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| | + | {{PatrolManual}} |
| | + | {{ambox|text=The official version of this manual is a PDF at http://docs.tbsp.org}} |
| | '''TAHOE BACKCOUNTRY SKI PATROL MANUAL''' | | '''TAHOE BACKCOUNTRY SKI PATROL MANUAL''' |
| − | THIS IS A DRAFT. The ''current'' version is at http://www.tbsp.org/patrolmanual/
| |
| | | | |
| − | | + | == Dues, Grants and Commercial Sponsors == |
| − | | + | |
| − | == FUNDING AND RECRUITING ==
| + | |
| − | === Dues ===
| + | |
| | Annual patrol dues are used for administrative expenses. All NSP dues are payable by a date assigned by the Patrol Director, typically in late September, but never later than October 1. | | Annual patrol dues are used for administrative expenses. All NSP dues are payable by a date assigned by the Patrol Director, typically in late September, but never later than October 1. |
| − | === Recruiting ===
| |
| − | Patrollers should refer any likely candidate prospects to the Patrol Director. Each radio pouch has a supply of patrol business cards for this purpose.
| |
| − | === Commercial Sponsors ===
| |
| − | Numerous manufacturers and retailers have granted special discounts to members of our patrol. Consider recommending and patronizing these companies, as they produce quality equipment and have gone out of their way to support our efforts. See list in [[PatrolManual/Appendix_K]].
| |
| − | === Grants ===
| |
| − | Our patrol relies on grants to provide funds for the purchase of expensive equipment such as tents, radios, avalanche transceivers, etc. Be familiar with the organizations (listed in [[PatrolManual/Appendix_K]]), which provide grant money. They are great friends of the patrol!
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| | | | |
| | + | Our patrol relies on grants to provide funds for the purchase of expensive equipment such as tents, radios, avalanche transceivers, etc. Be familiar with the organizations which provide grant money. They are great friends of the patrol! |
| | | | |
| | + | Numerous manufacturers and retailers give special discounts to members of our patrol. Consider recommending and patronizing these companies, as they produce quality equipment and have gone out of their way to support our efforts. |
| | | | |
| − | == AREAS PATROLLED ==
| |
| − | We cover these non-commercial backcountry ski areas on a patroller availability basis:
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| − | * Castle Peak (west of Hwy. 80 at Boreal ridge)
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| − | * Tahoe Meadows (off Nevada Hwy. 431, south of Mt. Rose)
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| − | * Galena Creek (off Nevada Hwy. 431 near Mt. Rose ski area)
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| − | * Martis Peak (east of Hwy. 267, south of Northstar)
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| − | * Pole Creek (west of Hwy. 89 south, across from Big Chief)
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| − | * Mt. Lincoln/Mt. Judah area (east of Sugar Bowl ski area)
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| − | * Ridge Route (Sugar Bowl to Squaw Valley ridge traverse via Anderson Peak and Tinker Knob)
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| − | Each of these areas is patrolled pursuant to a volunteer agreement with the United States Forest Service.
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| − | Tahoe Meadows and Galena Creek are in Nevada, in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
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| − | The other five areas are in California and the Tahoe National Forest.
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| | | | |
| − | == PATROLLER RESPONSIBILITIES == | + | == RECRUITING == |
| − | === Registration, dues and manual ===
| + | Recruiting and training are a top priority for TBSP. Refer likely candidate prospects to the recruiter or patrol director mailto:recruiter@tbsp.org. |
| − | Each patroller or candidate must have paid all NSP dues, including patrol dues, in a timely manner.
| + | Patrol vests have a supply of patrol business cards for this purpose. |
| − | Each candidate must purchase a copy of this patrol manual; updates are
| + | |
| − | free. The latest version will be available online at: http://www.tbsp.org/.
