SO) in the search for a missing woman from Ventura County, California.

Our expertise in search management and steep technical terrain came in handy as we helped to run the search and provided ground resources at a remote area of El Dorado National Forest.

On Monday, July 4th, two days and nights after she was last seen, the woman was located by a California Air National Guard helicopter, just after dropping off a BAMRU team at their search assignment.

The National Guard team tended to the subject before returning her to the Command Post for further medical evaluation and imminent reunion with her family.

BAMRU was honored to be able to support our neighbors in Amador County in this important operation.

Links: California Air National Guard | Camarillo hiker found safe | Crowd welcomes rescued hiker | ANG Photos | Area Map

Climbing Falls

2011-06-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

Climbing season has arrived! Here's an educational video, and some pro-tip reminders: 1) always wear your helmet, 2) use reasonable runouts and 3) don't backclip!

Be careful out there!!

Sierra Journal Article

2011-05-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

Emilie Cortes is the 2011 Chair of the Sierra Club Peak Climbing Section. She recently wrote a nice BAMRU profile in the Sierra Journal. Check it out! (BAMRU: Getting Your Dirtbag Butt Out of a Rock and a Hard Place)

A Rescuer's Perspective

2011-05-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting video shot from the helmet cam of a rescuer in Banff National Park.

More information at the Adventure Journal

Wear your helmets out there!!

Golden Gate Search

2011-05-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, May 24th BAMRU was called for a Mutual Aid search in the vicinity of the Golden Gate and SF Presidio. The subject was a missing 15 year old girl from Danville.

BAMRU sent a team for one operational period Tuesday evening. We had another team ready for a follow-on period Wednesday, but the search was called off.

Media reports indicate that the girl may have committed suicide.

Our thoughts go out to the missing girl's family. Thanks to BAMRU members to participated in the search.

News: Danville Patch | KTVU

Semper Paratus

2011-05-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

The Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared" - Semper Paratus.

Two BAMRU members recently went on an overnight backpacking trip in Point Reyes National Seashore. At about 9:30pm, they were approached by a couple asking for directions. The couple had gotten lost, and now faced a 5 mile hike to their car in the pitch black.

This is a great example of why you should always carry a light-source and map, part of the ten essentials.

Extra batteries are also a great idea, and the best place to store extra batteries is in an extra headlamp. Since both BAMRU members had their backup lights with them, they were able to help these hikers without having to cook dinner in the dark.

Over the years BAMRU has recovered many hikers who have gotten lost at night. We're pleased that in this situation everyone made it home safe and sound.

Sometimes the difference between a memorable adventure and an unfortunate outcome rests on simple details in preparation. Semper Paratus!!

Missing Student Found

2011-05-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

On Thursday May 5, BAMRU was paged for a mutual aid search in Annadel State Park, Sonoma County. The subject was a 19 year old male. Suicide notes had been found both at his home and college residence, and a hand gun was missing from his home.

BAMRU had teams in the field for an operational period that started Friday at 0600, and completed search assignments together with responders from Cal-ESAR and Marin SAR.

BAMRU returned for a second operational period on Saturday at 0600, and was paired with a CARDA dog team. After a 2 mile hike to the start of the search assignment, the dog found the subject's body.

Our team secured the area, and reported the find to CP. Post-find coordination was largely done by cell phone. BAMRU secured a helicopter LZ, and police investigators were flown in. Then BAMRU returned to CP for debriefing.

Wildlife was abundant during this search. BAMRU members saw deer, jack rabbits, wild turkey, lizards, geese, and turkey vultures. In separate incidents, members nearly stepped on a sleeping young fawn and a rattle snake. A non BAMRU team reported seeing a mountain lion chasing a deer. Wildflowers and scenery were at their best.

Many thanks to our members, who put in long hours and worked professionally. Our condolences to the student's family for their tragic loss.

News articles: Missing SSU Student | Student's Car Found | Student's Body Found

Ice Climbing Fall

2011-05-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

The Internet is becoming a great source of accident post-mortem videos, and here is another in the genre. The video and online comments here and here are educational.

Fall on Vimeo: thanks to Jeffrey Butler for sharing.

Spring Avalanche

2011-04-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

Backcountry ski conditions have been good, and we still have a couple months to go in our spring season. Avalanche risk in the spring is normally lower than mid-winter. But it can happen.

Here's an educational video published by a Swiss skier who was caught in an avalanche recently.

The skier suffered broken vertebra, but survived. Thanks to thomasiasus for sharing.

San Carlos Search

2011-04-14T23:16:00.000-07:00

On 4/14/11, 1755 BAMRU responded to an in-county callout for an 82-year-old female with dementia missing from her San Carlos hills residence. She was last seen at 1400 and had past history of walking away. Her direction of travel was unknown.

Temporary CP was at the San Carlos police station and we got the ball rolling by setting up an overhead team. After a team briefing, 4 dog teams and several ground teams were deployed. BAMRU was assigned a hasty search in the open space canyon behind the houses.

As the sun was going down, the subject was located in a nearby neighborhood. And in a interesting twist, a second report came in for a missing man that was thought to be searching for the original subject in the caynon behind the houses (our search area). The description, of the missing man was immediately recognized by one of the search teams and he was located shortly after on the sidewalk. All subjects returned to their home safely.

Big Thanks for all those who responded. We had a cool assignment and once again the CP gear was helpful.

Devil's Canyon Search

2011-04-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

On April 9th at 8pm BAMRU was requested to search for a missing 24 year old woman who had been reported missing in the Devil's Canyon area of southern San Mateo County. She was described as having some backcountry experience, but not dressed for nightime temps that dropped to the 30's/40's. (leggings/light shirt/flip-flops).

BAMRU searched a cave entrance was near the top of a 40' waterfall. We dropped rope and rappelled to search the pools below. Other teams searched upstream and downstream in Type 2 terrain. Later in the night BAMRU responded to investigate potential clues, rappelling waterfall areas where the missing subject could have fallen.

At daybreak the subject was found when she hiked out and found a local residence. She was cold, scratched, and had lost her flip-flops, but was in good health.

There were a lot of interesting aspects of this search. We used our tracking skills to follow tracks. We built two technical systems and used a lot of personal rope skills. We also assisted with plans and some CP work.

