Deschutes County
Sheriff's SAR
Overview
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SAR and Swiftwater Team - Briefly
Stats and Safety
Suggested PPE
Force of Water
River Hazards
Actions if Swept Away and/or Submerged
Who to Call for Help
Medical - Snakes, Spikers, etc.
Questions?
How you can help the Swiftwater Volunteers
SRT - Gear Bag
What is Deschutes SAR?
All volunteer group of ~140 members
We respond 24/7 in any weather & don't charge
Managed by 3 Sheriff's Deputies, a Sergeant,
and Lieutenant
Many specialty teams:
Swiftwater, Tracking, AirOps, IMT, Logistics,
ATV, SnoMo, Horse, Dive, Mountain Rescue,
Tracking, Medical, Ground, Fire Evac, Ski,
Mountain Bike...
What does Swiftwater Rescue do?
What does Swiftwater Rescue do?
Rescue stranded people in fast moving water situations such as...
Rivers, man-made water features, floods.
What does Swiftwater Rescue do?
Provide SAR with a technical capability to access,
stabilize, & evacuate people from fast (and cold)
moving water
What does Swiftwater Rescue do?
Body recovery:
Approx 2 local Recoveries per year
What gear does Swiftwater Rescue use?
Personal gear includes:
Dry suit, rescue PFD with quick release,
flashlight, helmet, throw-bag,
fins, whistle, gloves, boots,
knife
Why Safety?
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Because we don't have gills.
Accidents happen
Friends and Family
Why Safety? - More Memories
Fly Fisherperson's PPE
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Protective Footwear w/ Traction
Polarized Sunglasses
Wading Staff - Always 2 points when moving, especially in current
Waders - depending on temp
Cell Phone
PFD - range of motion
Buddy - fish within sight if possible
Basic First Aid Kit, Basic Survival Kit
DCSSAR Swiftwater Stats
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4-5 calls/year
majority 10 ft of waters edge
Foot Entrapments - # 1 hazard!!
Males - teens to 20's
Force of Water
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Stronger than you are
Constant
Predictable
Force of Moving Water
3 Mph
Walking Pace
75N
on legs
6 Mph
Jogging Pace
300N
on legs
600N
on body
9 Mph
Running Pace
675N
on legs
1350N
on body
12 Mph
Fast Run
1200N
on legs
2400N
on body
150N
on body
Force of Moving Water
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1000N = Trent 225lbs falling and landing
As speed of water doubles force quadruples
Shin level flowing at 6mph (steady jog) wash off feet
Waste level flowing at 2mph (slow walk) difficult to hold balance
Waste level flowing at 4mph (fast walk) wash everyone off feet
Traction
Pinned - Force is Constant
Aggressive Wader - Know your Limits - Change Your Plan
River Hazards
KMart
Coffin
Beer
No PFD
River Hazards - Elements
Slick Surface - Rocks
Hard Objects - Rocks
Water - Usually moving
Stick - swinging overhead
Obvious scenario - slip, in moving water, head
under water = BAD
Foot Entrapments - # 1 hazard!!
River Hazards
Strainer:
A buildup of debris such as rocks and logs
which restrict downstream flow.
River Hazards - Low Head Dam
If Swept Away
Keep Feet UP!
Putting your feet down can lead to an often fatal situation
where the swimmer's feet become pinned and the force of
the river forces their face underwater.
Proper technique
Performed on the back with feet DOWNSTREAM.
Knees bent and slightly lower than the buttocks.
The feet should be ready to push the swimmer away from
obstacles.
PFD - Easier to keep feet UP.
Gearhead's Float/Bobber - BAD
Use Eddy's to help get out
When Stand Up? No Downstream Momentum
If Submerged
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STAY CALM - 1 minute of O2 in blood
Get Small - avoid foot entrapment
If not flushed out when small Change Shape
Who to Call for Help?
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Fishing Partner - Fish within sight when possible
Cell or Sat Service - CALL 911
No Service - SPOT -False Activations
Water Safety Questions?
Medical - Jason Hardy
Medical - Snake Bites
Medical - Spider bites
Medical - Poisonous plants
Medical - Tick Bites
Medical Questions?
How you can help your Volunteer Swiftwater Rescue Team