| + | |
| − | === Scheduling and schedule changes ===
| + | |
| − | Each patroller will sign up for patrolling and training dates at the annual Operations Refresher. Candidates will sign up for patrolling and training dates at the Candidate Introduction day in November. Patrollers are required to patrol a minimum of eight patrol days. Candidates are required to patrol a minimum of five patrol days. Credit as a "patrol day" is as defined below:
| + | |
| − | # On-the-Hill Refresher counts as one day Each patrol instructor day counts as one day, except overnights, which together count as two days. (You need permission of the patrol director to act as a patrol instructor)
| + | |
| − | # Participation as an instructor in Avalanche or Mountaineering classes does count.
| + | |
| − | # Instruction at TBSP candidate OEC clinics or evaluations does count for OEC instructors.
| + | |
| − | # Participation as a student in Avalanche or Mountaineering classes does NOT count
| + | |
| − | # Participation as a patrol instructor PRIOR TO the On-the-Hill does NOT count Participation as a student in non-OEC candidate training counts as one day (overnights only count as one day)
| + | |
| − | # Participation as a student in OEC Clinics or Evaluations is required of candidates, but does not count
| + | |
| − | # Participation in the Boreal First Aid Room (patrollers, candidates w/OEC) counts as one day
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Changes in patrolling or training dates must be requested at least one week in advance from the APD Operations.
| + | |
| − | Patrollers must find a replacement of comparable status, i.e., patroller for patroller, map & compass instructor for map & compass instructor. Normally, candidates requesting a change in training dates must switch with a candidate from a comparable alternate training date so balance is maintained.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | === Attitude ===
| + | |
| − | Candidates and patrollers are expected to maintain a good attitude when patrolling or attending patrol activities. This includes your interaction with other patrollers and the public.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | === Personal appearance ===
| + | |
| − | Candidates and patrollers are expected to be clean, well groomed and appropriately dressed for patrol activities. Patrollers are expected to wear NSP parkas or suitable NSP identification approved by the Patrol Director. NSP does not permit candidates to wear NSP parkas or other NSP logo. All members should dress in clothing suitable for backcountry skiing.
| + | |
| − | === Personal survival ===
| + | |
| − | Patrollers are expected to be familiar with all aspects of winter survival, including emergency shelter construction, fire building, use of map and compass and other essential knowledge. Much of this information can be found in this manual and in such publications as Mountaineering, The Freedom of the Hills, published by The Mountaineers. Since patrollers may need to unexpectedly spend the night outside, they should carry all the necessary gear. Candidates and patrollers will receive training in these skills throughout the season. This information could mean the difference between life and death for you or a lost or injured skier in your care.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Early in 1992, two skiers perished in the Incline Creek drainage (just south of our patrol area at Tahoe Meadows) because they were poorly equipped and unfamiliar with winter survival skills. In January 1994 we rescued two lost and hypothermic snowmobilers at Tahoe Meadows. In January 1996 we participated in the rescue of a severely hypothermic snowboarder at Castle Peak. In December 1997 an experienced skier perished in the Castle Peak area because he was poorly equipped for conditions, and ignored an imminent storm.
| + | |
| − | ===Conditioning===
| + | |
| − | Patrolling involves strenuous exercise. Candidates and patrollers are expected to be in reasonably good physical condition. You should be able to ski all day with a full patrol pack without much rest. Snowboard patrollers must be in good to excellent physical condition, as they must be capable of keeping reasonable pace on climbs and flats while wearing snowshoes. We do take breaks, but situations may arise where we won't have time to rest.
| + | |
| − | ===Equipment===
| + | |
| − | Candidates and patrollers are expected to provide appropriate skis or snowboard, poles and boots, and a backpack containing the items listed in [[PatrolManual/Appendix_A]] and capable of carrying a fair share of the modular pack units described in [[PatrolManual/Appendix_B]]. In addition, snowboard patrollers must provide snowshoes or short skis for uphill and flatland travel.