Media Coverage: Mercury News

New Redwood City Home

2011-04-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

For more than 15 years, BAMRU's Redwood City location has been 500 Allerton in Redwood City.

Starting this week, BAMRU moves to a new home in Redwood City. Our new Redwood City meeting location will be 455 County Center, Room 101.

Note that BAMRU will continue to use the same location in Castro Valley for our bi-monthly East Bay meetings.

Our next meeting in our new Redwood City location will be Monday, May 16 at 7:30pm.

Tree Well Survival

2011-04-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

Tree wells occur in deep snow. They form a narrow vertical chute next to the tree trunk, and can be six feet deep or more. Self-rescue from a tree well is difficult.

Tree well fatalities can be described as "Non-Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Death", or NARSID. Learn more about NARSID here.

Here's a video taken by a man who was caught in a tree well on Mt. Shasta.

Luckily this man was found and rescued by local ski patrollers. See more at NWCN News.

BAMRU has been involved in a number of tree-well related operations this season. We can testify that it is often difficult to see someone who has fallen into a tree well.

When skiing in deep snow, go with a partner! And keep your partner in sight! Learn more safety tips at treewelldeepsnowsafety.com.

Portola 10-22

2011-03-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

10-22 is radio code that means 'disregard last instruction'. For BAMRU, a 10-22 typically means that a missing person has been found while a team is en-route to a search assignment.

And that is what happened this evening. BAMRU was called to search for a missing person in Portola State Park, and the person was found alive while our team was en-route. A 10-22.

10-22's normally are not especially notable. But this callout occurs on the last day of March. And it is notable that in March our team has been activated for eight operations, in addition to completing a successful MRA recertification, while also launching a very strong annual recruiting campaign.

Thanks to all for their contributions in this busy month!

Sonoma Mutual Aid

2011-03-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

BAMRU was activated for a Mutual Aid search in Sonoma County this morning at 5am.

The missing person was a teen who was reported overdue last evening. The subject spent the night out in the bush, off trail in Annadel State Park.

He was found by Sonoma County searchers after sunrise, cold but safe, just after our team arrived at the search scene.

More news on this operation: Press Democrat | ABC News

Snowboarder Located

2011-03-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

On Saturday March 26th, BAMRU received a mutual aid request for a missing 22 year old male snowboarder at Sierra-at-Tahoe, Lake Tahoe.

The search followed a multi-day storm that dropped many feet of new snow in the Sierra.

More than 70 searchers were involved from Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Patrol, Marin, El Dorado County SAR, and BAMRU.

The victim was found Sunday at the ski resort, deceased in a tree well.

More news: YubaNet | Fox News | Lakeside News | CBS News

Three Hikers Found

2011-03-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Friday March 25 BAMRU was called to a mutual aid search in Lake County, near Pillsbury Lake. The search subjects were 3 males aged 16-20, who went on a multi-day trek in mountains that received 2-3 feet of new snow.

BAMRU responders arrived at CP throughout Friday night and early Saturday. Responding teams came with 40+ responders from Lake Co SO/SAR, National Forest, Marin, CoCo, BAMRU, Monterey, Tahoe Nordic.

BAMRU involvement started at 6:30 am Saturday and included 1) drafting search assignments, 2) transportation of team in the field, 3) medical, 4) comms relay, and 5) hasty and side-search teams.

Trail conditions varied from dirt/mud to thigh/waist deep of snow. Rain, sleet, snow through out the day with with light to moderate winds. Fully overcast. Air support not possible. Transportation of teams to search assignments proved to be very challenging. Casualties and challenges included broken snowcat, broken truck axle, stuck vehicles. Communications was challenging to non-existent, no cell phone coverage, radio was spotty and required repeaters or human relay. Sat phones were very helpful.

Initial tracks in snow reported about 10:30am. Subsequent clues and redirect of resources led to locating the 3 subjects together in good condition about 12:30pm.

More News: Press Democrat

Mock Search Training

2011-03-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 26th, BAMRU conducted a Mock Search Training with 18 guests that have expressed interest in joining BAMRU. The scene was cold and rainy, and provided a great venue for an introduction to our people and search techniques.

During the mock search, we organised our group into 5 teams, and handed out search assignments. Our victim was placed somewhere near the swollen Pescadero Creek, where he had fallen and suffered a sprained ankle, with a possible spinal injury and symptoms of diabetes.

The finding team quickly started the patient assessment process, while maintaining c-spine precautions. Another guest crafted an improvised rigid splint using trekking poles, duct tape and emergency blankets. They administered food and water to elevate the patient's level of consciousness, and kept him insulated.

The team did a terrific job with our patient.

To wrap up the day we discussed guest's next steps before the April Meeting (completing the ICS-100 course), previewed the SAR Basic Training in April, and reviewed BAMRU's application and interview process.

This training was completed while BAMRU was simultaneously responding to a Mutual Aid search. Many thanks to all our guests, and to BAMRU members who led this training.

Storm Watch

2011-03-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

'Storm Watch' is an emergency response procedure that the San Mateo Sheriff's Office uses for the Santa Cruz mountains and San Mateo coast.

During a severe storm on March 24, BAMRU received a Storm Watch callout. A BAMRU team was dispatched to the coast, and immediately started responding to calls.

Over a twelve hour period BAMRU was deployed to check water levels in creeks, to assist on scenes with downed trees and power lines, and to clear rockfall from roads.

During this exercise, the BAMRU team covered a wide area, including Woodside, Skyline Boulevard, Pescadero, Tunitas Creek and Half Moon Bay.

Tsunami Response

2011-03-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

Following the powerful earthquake in Japan, BAMRU was alerted at 0224 Saturday to help with Tsunami response on the San Mateo County coast.

A BAMRU team deployed with other San Mateo Units. Once coast side, BAMRU members patrolled from Pacifica south to Santa Cruz County. Duties included warning people on beaches, knocking on doors to warn residents, and providing EMT resources at an evacuation center.

Large parts of the coast have no cell coverage. While on patrol, BAMRU was able to use the Satellite Phone donated by Iridium to check in with command.

BAMRU provided resources for two operational periods. The San Mateo coast was spared major damage. About 1600 the all clear was sounded and all resources were home by 1700.

Today we watch the recovery efforts in Japan with respect, mindful of the huge scale of this event. And we are reminded that we too live in an earthquake zone.

