Monthly Online Training Program
The MRA Education Committee is proud to announce “Third Thursdays,” a new online MRA Rescuer Education Program.
In this new world where online rescue team trainings are commonplace, your MRA Education Committee has developed a new program to supplement your team’s training regimen with monthly interactive MRA online trainings that would be delivered using zoom.
These trainings will draw upon the expertise within and outside our MRA family, and bring our vast experience to a national platform for our MRA teams. We will hold them live on the evening of the third Thursday of each month, but also record them for later viewing on our MRA web site.
Thursday April 15, 2021
“MRA Significant Mission Debrief”
MRA member teams respond to some of the most challenging search and rescue missions in the country, with each team having different approaches to solving these challenging incidents. From coast to coast, teams operate in different environments and there is a lot we can learn from each other.
The goal of Third Thursday Significant Mission Debrief is for teams to present their response to a challenging SAR mission and share their challenges, solutions, what
went right and learning points.
FACILITATOR:
Michael St. John
Unit Leader, Search and Rescue Unit
Marin County Sheriff’s Office
Thursday May 20, 2021
“Not if, but when! Mountain Mass Casualty Incidents. “
Is your agency and community really ready for this resource taxing event? This will be a historical and contemporary review of MCIs in remote locations. Highlighting lessons learned from the responders involved.
Thursday June 17, 2021
“Search Theory at 10,000 Feet“
Basic Search Theory Concepts for Mountain Rescue
In November 2020, snowshoer Michael Knapinski separated from his partner at 9,500 feet on the Muir
Snowfield, and became lost on his descent as night fell in bitter cold temperatures and blowing snow.
This presentation will review basic search theory concepts, and how they were integrated into search
planning for the Knapinski SAR.
Sponsor:
We encourage MRA “Subject Matter Experts” to contact MRA Education Director Charley Shimanski (charley.shimanski@gmail.com) with any possible training offerings. Presentations will be limited to 45 minutes, with 10 minutes of question and answer to follow. Topics that would be of interest include:
- Search Theory (including analysis of a recent search)
- Case Studies
- Incidents, Accidents, and Near Misses
- Advances in Wilderness and SAR Medicine in Austere Environments
- Helicopter Crew Resource Management
As always, your MRA Education Committee is looking forward to any feedback you might have. Please forward your thoughts to MRA Education Director, Charley Shimanski, at charley.shimanski@gmail.com.
The MRA Education Committee is also looking for interested MRA members to join the Committee and lead the further development of this “Third Thursdays” program. Please contact Charley Shimanski if you wish to join the Education Committee and assist on this important new initiative.
Thanks,
Michael St. John
MRA At-Large Board Member