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| − | | + | |
| − | ===Proficiency===
| + | |
| − | In order to qualify as a patroller, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the skills listed in [[PatrolManual/Appendix_E]]. It is hoped (but not required) that patrollers will continue to improve skills and knowledge by becoming senior or certified patrollers, OEC instructors, patrol instructors, mountaineering or avalanche instructors and patrol, section, region or division officers.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==PATROLLER BENEFITS==
| + | |
| − | Patroller (and candidate) benefits include worker's compensation medical benefits provided by the Forest Service as part of our volunteer agreements. Such benefits are normally not available to NSP volunteers who patrol at Alpine resorts. Benefits also include membership in the National Ski Patrol, which includes the Patroller magazine, and ability to enroll in NSP course at membership rates. Patrollers who have paid dues for the current season and have fulfilled their eight-day patrolling commitment for the previous season are also eligible for pro-deal equipment discounts (see [[PatrolManual/Appendix_K]]). Candidates are eligible for pro-deal discounts after completion of their initial season provided they complete all of their candidate responsibilities, including all training and patrolling dates. Patrollers or candidates who choose to participate in search and rescue operations under the auspices of county sheriffs or other agencies affiliated with the California Office of Emergency Services (OES) are eligible for certain insurance benefits provided by OES. Patrollers and candidates are also eligible to stay overnight in a NFS barracks for a nominal fee, and under the conditions detailed in an agreement with the NFS. A Special Projects Coordinator for the barracks is appointed by the Patrol Director.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==FIRST-AID==
| + | |
| − | ===First-aid philosophy===
| + | |
| − | Our first-aid philosophy is dictated by the terrain we patrol and the limitations of our training and equipment. The limits of our first-aid training should always be kept in mind, as should the primary rules "DON'T BECOME A VICTIM" and "DO NO HARM." Because we patrol the backcountry, we are limited in the equipment we carry and the speed with which we can evacuate the injured. Most Nordic first-aid treatment is similar to Alpine, but transportation is decidedly different. Although some of us were trained as Alpine patrollers, we must learn to think as Nordic patrollers. Consequently, our emphasis is on stabilizing injuries, controlling shock or hypothermia, and keeping patients dry and warm until appropriate transportation can be arranged. This is why we carry or have cached such items as oxygen, ensolite pads, blankets and bivouac kits. Often the most critical decision involves the method of evacuation. Patients with minor injuries can be transported by sled; more critically injured patients should be transported by helicopter, if available, or by snowmobile.
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| − | | + | |
| − | ===Special first-aid procedures===
| + | |
| − | As noted above, our emphasis is on keeping the patient warm and dry. All patients should be placed on ensolite pads. All patients should be covered with a blanket(s) and a tarp or space blanket. Patient temperature should be monitored continuously, through use of the hypothermia thermometer if necessary. Any person suspected of being seriously hypothermic should be evacuated immediately by helicopter. Where transport by snowmobile is advisable, a bivouac should be established to provide shelter and warm liquids unless contraindicated because of specific injuries. Snowmobile transport must be arranged by the USFS through the county sheriff, and waiting time is often considerable. Your specific location must be given, so map-reading skills are essential. You must always know where you are, and be able to give appropriate map coordinates!
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ===Consent for treatment===
| + | |
| − | Adults - If the patient refuses treatment (after persuasion and informing of worst possible consequences), ask the patient to sign the Refusal of Treatment form. If they refuse to sign, have a witness sign to form to confirm the refusal. (The witness can be another patroller or a bystander).
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Minors - If the injury is non-life-threatening, you must ask for guardian permission to treat. If the injury is a danger to life or limb, then treat as necessary (and guardian consent is not required). If the patient refuses treatment (after persuasion and informing of worst possible consequences), ask the patient to sign the Refusal of Treatment form. If they refuse to sign, have a witness sign to form to confirm the refusal. Unconscious (both adults and minors) - Consent is implied if the patient is unresponsive.
