AIR SUPPORT
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The Air Support Work Group has the following basic mandate:
- To develop a holistic SOP as regards the role of helicopters in WSAR
( including SAAF and AMS )
- To develop and implement training programmes that ensure safe and
efficient utilisation of air support
- To develop SOP's that pertain to call out procedures as well as
operational issues
- To keep the MAC informed of new developments as regards helicopter
rescue world wide
- To address and advise the MAC as regards any other issues that the
workgroup may identify.
Coordinator: Iefan Blake
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COMMUNICATIONS
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The Communications workgroup has been successful in the
introduction of a dedicated simplex frequency for the use of WSAR teams in
the Western Cape.
An SMS paging system has also been introduced for the
Overberg, Peninsula and Winelands Cells, as well as the Helicopter Groups to assist with the callout of personnel.
Training of members in the proper operation of communications equipment
has and is an ongoing project.
Coordinator: Roy
van Schoor |
EDUCATION
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EQUIPMENT
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FIELD WORKGROUP
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The WSAR Field Workgroup (WSAR-FWG) has been active
recently to develop standards and guidelines for rescuer on foot in the
field, including
 | Classification
and grading of field rescuers into effective levels
| Minimum
and recommended equipment standards
| Fitness
and experience guidelines
| Assessment
and currency requirements
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| | |
The FWG has also begun coordinating a plan for
co-operative field training exercises, which will be launched soon, and is
liaising with the Medical, Air-Support and Technical Workgroups to ensure
effective standards and training.
SOP's released can be found here.
Coordinator: Ross Hofmeyr |
INTELLIGENCE
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IT
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The IT workgroup is currently working with the planning and
implementation of Computer Mapping, an Incident Database, an Incident
Management System, a Personnel Database, a Search Management System and
the WSAR Web Site.
Future goals include the training and development of personnel with the
interest and skills necessary to entrench the above systems into the
operational SAR environment. Coordinator: Roy
van Schoor |
MEDICAL
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One of the primary functions of WSAR is to bring
medical help to victims in wilderness areas, and stabilise them
effectively to allow safe evacuation for definitive medical care. The
Medical Workgroup deals with matters surrounding the efficient delivery of
medical rescue in WSAR. Much of this is already part of the routine
delivery of care by the PGWC METRO and Red Cross AMS, so the MWG
focuses on adapting these functions specifically to WSAR needs. Primary
concerns are the recruitment and training of suitable rescue medics, and
adaptation and supply of medical equipment to mountain rescue needs.
The MWG is a corresponding member of the Medical Committee of the
International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM http://www.mountainmedicine.org/mmed/icarmedcom/).
Coordinator: Rik de
Decker |
PRO / FUNDRAISING
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Coordinator: Steve
Fortuin |
SAR MANAGEMENT
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In order to raise the proficiency of the WSAR Incident
Managers, a number of management workshops have been held to date. Future plans include the holding of more workshops where the continued
implementation of ICS, search management theory, and incident management concepts
will be presented. In addition, the creation SOPs pertaining to WSAR
incident management issues will be discussed and implemented.
The development of potential managers will form an
important part of this program.
SOP's released can be found here.
Coordinator: Roy
van Schoor
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TECHNICAL TRAINING
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The aim of the working group is to maintain an
ongoing program for advanced technical training for mountain rescuers
within Wilderness Search and Rescue.
Regular training is an essential requirement for the
safety of a technical rescue team working in the mountains, from the point
of view of standards of skills, as well as the successful and efficient
functioning of the group as a co-ordinated team.
This group aims to facilitate a regular training
schedule, with the emphasis on advanced technical rope skills in a
mountain environment. It also undertakes to focus on the following:
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Acquisition and maintenance of equipment
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Standardisation of methodologies and SOP’s
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Standards for individual rescuers
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Development of technical systems
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Facilitation of joint training with other rescue
organisations
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In addition, the group undertakes to focus on
long-term goals such as national accreditation, and the establishment of a
program to advance the training skills of the technical instructors.
Coordinator: Brent Jennings |
TRAINING
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Coordinator: Alan
Butcher |
WILDERNESS SEARCH &
RESCUE