More information:
Video Simulation of Tsunami Propagation
Photo of Tsunami approaching Emeryville inside San Francisco Bay
Video of Tsunami approaching Emeryville

BAMRU is Recruiting!

2011-03-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

BAMRU is recruiting! We seek new members who bring mountaineering, snow and ice skills to our ranks. We are part of the San Mateo County Sheriff's office and participate in SAR missions in county and around the state. We are Mountain Rescue Association certified team which means we can travel and operate in all terrain and weather.

Next Monday, March 21 we will have an open house at 7pm for people interested in finding out more about our team. Attendance at this meeting is required to participate in follow-on training and recruiting events.

The meeting location is: 500 Allerton, Redwood City, CA
The meeting room is on the third floor ("200-level")

BAMRU recruits and trains one 'class' per year, and this is the beginning of our recruiting season. On March 26th we will have an Intro SAR training which is designed for our new trainees.

MRA Recertification

2011-03-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, BAMRU completed the annual Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) recertification, this year held near Lone Pine, CA.

The Lone Pine Recert focused on technical rock rescue. Teams were engaged in scenarios involving an injured climber who was immobile in a high-angle environment. Once the subject was located, teams were expected to administer appropriate medical treatment, then extricate and transport the subject back to a command post.

On all accounts, the event was a huge success. BAMRU attended the event on the heels of a number of recent mutual aid responses across the state.

Missing Sonoma Man

2011-03-07T07:01:00.000-08:00

Sunday we received a callout to search for a missing man in Mendocino county. BAMRU was requested to cover the off-trail hills and gullies.

The subject had been missing since Saturday afternoon. The subject's vehicle
was found on top of the ridge. Rain fell overnight but had lightened some by morning.

The man was located by a Sonoma SAR van walking up HWY 1. He was cold, wet and fatigued, but otherwise in good condition.

This operation happened as BAMRU was engaged in our annual recertification east of the Sierras.

Oakland Health Fair

2011-03-04T18:25:00.000-08:00

John Mandish, Chris Seffens and Ethan Frantz represented BAMRU during a recent Health Fair at Oakland Technical High School. The event gave students a chance to talk with a wide variety of health and wellness service providers.

BAMRU answered questions from about 200 students over the course of the 5 hours we were there.

BAMRU displayed the contents of a trauma pack, AED, Satellite Phone, Puxing Handheld Radio, Personal First Aid Kit, Candy and other SAR related items. We also demonstrated our litter, technical rescue equipment, avalanche probe and shovel.

Thanks to Melissa Brown, the Director of La Clínica de La Raza who sponsored the event. We met a lot of great kids, and hope to attend again next year.

Search in Golden Gate Park

2011-03-01T07:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend BAMRU was involved in a search for a 73 year old man in San Francisco's Golden Gate park. Ground searchers worked with SF Police and eight rescue dogs. The man was not located.

More information on the search is available at KTVU.

This operation happened as BAMRU was training for our annual recertification. This is the second week in a row that training resources were redeployed to live operations.

Golden Gate Park Search

2011-02-28T16:46:00.000-08:00

On Saturday AM, San Francisco PD requested mutual aid to continue the search efforts for a missing man who went missing from his home on Thursday Feb 24th in the evening. SFPD started searching Thursday evening and through Friday; they subsequently called for aid on Sat AM.

BAMRU was part of a combined team including 60+ searchers from six surrounding agencies.

When active searching closed for the day, 28 assignments had been written with 22 completed. The subject was not located.

More news: KTVU

Group Decision Making

2011-02-28T15:31:00.000-08:00

We've had heavy snowfall recently, and BAMRU is looking forward to more winter trainings over the coming weeks. During these trainings, we sometimes discuss team decision making, and consider the inter-personal dynamics that help keep a group safe.

This video shows Montana skiers who were caught in an avalanche and rescued by nearby first responders. It highlights group decisions that led to a negative outcome.

Accident reports are a valuable learning tool. Thanks to the Montana skiers for sharing.

Related Material: Accidents in North American Mountaineering

New Section Chiefs

2011-02-21T12:17:00.000-08:00

On February 20th, Ethan Frantz and Colin Little successfully completed the Section Chief Search Management course taught by Chris Young of Contra Costa SAR. This course has been developed by the Bay Area Search and Rescue Council to help standardize search management practices throughout the Bay Area.

This course is designed to teach hands on and theoretical skills in search management at the Section Chief level in Planning, Operations and Logistics functions. The cadre of instructors bring hundreds of hours of search and search management experience. The course follows the four phases of a search: hasty, 1st operational, multiple operations, and the find/suspension periods.

Also present at the course were Cal Hoagland and Bill Parker. Both had previously completed the class and volunteered their time to help proctor the tabletop exercises.

Congrats Ethan and Colin!!!

Shasta Search

2011-02-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

This weekend BAMRU was involved in a difficult search for a 23 year old man who went missing while snowboarding on Mt. Shasta. Our main search assignments were done on back-country skis, in steep terrain and deep snow. Saturday our team was on scene from midnight to 6pm, with a four hour break for sleep. We left completely exhausted.

The body of the missing man, Alex Gautreaux, was found Sunday morning.

During the search we witnessed friends and family who had hoped for Alex's safe return. This man will be profoundly missed. We send our deep condolences for his loss.

More news: Missing Snowboarder Found Dead | Rescue Effort on Mt. Shasta

Warning: Counterfeit Gear

2011-02-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

Every climber should be aware that Petzl has issued a warning regarding recently discovered Chinese counterfeit versions of their products. The imitation products do not meet the safety and quality requirements of Petzl. Counterfeit products could open or fail at loads much lower loads under normal use.

Petzl states: They have been reproduced in a way that makes them very difficult to identify. The following features have been reproduced nearly identically:

* Design
* Color
* Product markings
* Batch number
* Instructions for use (down to the most minor details)
* Packaging

For more information, please visit Petzl's website.

Marin County Search

2011-01-29T13:10:00.000-08:00

On Friday Jan 28 BAMRU was involved in a mutual aid delayed call-out for an ongoing search in Marin County. The search was for a 53 year old woman reported missing about 10 days prior.

The search involved more than 75 individuals from multiple agencies, coordinated by Marin County. Shortly after beginning the search, BAMRU located the deceased subject. Search management and law-enforcement was called in, and BAMRU returned to the command post.

