Oberon State Emergency Service Resources

vertical rescue

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• pre-rig.pdf: Pre-rigging Training Module (PDF file). Pre-rigging is the way to improve vertical rescue response times by reducing rigging time on the scene. Includes tips for pre-rigging common systems, and for deciding what to pre-rig and what not to.
• prusiks.pdf: A 1 page fact sheet (PDF file) on prusik loops (currently incorporated into NSW SES VR training package).
• scripts.pdf: Vertical Rescue Scripts (PDF file). These scripts demonstrate the correct usage for vertical rescue prowords (calls and commands that have an extended meaning). Useful to resinforce the extanded meaning of the prowords with learners. Helps to use prowords to their fullest, minimise confusion and communication problems on the job.
• Spanlines.pdf: A 1 page fact sheet (PDF file) on spanlines: that is highlines, flying foxes, cableways, zip lines, etc. Includes notes on tensioning so you can't over-tension the spanline.
• sustrauma.pdf: Suspension Trauma Training Module (PDF file). Every Vertical Rescue needs to know this! How to keep yourself and your casualty safe from it. Suspension trauma is also known by many other names: harness induced pathology, haness hang syndrome, etc.
• vector.pdf: Vector or Force Analysis Training Module for Vertical Rescuers. A simple method to work out the real forces in any rope system. Helps rescuers to understand forces in their rig and hence be safer riggers.
• BelayBehaviour.pdf: Rescue Belay Behaviour - A Theoretical Analysis of rescue belay behaviour which highlights previously not considered hazards of rescue belays as published in Technical Rescue Magazine. A must read for all vertical rescuers. (>800K PDF file).
• Equipment_Testing-Kiama_VRPDW.pdf: Report on destructive testing of vertical rescue equipment from the Kiama VR Trainer Professional development Weekend 2004. (>900K PDF file).
• Friction Testing and Pulley Systems in Vertical Rescue.pdf: Results of practical friction testing of common vertical rescue pulleys done by Oberon SES. Results are applied to common VR haul systems to illustrate actual mechanical advantages of haul systems.
• Load Testing.pdf: More destructive load testing results of VR equipment by Oberon SES. (1.1M PDF file).
• LRFAnalysis.pdf: Report on Finite Element Analysis modelling of a Larkin Rescue Frame with particular interest in the factors that affect "step back". Good practical tips on how to prevent step back in your Larkin Frame!
• Vertical Rescue Friction Testing.pdf: Practical friction test results of some common rescue pulleys. (1.4M PDF file).
• VR Load Testing Wellington.pdf: Report of destructive load tests carried ou on VR equipment at the Wellington VR Professional Development weekend 2004. (1.8M PDF file).

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land search

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• sarcalc2.zip: Microsof Excel Worksheet for calculation of Land Search Probabilities of Area (POAs). Free download. You will need Winzip to unzip the archive.
• MUSHPSAR.HTM: Survival Tips for Mushroom Pickers. Every year hundreds of people come to the pine forests surrounding Oberon to pick mushrooms. Around one or two each year get lost requiring a land search. Here are some things you can do so that you aren't one of them!
• bushsafe.htm: Tips for bushwalkers and other adventurous people who use the bush to be safe and reduce the risk of needing a search or rescue.

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storm

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• LIGHTNIN.HTM: Outdoor Lightning Protection and Safety. Everyone should know than when lightning is about they should be indoors... but what if you can't get there? Here's some tips collected from a wide variety of sources.
• beaufort.htm: The Beaufort Scale for estimating wind speed...with descriptors for use on land or sea.

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miscellaneous resources

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• JUDGEDIS.HTM: Judging Distance. Judging distances is a valuable skill to a lot of people including navigators, land searchers, and most things SES volunteers do. This page includes the normal three methods described in most Map Reading texts plus another method based on visibility of features - adapted from Coastal Skipper Training course for use on land.
• impnav.htm: The Bushwalker's Guide to the Galaxy... or How to Navigate the Surface of the Earth with less than a GPS or Compass. Improvised navigation skills increase not only yor skill as a navigator, but your knowledge of your surroundings.

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