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| − | | + | |
| − | ===Decisions regarding patient transportation===
| + | |
| − | As mentioned above, transportation of the injured is by sled, snowmobile or helicopter, depending upon severity of the injury. Transportation decisions also involve patient input, cost and inconvenience considerations, and availability of evacuation equipment. When a patient needs transportation, notify the Grass Valley (or Minden) dispatcher immediately of any potential need for transport, and request a helicopter in "standby" status. (The helicopter may take five minutes to takeoff and twenty minutes to arrive). After several minutes of patient evaluation, confirm with the dispatcher if helicopter or snowmobile is preferred. The helicopter can also be asked to standby over your position, without a fee until they land. Patients are usually charged for emergency transportation, a helicopter should not ordinarily be ordered for a simple fracture. However, the fact that an injured skier lacks funds or medical insurance should not dictate a slower method of transportation when an injury requires immediate advanced medical care. If asked by the patient, inform them of the cost (ranges from $7,000 to $10,000), and that most insurance plans cover the service. If they are uninsured, there are non-profits that may cover the cost. Try to convince the patient of the need for swift medical attention, and what the worst-case scenarios are without it. If the helicopter is refused, document the fact on the Incident report form, and have them sign a Release of Liability form. Patient transportation issues will be extensively discussed during training.
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| − | | + | |
| − | ==COMMUNICATIONS==
| + | |
| − | All patrol communications are directed through U. S. Forest Service communications networks. Even when we communicate with another patroller in the same area, the communication often goes through the Forest Service network via repeaters. Needless to say, there should be no unnecessary chatter or inappropriate language. Communication protocols and channels are set forth in [[PatrolManual/Appendix_I]].
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| − | | + | |
| − | ==WEATHER==
| + | |
| − | Weather conditions can dictate whether and how we patrol various areas. For example, parking is prohibited on Route 431, the "Mt. Rose Highway," during snow removal operations. As a result, there will not be any recreational activity at Tahoe Meadows, and we will not patrol Tahoe Meadows during serious storms when chain controls are in effect. Another example is the avalanche conditions, which may prevail at Castle Peak, Mt. Lincoln/Mt. Judah, Tahoe Meadows and Galena Creek during or just after heavy winter storms. Decisions regarding the cancellation or limitation of patrol activities are left to the Mountain Manager and the Team Leader for each area on the day in question.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==AVALANCHE PRECAUTIONS==
| + | |
| − | The areas we patrol are not known for heavy avalanche activity under normal conditions. However, there can be extreme avalanche danger in some areas after heavy storms. This is especially true of Castle Peak, Mt. Lincoln/Mt. Judah, Galena Creek and Tahoe Meadows. In addition to avoiding such dangerous areas ourselves, we should advise other skiers and snowmobilers of dangerous conditions whenever possible. In order to accomplish these ends, candidates and patrollers will receive training in how to recognize and avoid avalanche conditions. Team leaders should consult the avalanche phone each morning before commencing patrol operations, and avalanche conditions must be reported on the Daily Operations Log. Candidates and patrollers must become proficient in the use of avalanche transceivers. Each patroller must carry a transceiver and a shovel whenever patrolling. We have obtained grant funds to purchase a sufficient number of transceivers to cover patrol-training operations. Each member must have a personal avalanche transceiver by the beginning of the second year of membership.
| + | |
| | | | |
| | ==REPORTS AND DOCUMENTATION== | | ==REPORTS AND DOCUMENTATION== |
| − | Documentation of our patrol activities is extremely important for a number of reasons. Possible legal ramifications of first-aid treatment are obvious, but there are additional reasons for proper documentation. For example, the Forest Service needs to know what we are doing and how many hours we devote to patrol activities. This may help the Forest Service justify future expenditures on our behalf. Obtaining thorough information from a person reporting someone missing is critical for search and rescue operations. Patrollers should become familiar with each of the forms in [[PatrolManual/Appendix_D]]. | + | Documentation of our patrol activities is extremely important for a number of reasons. Possible legal ramifications of first-aid treatment are obvious, but there are additional reasons for proper documentation. For example, the Forest Service needs to know what we are doing and how many hours we devote to patrol activities. This may help the Forest Service justify future expenditures on our behalf. Obtaining thorough information from a person reporting someone missing is critical for search and rescue operations. Patrollers should become familiar with each of the forms. [[http://beacon.tbsp.org/managers Read filed patrol reports here]]. |
| | | | |
| − | ==INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES==
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| − | [[PatrolManual/Appendix_M]] contains information regarding the blood-borne pathogens, which produce AIDS and Hepatitis B.