The subject was a long-time teacher and community member. We hope that the part we played helped to bring closure to the family and the local community.

More news: Marin IJ | San Francisco Examiner

2011 Winter Training

2011-01-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

BAMRU held its winter training in the Castle Peak area on Jan 22-23. We practised skills for travelling and camping in the winter mountains. Topics included avalanche avoidance, route-finding, search for avalanche victims using beacons and probes. We also practised winter camping and building emergency snow shelters. These skills help to keep our teams safe during winter operations.

BAMRU 2010 Activity Summary

2011-01-07T16:11:00.000-08:00

13 Significant SARs (1438.5 hrs)
-- Point Reyes
-- Santa Clara SAR
-- Nevada County
-- Butte County #1
-- WS-100
-- Point Reyes
-- Bunker Hill
-- San Bruno Fire
-- Butte County #2: Loren Harvey
-- Hillsborough: Memorial Park
-- Loma Mar
-- Storm Watch
-- Alpine Meadows

Outreach activities (Highlights):
-- Skye Memorial Service
-- SAREX conference/training presentations
-- Joint Trainings Marin Fire Rescue
-- Stanford University Medical School lecture
-- Hug-a-Tree Lectures
-- San Mateo County Jail ERT

22 Trainings (4351.5 hrs)
-- AIARE I – Avalanche
-- Winter Mountaineering
-- County Storm Watch
-- BASARC Incident Command
-- Mock SAR
-- Trainee Skills Days
-- SAR Basic
-- General SAR Skills
-- Rock Skills
-- SO Vehicle Training
-- Alpine Mountaineering
-- Basic Technical Skills
-- Advanced Technical Skills
-- Medical Skills Refresher
-- Advanced Litter Handling
-- Escape From Alcatraz

32 Meetings (703 hrs)
-- Board of Directors Conference Calls
-- Board of Directors Meetings
-- General Membership Meetings

1 Recertification (519 hrs)
-- Tracking and Search Management

These statistics only cover those hours captured and recorded by the unit secretary, there are many more hours put in by each and every member in the unit that are not captured. Thanks to each and every BAMRU member for your ongoing support and dedication.

Special Thanks to Tom Grossman our Unit Leader for his 3 years of outstanding leadership and to Ethan Frantz our Training Officer for successfully coordinating 22 trainings.

Outstanding work!

Bill Parker
Unit Secretary, Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit

Sierra Crest Search

2010-12-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

On Weds Dec 29 BAMRU responded for a missing 25 y.o. female snowboarder at Alpine Meadows who was last seen going out of bounds Tuesday afternoon at the top of the Summit lift. Shortly after she went missing a significant storm set in.

We split the BAMRU team into two groups (one on backcountry skis and the other on snowshoes). Field teams experienced very strong winds and low visibility. The scene included significant avalanche risk - very heavy snowfall with massive wind loading onto a relatively unstable layer.

A ground team from Tahoe Nordic SAR located the subject in a tree well deceased.

Various information on this incident available throughout the media: KTVU | LA Times | CNN

BAMRU thanks Planet Granite

2010-12-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

BAMRU is grateful to have gotten a generous offer of support from Planet Granite (PG), a local business with climbing gyms across the Bay Area.

PG has long been the favorite climbing gym of many BAMRU members, and some have actually been employees of PG over the years. PG's generous discounts for BAMRU members are already helping to build and maintain the climbing skills and fitness of our team.

On Dec. 9th Eric Leong presented a Certificate of Appreciation from BAMRU Unit Leader Tom Grossman to Renee De Angelis, co-owner of Planet Granite.

Learn more about Planet Granite at http://planetgranite.com.

Cold Night in Loma Mar

2010-12-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday evening BAMRU was called for a search near Loma Mar, CA in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The incident involved six overdue female hikers in their mid-20’s. Conditions were described by as “cold, raining and muddy condition.”

The women were able to call 911 with a basic cell phone and were patched into the command post. The subject calling said they were lost and cold. The mobile phone connection was lost and their cell phone battery was running low.

BAMRU participated in a hasty search of a fire road climbing up 1,000 feet to a ridge top. Near the top we saw small lights waving at us, and we found the subjects. All were shivering, a little confused and needed warmth, but did not seem to have severe hypothermia.

We arrived back at the CP after 2AM and the team was released quickly.

Search resources deployed during the operations included four dogs from CARDA, Several San Mateo Sheriff Deputies, local fire, SMC SAR, SMC Mounted SAR, SMC Communications Unit and BAMRU filled ground resources.

Midnight Mountain Search

2010-11-28T18:01:00.000-08:00

BAMRU was called out about 2145 for a missing hiker who had left her campsite at approximately 1500 hours in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Evidently she was up on the Butano Fire Road, took a trail to get back and lost the trail in some steep terrain. She was found just as the cavalry from SMCSAR, BAMRU, and Comms was arriving and setting up for a long, cold and possibly rainy night.

This was a quick and positive outcome and everyone was released shortly after arriving at the park and all equipment was put away for the night around 0200.

Medical Training

2010-11-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 23rd, fifteen BAMRU members attended a Medical Training near Mt. Diablo.

Following morning coffee, we split into teams and packed our jump bags for the day, which gave us an opportunity to (re)familiarise ourselves with the medical equipment we would be using. We then rotated through four 45-minute skill stations, covering splinting, vacuum splint, traction splint, and vital signs. We then regrouped for lunch and a quiz.

In the afternoon, we put our skills to the test. We relocated to the wilderness, about 10 minutes hike from the road. At this point, a majority of BAMRU members attending the training sustained serious injuries. Issues included a chain saw wound, a long fall, an asthma attack, a mountain biking accident, and chest pain. BAMRU members were on hand to provide quick, effective assessments and treatments.

Following the afternoon scenarios, washed the mud off our shoes, and enjoyed a BBQ dinner.

Butte County Search

2010-10-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

A BAMRU team has returned from a search for a missing man in Butte County. The man's truck was found in a remote area. BAMRU teams conducted a number of search assignments, navigating manzanita and steep hillsides. The subject was not found.

