Team Member Training

SYCSRT volunteers conduct extensive training so they are prepared to respond effectively to many situations. Volunteers are provided all training, experience is nice, but not at all required. Training includes learning to find our way in the wilderness using maps and GPS, radio communications, how to track subjects of a search, first-aid and how to handle many situations that might be encountered during a mission. New team members also attend a 2-day basic training course. Below are some of training we have conducted.

 

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September 2012 Training:

On September 3^rd the team met at approximately 8:10 a.m. to conduct training using a video camera to survey a mine shaft located at the Gold Bar Mine off of Constellation Rd.

The Gold Bar Mine headframe	Top of the shaft
The camera system housed in a flashlight case

Team members attending were Pat & Linda Brown, Janis Rupp, Charlie New, Charlie and Magie Yoways, JR Borsos, Larry, Al, Bob and his wife.

The morning began with unloading the pulley system from Pat’s truck and setting it up while Pat set up the computer in the truck so Linda and Janis could capture pictures of the live video the camera would transmit. One thing we learned was it needed to be darker inside the truck to better view the video.

Getting the boom and wench set up	Set up and ready to start
The camera suspended over the shaft. Note the TV antenna at the end of the boom for receiving the signal from the camera	The final checks are made

About 8:45 a.m. the team started lowering the camera down the shaft facing straight down.

Manning the wench	Camera going down the shaft
Al monitoring the decent	Running the wench

Approximately 100 feet down we lost most of the surface light and had to switch to infrared mode.

Once the camera reached the bottom of the shaft large rocks and pieces of wood were visible.

The camera was brought to the surface and re-suspended sideways. This way pictures could be taken of the side of the shaft.

The team hoped that the camera would spin as it was lowered to allow seeing a 360 degree view and was pleased to see it did.

As the camera was lowered again, Linda and Janis captured pictures to be reviewed later including pictures of the pipe that runs down the shaft wall to give an approximate idea of where the pictures were taken.

The team members would get into the truck to see the camera in action. It was very interesting. At one point we noticed a group of rocks that resembled a skull located just left of the pipes.

The bottom of the shaft was again reached at approximately 250 feet where we could see a partially caved- in tunnel.  Visible in the tunnel was a large barrel on its side, rocks, boulders, and a lot of wood.

The bolder by the camera was where the camera rested when it was lowered the first time.

Barrel and other debris in the side shaft	Barrel and other debris in the side shaft
Pulley from an earlier headframe

The team brought the camera back up stopping every so often to take more pictures of the wall.

About 9:50 a.m. we started breaking down and repacking the equipment in Pat’s truck after which some of the group went to see the glory hole.

At 10:20 a.m. we left to go back to Wickenburg arriving at 11:30 a.m.

This was a great test run and learning experience.

 

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July 2012 Training:

Pictures of the Southern Yavapai County Search Unit working with their fellow units on a mock search that was based on a missing person from the year previous to July 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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May Monthly Training

May 12th found the SYCSRT out around Lake Pleasant.  The team explored the trails around this area that might be accessible during a search, as the Lake Pleasant area is active with recreational visitors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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April Monthly Training

The SYCSRT tested their mettle over the rough roads of Yavapai County on Saturday, 4/21/12. All technical systems and team capabilities were utilized during this 40 mile loop.

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

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March Monthly Training

The March training brought the team up the infamous 7-11 road toward Crown King. Members got a chance to see what it would be like to get a call into this rough, but high traffic area.

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February Monthly Training

The purpose of February’s training was to not only practice on radios & GPS devices, but to test usage and transmission of our APRS devices. We learned a lot about the operation and effectiveness of the APRS system. Everyone got a chance to hone their skills at radio communications and using their GPS devices.

 

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January Monthly Training

January’s training consisted of two sections.  First, Sheriff’s Deputy Tom Tieman led a discussion on situational awareness and how to approach people during a search. Of the many points that were given to us by Deputy Tieman, the two that were most emphasized were 1) to clearly identify yourself in a non-threatening way, and 2) be the best observer that you can be.  The second part of the training was a review and discussion of appropriate equipment and supplies to have in your backpack(s).  JR provided a list of items that we should be carrying.  Team members unloaded their packs while we reviewed the list to ensure we are always “mission ready.”

 

 

 

 

December Monthly Training

On 12/17, SYCSRT conducted training off Constellation Road. The purpose of the training was not only to practice GPS, map reading, and radio skills, but to test our APRS equipment. Three teams took off with the goal to find various geocaches in the area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several issues were encountered on this training…  there were radio issues, issues with the various types of coordinate readings, and even mechanical trouble with one of the vehicles. These are the reasons we have training…  we learn from all of this!  For example, at one point in the training, Comm had realized that they had not heard from one team in too long, however the APRS equipment was working great and so we were able to identify their last location. Another team set off to find them… did so, only to have one of the vehicles break down on the way back.  As the weather started to turn cold, the team evaluated the situation. Due to great teamwork and preparation, we were able to get the vehicle back to town and get our teammate home safely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a great reminder for all who venture out into even the near wilderness….  Never go out alone. Bring plenty of water. Bring extra food. Be prepared for any weather. What you think is a quick trip, may turn into more of an adventure than you were prepared to handle.

 

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11/19/11 – Monthly Training at Vulture Peak

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