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| − | All patrollers and candidates must be familiar with this material and with the patrol's infection control procedures. Avoid exposure by following proper protection protocols. If you are exposed, you should: As soon as possible, wash and remove any visible fluid Ask the ambulance or helicopter what hospital they are going to, and let them know you've been exposed.
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| − | Call or go to the hospital emergency room, explain the situation, and find out if the patient has tested positive. Get tested. Document the exposure on the Incident Report form, and Daily Operations Log.
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| | ==SEARCH AND RESCUE== | | ==SEARCH AND RESCUE== |
| − | Tahoe Backcountry does not conduct search and rescue operations. Its members are not required to participate in search or rescue operations conducted by other organizations (usually the county sheriff) in areas we patrol, or in other areas. Patrollers do not supervise or conduct search and rescue operations, and do not participate in such operations without USFS approval. However, whenever someone reports a person missing, the Search and Rescue Initiation Form is filled out as completely as possible with information supplied by the individual(s) reporting the missing person. Those individuals should be asked to stay until the Sheriff arrives, but in the event the reporting individual leaves, we will have the necessary information for the Sheriff. We may conduct hasty searches for lost skiers or snow-mobilers if time and conditions permit, and we are requested to do so by the sheriff. Hasty search procedures will vary with the terrain of each area. Our primary responsibilities with regard to lost persons are to (1) report the incident to the sheriff, (2) obtain thorough information from the reporting party, (3) accurately record such information on the patrol SAR form, and (4) to turn the SAR form and the reporting party over to the sheriff. Arrangements may be made to register interested patrollers or candidates as search and rescue volunteers with one or more sheriff's offices (Placer, Nevada and Washoe (NV) counties). Once registered, you are eligible for certain insurance benefits provided by the State of California Office of Emergency Services (OES) if you are injured during an authorized search or rescue operation. For more information, contact the SAR team leader. | + | {{ambox|text=The SAR information here is outdated}} |
| | + | Tahoe Backcountry does not conduct search and rescue operations. Its members are not required to participate in search or rescue operations conducted by other organizations (usually the county sheriff) in areas we patrol, or in other areas. Patrollers do not supervise or conduct search and rescue operations, and do not participate in such operations without USFS approval. However, whenever someone reports a person missing, the Search and Rescue Initiation Form is filled out as completely as possible with information supplied by the individual(s) reporting the missing person. Those individuals should be asked to stay until the Sheriff arrives, but in the event the reporting individual leaves, we will have the necessary information for the Sheriff. We may conduct hasty searches for lost skiers or snow-mobilers if time and conditions permit, and we are requested to do so by the sheriff. Hasty search procedures will vary with the terrain of each area. Our primary responsibilities with regard to lost persons are to (1) report the incident to the sheriff, (2) obtain thorough information from the reporting party, (3) accurately record such information on the patrol SAR form, and (4) to turn the SAR form and the reporting party over to the sheriff. |
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| | + | Arrangements may be made to register interested patrollers or candidates as search and rescue volunteers with one or more sheriff's offices (Placer, Nevada and Washoe (NV) counties) or the [[Search And Rescue|Tahoe Backcountry Search and Rescue Team]]. Once registered, you are eligible for certain insurance benefits provided by the State of California Office of Emergency Services (OES) if you are injured during an authorized search or rescue operation. [[Search And Rescue|More information about TBSP-SAR can be found here]]. |
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| | ==U.S. FOREST SERVICE SUPPORT== | | ==U.S. FOREST SERVICE SUPPORT== |
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| | * Census of users: especially at Tahoe Meadows (as indicated on the Daily Operations Log) | | * Census of users: especially at Tahoe Meadows (as indicated on the Daily Operations Log) |
| | * Public outreach | | * Public outreach |
| | + | |
| | + | ==COMMUNICATIONS== |
| | + | All patrol communications are directed through U. S. Forest Service communications networks. Even when we communicate with another patroller in the same area, the communication often goes through the Forest Service network via repeaters. Needless to say, there should be no unnecessary chatter or inappropriate language. Communication protocols and channels are set forth in [[Radio Protocols]]. |
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| | ==OTHER MATTERS== | | ==OTHER MATTERS== |
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| | Matters not covered in this manual should be addressed to the Patrol Director or other appropriate patrol officer. Questions and comments will always be welcomed. | | Matters not covered in this manual should be addressed to the Patrol Director or other appropriate patrol officer. Questions and comments will always be welcomed. |
Annual patrol dues are used for administrative expenses. All NSP dues are payable by a date assigned by the Patrol Director, typically in late September, but never later than October 1.
