Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers, being “dialed in,” as they say, is beneficial on many levels, but one in particular is in the area of safety. This benefits the volunteers with whom we work, side by side, as well as the patients whose suffering we lessen and the lives we save during our operations. It’s not easy. It takes time. It takes commitment. It’s actual work. But it’s important so when the call comes in, we are ready to help.
This past Saturday, along with personnel from the New Hampshire Fish and Game (NHF&G), we came together as a group for our spring training for 2026. This event was well attended by a mix of newcomers just starting their time with us and the old guard who have been with it from the beginning.
The subjects practiced in this event covered “patient packaging,” splinting variations such as a vacuum splinting and Slishman splinting (for mid-shaft femur breaks), and lastly a grid search using Cal-Topo. We looked for and found a “lost, overdue hiker.” To expand this scenario further, once the lost hiker was located, we learned that he had suffered a fall and seemed to acquire a lower leg fracture. This resulted on more splinting practice, more patient packaging practice, as well as a litter carry-out in somewhat technical terrain.
We would like to thank the NHF&G for their time and support, and we also wish to thank the volunteers who gave up their day to learn, to practice, and to stay sharp. Without our volunteers we’re nothing. Now for some photos.
Important Note: Please be aware that the patients in the following photos are team members and not actual patients.
Please note that this “patient” is an AVSAR volunteer.
Please note that this “patient” is an AVSAR volunteer.
Please note that this “patient” is an AVSAR volunteer.
Please note that this “patient” is an AVSAR volunteer.
Please note that this “patient” is an AVSAR volunteer.