More news: KRCR TV | Chico News | Facebook

New Twist on Litter Handling

2010-10-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend BAMRU practiced litter handling techniques in Cave Gulch in Santa Cruz county. Instructors from the National Cave Rescue Commission (NCRC) introduced BAMRU to various litter movement techniques, including The California Shuffle, The Lap Pass, The Turtle, The Snake, and The Caterpillar.

All of the techniques included generous helpings of dirt, mud, cold and wet.

Everyone was impressed with how hard it is to haul a patient out through a narrow passageway.

After the exercise the team met for hot tea and a debriefing session. Everyone then headed towards their own homes; colder, muddier, and definitely wiser.

Many thanks to our NCRC trainers.

BAMRU on Alcatraz

2010-10-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

On Thursday October 7th, BAMRU volunteered with the NPS to conduct routine maintenance on Alcatraz Island. After meeting at 0830 and taking the first ferry out to the island, BAMRU began work setting up simple main/belay rope systems over the east side of the prison cliff-side, to eradicate the non-native eucalyptus trees growing over the edge. At around noon, we broke for lunch courtesy of the NPS.

After lunch, Owen, a NPS Ranger kindly let us atop the lighthouse to see the blue angels' practice run. BAMRU returned to conduct an evening eradication session before calling it a day.

It was another great day on Alcatraz. Super thanks to the NPS, and specifically Mike Coffey for being such a great host.

Yosemite Training

2010-10-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

Last week BAMRU conducted advanced technical rescue training above Yosemite Valley.

The team built rescue systems in environments with considerable vertical exposure. The training covered rigging methods and techniques, rescue forces, and safety protocols.

Some BAMRU members are also active with YOSAR (Yosemite Search and Rescue), and we greatly benefit from their local knowledge and experience.

BAMRU Service Award

2010-09-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

The city of Hillsborough paid a special recognition to BAMRU and the other SAR teams involved in the search for a missing woman on August 27. The award was given at the Hillsborough City Council meeting last week. Representing BAMRU were Tom Grossman, Ethan Frantz, Chris Seffens, James Cutsinger, Kurt Gross, Emily Ghio, Jenna Wiley, and MacRae Linton.

After giving a brief summary of the events of August 27, Hillsborough Police directly congratulated the SAR unit leaders, including Gary Vielbaum (Sheriff's Communications), Pete Nuding (Sheriff's Air Squadron), Gary Bloom (SMCO SAR), Tom Grossman (BAMRU), Lt. Ed Barberini (San Mateo County Sheriff's Office), and Sgt. Joe Sheridan (San Mateo County Sheriff's Office).

The community was very thankful for SAR's involvement in the search and relieved that the missing woman was found with no serious injuries.

CIS

2010-09-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

During our operations, it is unusual for BAMRU members to be exposed to victims with severe trauma, or to terrible accident scenes. But from time to time it does happen, and we know from experience that the emotions and intense energy of a difficult event can linger.

In the past, BAMRU has brought in mental health facilitators for proactive stress management training. On a few occasions, we have conducted 'Critical Incident Stress Debriefings' (CISD) after a difficult operation.

Beyond that, we strive to keep an open dialog within our team, to acknowledge that critical incident stress does happen, for our new trainees as well as experienced responders. We encourage our members to share experiences and recovery strategies.

BAMRU is grateful to the San Mateo Sheriff's Office for their CISD support and mental health services for first responders. And we give profound thanks to BAMRU's volunteer members for the sometimes difficult community service they provide.

More about CIS:
http://www.criticalincidentstress.com/what_is_cism_
http://www.icisf.org/cis.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_incident_stress_management

BAMRU at SAREX

2010-09-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

SAREX is the annual conference for the Search and Rescue community in Northern California. (learn more at http://www.sarex.org) Last weekend's SAREX conference in San Francisco had over 600 attendees. BAMRU was able to supply eight instructors and taught five sessions at the conference, with topics including technical rescue, medical care, rescue gear, mapping and web infrastructure.

BAMRU at the San Bruno Fire

2010-09-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, a large number of BAMRU members were active at the location of the San Bruno fire. Our main task was to search the neighborhood and surrounding wildlands. BAMRU put in long hours, and the scene was terrible. We send our deep condolences to the victims of this tragedy.

More at: NY Times, Mercury News, BBC, NBC News

A Victim's Perspective

2010-09-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting video posted by a climber in the Tetons who took a fall and was rescued by local climbing rangers.

Rescue on Valhalla Traverse from getungrounded on Vimeo.

A Search Comes to an End

2010-09-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago, BAMRU participated in an intensive search for Fred Claussen in northern Yosemite. Unfortunately, Fred was never found, and his whereabouts have remained unknown.

In July, the mystery came to an end. His remains were discovered near Whorl Mountain.

Rest in Peace, Fred.

More at: SuperTopo, Fox News

Missing Woman Found Alive

2010-08-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

After a long night of searching, BAMRU located and recovered a missing woman in Hillsborough last weekend.

At nearly 1am on Saturday, a BAMRU ground team found the missing woman in a dry creek bed. The BAMRU truck and another search team arrived quickly on scene and provided medical support and supplies. The medical team packaged the patient into a litter and attached it to the low-angle mainline, which had a redirect and 3:1 haul system. Attendants guided the litter and themselves up a relatively steep, unstable grade to a level pathway.

Once the litter reached the path, the litter attendants hand-carried the litter around a switchback and up some stairs to the driveway of the nearby house and then loaded the patient into a waiting ambulance. Sheriff's officers and volunteers cleaned up the scene and returned to command post around 1:45am.

More at CBS News.

Technical Rescue Training

2010-08-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

BAMRU completed a basic technical training last weekend. The two days of training included practice operating high-angle rescue with high-angle redirect, team communications and commands, anchor systems, and the high angle rescue tripod.

Special thanks to Ethan Frantz and the instructors for an awesome weekend. Also, thank you to the National Park Service for their participation and assistance, and to Marin SAR for bringing SAR2 and the rescue tripod.

BAMRU on National Public Radio

2010-08-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

KQED, a local affiliate of National Public Radio, broadcast a nice profile about BAMRU. The audio was recorded during a recent training on Donner Summit.

Click here to see the profile on the KQED website.

Retreat from Mt. Conness

2010-07-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend during BAMRU's Alpine Training, we sent teams on three different routes (North Ridge, Glacier, and West Ridge) to the summit of Mt. Conness.

