EPCSAR Interview

Wednesday, November 2, 2005

Al Glock, KC0PRM

Pikes Peak ARES and EPCSAR work together on numerous occasions throughout the year. In this article, we explore the situations in which the two groups complement each other. We also take a look at opportunities for a better working relationship. EPCSAR was formed in 1970 and since then has matured into a highly trained, accredited, mountain rescue organization. It operates under the authority of the El Paso County Sheriff, although its 70 members are all volunteers. Financially, it is independent of the County and operates as a 501c non-profit organization.

I spent some time talking with Larry at “Rescue Base”, the EPCSAR headquarters at 3950 Interpark Drive. Here’s what he had to say:

Why would EPSCAR use PPARES resources?

EPCSAR in the past has used amateur radio resources, and primarily PPARES resources for two types of missions:

1. Blizzard support. Typically we request PPARES members with suitable vehicles to work with us in picking up stranded motorists and transporting them to safe locations. As a general rule, PPARES members follow an EPCSAR vehicle.
2. Trailblock and containment. During search missions, subject containment may be necessary. If we think a subject is mobile, we may want containment at points such as trail heads so if the person walks out, someone is there to pick the subject up, alert us to condition, request medical assistance, etc. At the same time, we may seek road patrols in case the subject wanders out onto a road.

Both of these missions are something beyond pure communications. However, communications are an essential element of safely and effectively performing these tasks.

Additional tasks that we have worked with PPARES on include radio relay since we have a number of dead spots that only amateur radio work for us; packet data relay (this is an evolving need); APRS (evolving); communications support and assistance, especially during major incidents; and logistical assistance.

We regularly work closely with PPARES during the Ascent and Marathon, and have worked with PPARES or amateur radio on other similar events.

Are there any plans for specialized training of PPARES members who support EPCSAR?

This has been talked about between the leadership of both organizations. We have offered to set up training sessions for PPARES members, but a date hasn’t been established. On the EPCSAR side, we’ve got an upcoming re-accreditation with the Mountain Rescue Association early next year. If we don’t do the PPARES training before the holidays, it’ll have to wait until the second quarter of 2006.

What "strengths" or advantages are there to using PPARES operators?

PPARES has trained communicators, many who are effective handling mobile assignments. PPARES operators are also willing to perform some of the tasks above that go beyond communications, but in which communications plays an integral role.

Our previous experience with PPARES members indicates that they operate safely, follow direction, are sufficiently familiar with the Incident Command System (ICS) to integrate into our structure, and have a command structure that allows us to assign tasks and not have to micromanage the Amateur resources. All of these are critical aspects of any resource that we request.

Important things to consider include no freelancing or self-dispatch. Also, we'll designate a staging area and generally need to keep people out of the command post (this applies to our members too). The discipline aspect is pretty important for managing resources and successfully concluding a mission.

I know we had some confusion with inaccurate maps up at Rampart Reservoir last month. What maps do you use?

Pikes Peak Atlas is our favorite. The Pike National Forest map is another good one to have. Oherwise we use the Macvan maps for street work. Topos have their place, but not for PPARES work generally.

[Note: Maps are available from MacVan at 929 W. Colorado Ave (633-5757). Pikes Peak Atlas: $12.95; Pike National Forest Map: $10.00]

From what I heard on the radio, there seemed to be a conflict between hams wanting to drive up and down the roads in the mountains with headlights blazing, and the need to preserve (your guys'?) night vision. What are your procedures for operating at night that we hams might need to know about?

This isn't an issue for us. If we are on the road, we are probably using lights too. The majority of our searches are at night time, so we are accustomed to night work.

Are there training or operating manuals that EPCSAR uses that you might want to make available to PPARES members?

Our training manuals are specific to SAR or SAR related activities and probably wouldn't be beneficial. We would be willing to develop an overview training that explains how we operate and use ICS.

Some time ago I heard talk of EPCSAR's interest in APRS techniques. Has that gone anywhere?

No. Initially we didn't think it was practical for our operations. We are now seeing an application, particularly during snowstorms for vehicle tracking. We envision a UHF system and are interested in exploring this with PPFMA and PPARES. One of the problems, of course, is the fact that not all of our members are Amateur Radio operators and APRS can only be used by hams.

During the discussion with Larry, a number of opportunities for EPCSAR involvement were pointed out. Among these are:

• Running a Technician license class for EPCSAR members. About 20% of the EPCSAR volunteers are hams, but more are willing to study the material and take the test if someone could run the class and arrange for the test.
• APRS development. APRS could be used in a search situation, but a number of problems need to be solved. First, there’s the license issue, second, there’s the matter of propagation in mountainous terrain, and third, there’s the display and management of APRS data. There’s also a need for EPCSAR vehicle location, especially during blizzard operations.
• Digital mode development. EPCSAR needs a capability to relay call information in a digital and hence self-logging format. For example, in blizzard work, a forward command post in Falcon is envisioned. It would be useful to have a way to relay call information (e.g., stranded motorist) to the forward command post from Rescue Base in a way that’s not as error prone as voice-to-pencil-and-paper.
• PPARES/EPCSAR qualification curriculum development. EPCSAR members go through numerous training programs to ensure readiness in all aspects of search and rescue. While there’s certainly a common-sense aspect to helping in blizzard situations or in search containment, there’s also a wealth of skill and experience that can be imparted to PPARES members through organized training.

And if someone wants to volunteer time to this effort?

If a PPARES member wants to do work on behalf of PPARES, I would think it best to contact the PPARES leadership. If a PPARES member wants to join EPCSAR, contact us. After we get through with our accreditation efforts we’ll be taking new members towards the end of 2006.