Our patrol relies on grants to provide funds for the purchase of expensive equipment such as tents, radios, avalanche transceivers, etc. Be familiar with the organizations which provide grant money. They are great friends of the patrol!
Numerous manufacturers and retailers give special discounts to members of our patrol. Consider recommending and patronizing these companies, as they produce quality equipment and have gone out of their way to support our efforts.
Recruiting and training are a top priority for TBSP. Refer likely candidate prospects to the recruiter or patrol director mailto:recruiter@tbsp.org.
Patrol vests have a supply of patrol business cards for this purpose.
Documentation of our patrol activities is extremely important for a number of reasons. Possible legal ramifications of first-aid treatment are obvious, but there are additional reasons for proper documentation. For example, the Forest Service needs to know what we are doing and how many hours we devote to patrol activities. This may help the Forest Service justify future expenditures on our behalf. Obtaining thorough information from a person reporting someone missing is critical for search and rescue operations. Patrollers should become familiar with each of the forms. [Read filed patrol reports here].
Tahoe Backcountry does not conduct search and rescue operations. Its members are not required to participate in search or rescue operations conducted by other organizations (usually the county sheriff) in areas we patrol, or in other areas. Patrollers do not supervise or conduct search and rescue operations, and do not participate in such operations without USFS approval. However, whenever someone reports a person missing, the Search and Rescue Initiation Form is filled out as completely as possible with information supplied by the individual(s) reporting the missing person. Those individuals should be asked to stay until the Sheriff arrives, but in the event the reporting individual leaves, we will have the necessary information for the Sheriff. We may conduct hasty searches for lost skiers or snow-mobilers if time and conditions permit, and we are requested to do so by the sheriff. Hasty search procedures will vary with the terrain of each area. Our primary responsibilities with regard to lost persons are to (1) report the incident to the sheriff, (2) obtain thorough information from the reporting party, (3) accurately record such information on the patrol SAR form, and (4) to turn the SAR form and the reporting party over to the sheriff.
Arrangements may be made to register interested patrollers or candidates as search and rescue volunteers with one or more sheriff's offices (Placer, Nevada and Washoe (NV) counties) or the Tahoe Backcountry Search and Rescue Team. Once registered, you are eligible for certain insurance benefits provided by the State of California Office of Emergency Services (OES) if you are injured during an authorized search or rescue operation. More information about TBSP-SAR can be found here.
The TBSP is sponsored by the USFS, and we support them with other activities at their request, such as:
All patrol communications are directed through U. S. Forest Service communications networks. Even when we communicate with another patroller in the same area, the communication often goes through the Forest Service network via repeaters. Needless to say, there should be no unnecessary chatter or inappropriate language. Communication protocols and channels are set forth in Radio Protocols.
Matters not covered in this manual should be addressed to the Patrol Director or other appropriate patrol officer. Questions and comments will always be welcomed.