A sudden and dangerous thunderstorm interrupted all teams as they were high on the mountain. Strong electric charge was noted by some members' hair standing on end.

Everyone retreated rapidly. One team had to descend off the back side of the mountain, requiring a long hike-out that ended at midnight.

We had 22 people on the mountain. All returned safely.

Assistance and Donation

2010-07-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

Last weekend climbers approached a BAMRU team near the summit of Mt. Conness, during the sudden onset of a dangerous thunderstorm.

BAMRU assisted the climbers in a rapid descent, using multiple rappels and a rope-assisted stream crossing, on steep rock under pouring rain and hail. Following that, we executed a 10-mile night-time hike out to the nearest trail head, crossing deep streams and ridges along the way.

Today we are grateful to have received a donation from the climbers. Thanks Christine and Yiwen!!

BAMRU is a volunteer organization that depends on donations. This is the second donation BAMRU has received from persons that we have assisted this year. For more information on donating to BAMRU, please visit http://bamru.org/donate.html.

BAMRU in Ireland

2010-07-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

BAMRU's Shannon Lucas has returned from a trip to Ireland where she had the opportunity to meet and train with the Sligo Mountain Rescue Team. (find them online at http://sligoleitrimmrt.ie) It was a fun and educational visit, and we are grateful for their warm hospitality.

Treatment and Evacuation on Mt. Diablo

2010-07-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

Last week a BAMRU member was the first responder for a hiker who was found unconscious on Mt. Diablo. The hiker was treated and regained consciousness, but was not ambulatory. Helicopter extraction was arranged, and a 'one-skid' ridge top landing zone was selected. The hiker was safely evacuated.

Another video here...

Search in Marin County

2010-07-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a team of BAMRU members and trainees participated in a search for a missing person in Marin County. Our team spent nearly 8 hours searching coastal hills and beach areas jointly with NPS and local officials. The missing subject was not found.

Western States UltraMarathon

2010-07-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday (June 26) through Sunday morning, BAMRU (& friends) provided medical support for the WS-100 trans-Sierra Ultra endurance run. Stationed at mile 85 was Lucas, Martha, Cal, Jenny (Marin SAR), & Eva (Bellingham Fire). At the finish line was Tom, Kira, Callum, Bill, & Colin.

Throughout the night we evaluated 345 runners and treated severe dehydration, muscle/skeletal issues, blisters, hypothermia, extreme exhaustion, GI issues, hyponatremia, and a case of renal failure. The night progressively got busy and the team did an amazing job handling whatever was thrown our way. The team-work and attitude was amazing, even after 26hrs of no sleep. Huge thanks to all who helped! We did our best to help athletes realize their dream of a 100 mile ultra.

Rock Skills Training at Donner Summit

2010-06-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

BAMRU converged upon Donner Summit this past Saturday morning for its annual rock climbing skills training. Throughout the weekend, several stations were run at any given time to teach personal climbing skills, such as ascending and descending with prusiks and mechanical ascenders, ascending and descending past knots, escaping belays, ascending a loaded line to a leader (with angled line and redirects), ascending a line in free space, munter-hitch rappels, and other climbing self-rescue skills. BAMRU's newly initiated trainee class as well as other BAMRU members moved between stations in a self-directed fashion ensuring everyone devoted the time they needed to master each skill. Saturday night was spent at a member's house in Truckee, discussing proper decision-making techniques and reviewing reports from Accidents in North American Mountaineering.

The weekend provided an excellent foundation for several upcoming BAMRU trainings, including the Alpine Skills Training (July 23-25) and Basic Technical Rescue (August 21-22).

Statewide Search Activity

2010-06-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

After a quiet spring, BAMRU finds itself in the midst of a spike in search activity.

Today, nine BAMRU members returned from a search for a missing man in Butte County. (more information on the missing person at http://goo.gl/xNMa)

Over the weekend, BAMRU was also on standby for a search in San Mateo County.

Additionally, there were SAR teams looking for lost persons in Monterey County (http://goo.gl/KWtq) and Riverside County (http://goo.gl/BEmr).

The spike in search activity occurred while 18 of our members were engaged in a training exercise on Donner Summit. Thanks to BAMRU members and operations coordinators for their contributions during a busy period.

National Award for Chang

2010-06-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

BAMRU proudly congratulates John Chang on his award for Outstanding Contribution to the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA). John received the award Friday at the 2010 MRA Spring Conference in Juneau, Alaska. He was presented the award by the President of the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), Dan Hourihan. John's list of accomplishments and contributions are truly outstanding. Humble as he is, John has earned this recognition for all he has done for BAMRU and the MRA.

Congratulations John!

Cantu Search Update

2010-06-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

Last year BAMRU was involved in a search for a missing child, Sandra Cantu. Her deceased body was sadly found a few weeks after our search period had ended.

Melissa Huckaby pleaded guilty to the murder, and today was sentenced to life in prison.

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/state&id=7496581
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20007640-504083.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Cantu_homicide

BAMRU Adds Twelve Trainees

2010-05-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

BAMRU is happy to announce the addition of twelve new trainees to our team!

Each spring, BAMRU engages in an in-depth recruiting and selection process. We've gotten to know each of our new trainees, and have seen them in action in the field. This cohort of trainees brings an incredible depth of experience, enthusiasm and skills, and we are very excited to welcome them into our family.

Congrats to our new trainees!!!

Back row: John Mandish, Eric Leong, MacRae Linton, Kevin Pereia, Patrick Callery, Kurt Gross (our Trainee Mentor)
Front row: Jenna Wiley, Abi Rankin, Emily Ghio, Will Gilmore
Not Pictured: Tyler Phelan, Blake Gleason, Woody Hoburg

Navigation / Tracking Training

2010-05-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

Last weekend BAMRU conducted Navigation and Tracking exercises on the beautiful Milagra Ridge and Huddart Park in San Mateo County. We had 16 people from BAMRU and were joined by a park ranger from the GGNRA. During the training we covered navigation using GPS and compass coordinates, and conducted tracking exercises over various types of ground.

Climbing Injury

2010-05-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

A quick story about a climbing injury yesterday from a BAMRU member...

