Macquarie Island Adventure: Antarctic Training part 3

After returning from Bruny Island we spent the afternoon on more SAR training in the 'backyard at Kingston.

First we were shown four different tents/shelters and how to set them up. These are all available in the SAR backpacks at Macquarie Island.

Simple pyramid tent/shelter

More substantial tent setup

Camping on Macquarie is impractical, because of the wet and windy conditions. The tents or shelters are used specifically for Search and Rescue - to protect the person being rescued and/or their rescue party from suffering from hypothermia, while the SAR plan is implemented.

We then had a session to become familiar with the stretcher -

- How to strap the patient into it.

- How to lift and carry it.

- How to attach and use a single carriage wheel in moving the stretcher.

Learning how to strap a patient into the stretcher

Carrying the stretcher with the assistance of a attachable wheel

In a worst case scenario on Macquarie Island - is to carry a stretcher from the southern part of the island to the station - 35km over rough terrain in wet, cold and windy conditions. In many places on the island it would be unsuitable for the wheel to be attached - to wet and boggy.

The next 2 days was spent at Coningham Nature Recreation Reserve about 25km south of Hobart.

After driving to a idyllic location within the reserve we spent the first day on 'knot-craft'. This was especially great for the brain matter.

My attempt at a 'double fisherman's' bend

The next session was on how to set up the gear for a Technical Rescue.

The first phase is to set up the 'Anchor System' - No two rescue sites are the same so each site requires a different anchor system.

We used a ground anchor system which requires pickets, webbing tape and ropes. The technique has been designed over many years of experience to maximise the most efficient load bearing system.

FTO Marty showing us the picket anchor system

There are two rope systems needed in a Technical Rescue.

Firstly the Mainline is connected to the anchor system via a rigging plate. Attached to the rigging plate is gear that is used either for lowering (brakebar rack) or raising (hauling) a load down or up a steep slope or over the edge of a cliff.

The rigging plate that attaches to the anchor system

Demonstration of a 3:1 pulley system for hauling

In the afternoon we carried out mock rescues on a slight inclined slope. In this exercise we learnt about the different roles of each member of the SAR team. We also became familiar with the communication needed. As well as using walkie talkies we learnt the verbal commands as well as hand signals needed for a rescue operation.

Close up of the rigging plate

Safety is paramount in a SAR exercise, not only for the person being rescued, but also for the members of the rescue team. As well as the mainline a Belay system is put in place.

'The rescue belay is a secondary rope system designed to be independent of the mainline, not taking any of the load, with the ability to catch a falling load should anything affect the reliability of the system' (Macquarie Island - Technical Rescue Field Guide).

'Hauling' on the mainline using a pulley system with the 'belay' anchor and team on the right

Belay team

Another part of the SAR team is the Attendant(s) who have the responsibility of attending to the stretcher (usually attached to it) while going up or down. It is their job to keep the stretcher and patient as level and as comfortable as possible.

Three attendants with the stretcher and patient

The next day we went to another location in the Coningham Reserve to practice our techniques on a steeper incline.

Another very important part of a Technical Rescue is the wearing of the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Also each person in the team has to wear a helmet and harness which has to be fitted correctly (checked by a 'buddy')