Midnight Mountain Search

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

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

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

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

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.