So yesterday I go climbing with a guy. We've been at the crag maybe 20 minutes, he starts leading a sport route. Clips the first bolt no problem. Second bolt is significantly higher, almost seems too high and super sketch. He flails for a good 2-3 minutes trying to get to next bolt but finally throws a cam in a crack just below waist level. He pulls up rope to clip the cam and, you guessed it, he misses and woosh!

He falls a solid 20 feet, flips, landing head (helmeted) & neck first on a ledge 15 feet above me. Unconscious for a good 10-15 seconds.

Finally sits up and blood starts pouring out of his helmet down the rock like a waterfall. I escape belay and scramble up to the guy who is woozy but A&O x 4, throw a sam splint collar on and hold pressure on his scalp lac. Bystanders run down trail to road to drive about 15 minutes to get cell reception to call 911.

Mtn Rescue arrives soon thereafter and rigs a high angle to a steep angle and subject goes to hospital.

Subject seen at hospital later that evening and discharged. No skull or c-spine fracture or intracranial bleed, just a solid lac where his helmet impacted and the adjuster strap dug into his skin.

Bottom line folks, not that you ever doubted it, please, please wear your helmets, even for a quick jaunt to a sport crag, stuff happens. If this guy were unhelmetted, I'm scared to think of how this scenario would've turned out. Fortunately, all he has is a smallish laceration and was back out drinking beer later last night.

Wilderness Medicine at Stanford

2010-05-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday BAMRU presented to the Stanford Wilderness Medicine Class with an overview of various aspects of mountain search and rescue. The first part of the class included lecture with hands on class room sessions. The second session covers practical stations focusing on patient packaging and carry outs. Hats off to BAMRU's eight instructors for training and building relationships with our Wilderness Medicine community.

Accident and Donation

2010-04-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

During a training this week, BAMRU gave assistance to a biker who had crashed nearby.

The biker wrote to say thanks:

I had a bike wipeout on Kings Mountain Road this afternoon, and was fortunate that a BAMRU training exercise was taking place right at that spot. The team took charge of the situation and took great care of me! Thanks, and keep up the good work!

The biker also made a contribution to BAMRU using our PayPal donation link! Thanks!!!

Philips AED Donation

2010-04-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

Philips Medical Systems has generously donated a Philips HeartStart FR2+ automated external defibrillator (AED) (http://www.medical.philips.com/main/products/resuscitation/products/FR2plus/index.wpd) to BAMRU via their HeartStart Giving Program.

By doing so, Philips Medical Systems has proven its commitment to saving lives. "Early defibrillation and quality CPR have been proven to save lives. The FR2+ AED, with its clean, uncluttered design is optimized for fast, efficient operation and rapid delivery of life-saving therapy. Commands are clear, streamlined, confident, and concise: ideal for responders who are trained, drilled, and ready to save a life now." BAMRU is grateful to Philips Medical Systems for their generous donation and their commitment to saving lives.

Mock Search

2010-03-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 20, 2010, BAMRU conducted a SAR Intro and Mock Search training. 10 BAMRU members and 22 guests met at 500 Allerton Street in Redwood City at 0800 hours. Participants caravanned to Sam McDonald County Park on Pescadero Road in Loma Mar, in San Mateo County Sheriff's vans and the BAMRU truck.

After introductions and an overview of SAR operations, the guests were split into five search teams for the mock search. Teams practiced basic search operations, and conducted a simple technical rescue.

BAMRU is Recruiting!

2010-03-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

BAMRU is looking to add people with strong mountaineering, snow and ice skills to our ranks. We are part of the San Mateo County Sheriff's office and participate in SAR missions in county and around the state. We are Mountain Rescue Association certified team which means we can travel and operate in all terrains in all weather.

This coming Monday we will be having an open house at 7pm for people interested in finding out more about our team. This will be followed by our normal 7:30 to 9:30 team meeting which guests are welcome to stay for.

The location is:
500 Allerton, Redwood City, CA
The meeting room is on the third floor ("200-level")

This is a great time for people to join as we are have several trainings coming up to enroll new recruits. On March 20th we will have an Intro SAR training which is the perfect entry point for all new candidates.

MRA Recertification at Malibu

2010-03-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

These past couple weeks, BAMRU has focused on the annual Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) Recertification, this year held on March 6th at Malibu Creek State Park in Malibu, Ca. The Malibu Recert concerned the areas of tracking, ELT's, medical, grid search technique, and incident command execution. On all accounts, the event was a huge success; BAMRU attended the event on the heels of the mutual aid response to locate a missing snowshoe'er in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, Ca.

In the week preceding the recert, BAMRU held its refresher courses at the Monte Bello and Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserves, in San Mateo County. The extremely foggy weather provided real world conditions to practice locating ELT's. Here are some pictures from the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve:

BAMRU sends special thanks to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Communications Unit. Six of their top-notch personnel, along with their state-of-the-art communications van, joined us at the MRA recert and the training. BAMRU is grateful for their participation and support.

Luckiest Man in Tahoe

2010-03-05T16:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday BAMRU was called to search for a missing snowshoe'er on Donner Summit. He went missing in a Sierra storm with 60mph winds and 18 inches of new snow. He slept outside 2 nights in temperatures that fell to the teens.

Our searchers waded through deep snow that made travel slow and difficult. Visibility was low. Snow and wind absorbed sounds and covered tracks. The terrain was full of cliffs, thick forests, ravines, avalanche risk. Finding someone in these conditions is quite a challenge.

Yesterday the sky cleared for a brief period, and helicopters were able to join the search. The lost showshoe'er was spotted from the air, just before the helos were forced away by thick fog.

The outcome of a search is never certain. Sometimes the margin is small, and depends on uncontrollable factors of weather, or little details in the missing person's preparedness.

We're so glad that this missing snowshoer was found alive.

More Info: Sacramento Bee | Mercury News | CBS News | Auburn Journal | Ski Channel

BAMRU Welcomes New Member to Team!

2010-02-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

At last night's meeting, BAMRU welcomed Kurt Gross to the team as a new trainee member! Kurt has an extensive wilderness and mountaineering background, and 5 years experience with the National Park Service (NPS) as a backcountry ranger in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.

BAMRU welcomes Kurt back to the bay area, excited about his commitment to continued service to the community.

--BAMRU is currently in its recruitment period. For more information please visit our website at www.bamru.org. There is an upcoming open house and general meeting open to guests at 7:00 p.m. on March 15, 2010.

