Click here to view the full PDF version of the Winter 2023 Meridian in a beautiful, magazine-style layout N THE COVER: Members of Chaffee County Search and Rescue evacuate a hiker who was caught in a snowstorm wearing a hooded sweatshirt and no survival equipment. Sponsor Spotlight: Communication is key in SAR operations and outdoor adventures
In Italy last October, the ICAR Medical Commission drafted recommendations for operational stress injury in SAR. The work of mountain rescue is difficult with many technical skills required but the psychological wellbeing of the humans involved is what makes us effective in our teams. Rescue work is emotionally challenging, but it should not be emotionally
Prepared for the AOD by John Ellerton (MedCom President) and Alison Sheets (MRA) Passed by the AOD on the 21st October 2023. Review date in 3 years time. These ICAR recommendations are designed for all rescuers and mountain rescue organisations. Mountain rescuers are exposed to significant stress in the work they perform. The injuries, illnesses and
Rick Lindfors – Meridian Editor in Chief Search and rescue teams are no stranger to responding to calls for help from unprepared subjects or locating missing people who lacked the necessary clothing and equipment for their adventures. But these lapses in preparation can have life-threatening consequences as evidenced by two recent operations in Colorado and
Will Petitt PA-C, MRA MedCOM This article was originally published in the Winter 2022 edition of Meridian The subject was a 60-year-old female hiking down from the summit of Pikes Peak (14,109 ft) on a sunny, September day. She stepped on a rock and twisted her left ankle, resulting in lateral (outside) left ankle pain
Rick Lindfors – Meridian Editor in Chief Stress can show itself in many forms in first responders. One sign of stress or burnout is known as compassion fatigue. This can show itself as cynicism towards patients or feelings of hopelessness. Compassion fatigue can show after repeated exposure to stressful or traumatic incidents. “Usually people who
“Self-selection” is a phrase I’ve heard every now and then in my SAR career. It has always meant that an individual needs to recognize if they are able to meet the demands of a mission whether it is physical readiness or technical capacity and if necessary, opt out of a mission to ensure they are