Rogue Wave at Mavericks

2010-02-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

BAMRU supports San Mateo county during the annual Mavericks surf contest. Typical duties include routine medical assistance and crowd control.

But yesterday, the routine was broken by a rogue wave that swept thru the viewing area.

A BAMRU member was hit by the wave, swept 30'-40', and suffered bruises, abrasions, a lost shoe and cellphone. Among the crowd, there were broken bones, numerous cuts and abrasions.

Evacuation of Injured Ice Climber

2010-02-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

On February 6, 2009, during a non-BAMRU related event at Eagle Creek in Tahoe, CA, BAMRU members Jeremy Rahe and Ryan Walton witnessed an ice climber fall 35 feet. The lead ice climber was pulled to the ground by his follower, who took a fall mid-way through the pitch.

A medical response and evacuation was organized. The evacuation team met local emergency response authorities near the entrance of the trail head--approximately 1.5 miles away. The response included the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and El Dorado County Search and Rescue (SAR). El Dorado SAR was conveniently conducting a winter training nearby and able to arrive quickly.

After treatment at the local hospital, the climber called to thank the BAMRU members for the assistance. It was reported that the lead climber sustained a broken rib and a small laceration to his face. The minimal injuries may have been due to the recent snowfall in the Tahoe area, cushioning the climbers' fall.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and El Dorado SAR are commended for their timely and professional response.

Avalanche Control

2010-02-09T09:16:00.000-08:00

Funny clip that shows avalanche control operations using a rocket launcher and helicopter.

Iridium Communications Supports BAMRU

2010-02-06T07:33:00.000-08:00

In 2009, Iridium Communications (http://iridium.com/) generously donated an Iridium 9505A (http://iridium.com/products/product.php?linx=0001) satellite phone and service to BAMRU. Because of this donation BAMRU was able to maintian vital communication on multiple high-profile searches in areas of California where all other outside forms of communication failed. Iridium Communications recently announced that it would be continuing donated phone service to BAMRU through 2010. BAMRU is very grateful to Iridium for the continued support of search and rescue.

Technical Rescue Training on Alcatraz

2010-02-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, Ethan Frantz of BAMRU coordinated a technical rescue rigging training on Alcatraz with the NPS and CoCo SAR. For the training two rescue systems were set up atop the Alcatraz cellhouse. The training was led by BAMRU's Dan Herman and Ben Yaffe, with additional instruction from BAMRU members John Chang and Colin Little.

The training provided a great learning experience for all who attended.

Thank you to the NPS for the great venue, and to CoCo SAR for their support. It was another exceptional day assisting the NPS on Alcatraz.

Missing Hiker In Henry Coe

2010-01-31T22:00:00.000-08:00

Today BAMRU was called to a search in Henry Coe State Park near Gilroy. The missing hiker was on a 26 mile loop trail yesterday with a group, when they became separated. The Mercury News published an article on the incident.

At the search, one BAMRU team received an assignment to be helicoptered in to a ridge-top, then to hike a steep ravine. The other team was to take a 4x4 road deep into the park then focus efforts on covering hiking trails.

The hiker was located as we were deploying into the field - dehydrated and a bit shaken, but alive and well.

BAMRU Search in Point Reyes

2010-01-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday BAMRU was engaged in a search for a missing woman in Point Reyes. Searchers encountered rain and high winds as they searched beach, dunes and cliff areas.

Here is a news report about the search in progress. (news report: Contra Costa Times)

This is the second time BAMRU has been called out for a search in the Point Reyes area in the past month.

Winter Skills Training in King's Canyon

2010-01-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

On January 22-24, BAMRU had its annual personal winter skills training, this year a joint training with Fresno SAR. The training took place at the Azalea Campground in King's Canyon National Park.

The training was a huge success. The previous week's storm dumped several feet of fresh snow for us to conduct the training. The weekend was well organized by our own Cliff Agocs, with many BAMRU members and trainees teaching skills related to: back country snow travel and navigation, snow and avalanche assessment, avalanche and beacon transceiver rescue, and self arrest techniques using an ice axe.

Many thanks to Fresno SAR.

Deceased Hiker Recovered

2010-01-24T16:59:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month, BAMRU participated in the recovery of the remains of a deceased hiker in the Santa Cruz mountains.

The San Mateo Daily Journal has a report on the incident.

BAMRU 2009 Photo Highlights

2009-12-31T20:45:00.000-08:00

Selected images from various 2009 trainings and operations.

BAMRU 2009 Activity Summary

2009-12-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

Activity [Hours]

Training [2834]
SAR [714]
Other [529]
Recertification [380]
Meetings [355]

TOTAL Hours [4812]

Training (Highlights)

Rigging for Rescue
BASARC Section Chief
ICS-400 Certification
AIARE Avy 1

SAR Operations (Highlights)

Corte De Madera - 11 Operational Periods, subject recovered (In County Mutual Aid)
Cutter Search - subject found alive (In County Mutual Aid)
92 cliff op (In County)
Belmont SAR (In County)
Costal MVA Rescue (In County)
Alameda SAR (Out of County Mutual Aid)
Napa SAR (Out of County Mutual Aid)
Ortiz Search, Oakland (Out of County Mutual Aid)
Cantu Search, Tracy (Out of County Mutual Aid)
Dinky Lakes Wilderness, Sierra National Forest (Out of County)
Treasure Lakes, Sierra National Forest (Out of County)

Recertification

MRA Winter Recertification

SAR Community Activities (Highlights)

Oakland Memorial Service
Modesto Memorial/Vigil
SLOSAR Memorial
BATSAR
COCO MRA test/prep
Joint Training Marin Fire Rescue

Surviving an Avalanche, Caught on Camera

2009-12-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

In this amazing video courtesy of National Geographic's Adventure Blog, we are provided an unique insight into what it must be like to fall victim to an avalanche. To me, the video was particularly striking in showing the claustrophobia that seemed to grip the skier, especially as his rescuers momentarily turn away from him. Among other things, the video highlights the need to maintain victim/rescuer communication at all times.

Avalanche Skier POV Helmet Cam Burial & Rescue in Haines, Alaska from Chappy on Vimeo.

On Alcatraz with the National Park Service

2009-11-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

A wonderful BAMRU opportunity, assisting the NPS and operating technical systems on Alcatraz Island (above).