What am I doing to give back?

[1leglance]

What am I doing to give back?
FJ-Ollie's post about joining his San Diego Emerg Group and his ham radio post along with a number of other people's references to Search and Rescue got me to thinking...what am I doing to give back with my 4x4?
I already do trail cleanup when I am out, also help stuck or stranded folks when I see them but I think I will start looking at other things I can use my 4x4 and or Ham Radio for to give back to the community.
Things like:
Search and Rescue
Emmerg. Comm.
https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert
http://www.4x4response.net this is something in England that would be cool to have here in the USA
http://www.pcsar4x4.org something interesting that might be in your area

For me personally as an RN I know that I will be called into work in the case of any mass casuality event, however that doesn't mean I can't still join a local search & rescue group, use my ham in emerg comm that isn't med related (floods, snow...) or just find something that lets me use my 4x4 in a positive community serving manner

Just my thoughts, and all others are welcome

 

[Lynn]

1leglance,

I started a similar thread on another forum, and got no responses. Very sad.

Anyway, I hope there is more activity on this thread. Below are my thoughts, copied from the other forum (and slightly modified):

I know that expedition-minded folk are always willing to help someone stranded or broken down along the road or trail, but in what ways are you using your vehicle(s) to serve your community?

I’m not doing anything right now, but I’ll share a couple of things I have done in the past, and some plans for the future:

When living in Colorado Springs I was part of a volunteer alpine search and rescue team, and had outfit my 4Runner for that purpose, as my budget would allow There’s always more to be done!

An additional service we provided was to run 'health and welfare' visits to people who were snowed in and without communications. Some of our members did this using their snowmobiles.

After frequent snowstorms me and a couple of buddies would load up in my 4Runner and go out and see whom we could help get unstuck. It was becoming common to see guys with 4x4s charging people to help them get back on the road, but the only time we accepted any money was from a taxi driver who had been a particular jerk. (While we were helping a car get back on the road the taxi squeezed past, endangering us, and, of course, without offering to help, then he got himself stuck a few yards away. We didn’t charge him, but accepted what he offered.)

I would also drive around in the middle of the snowstorm (within the limits of my vehicle) and give stranded motorists rides home.

Now for some things I am aware of, but have not participated in:

A few years ago I read a magazine article about a Jeep club that once a year ran medicine to outposts in the Yucatan.

For the SAR team I mentioned above, our command center was an old bus that wasn’t very ‘off road capable.’ Besides, the command center had to be in an area that ‘normal’ vehicles could access, so communications with rescue teams in the surrounding mountains could be a challenge. I had thoughts of setting up my truck so that I could head up to high ground and act as a mobile repeater station.

Also in Colorado Springs, there was a local 4x4 club that helped doctors and nurses get to and from the hospital during and after snowstorms, but I wasn’t part of that effort.

Here in Texas there have been a lot of rains lately, and a lot of flooding. When I have my expedition rig I will look into ways to help out in flooded areas. The thought crossed my mind that I could loan a camper to a family that got flooded out, but I’m not sure I could bring myself to allow a stranger to live in my rig. I’ll have to work on that one…

Since I’m also an Amateur Radio Operator (although inactive), I may set up my camper rig to serve as a mobile communications center that I can drive to disaster areas and help disaster victims send messages to family members (Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) .

 

[BigAl]

In central PA there really isn't any need for 4x4s in a search and rescue sense. Lost persons are ususally seached for by quads. We haven't had extreme weather for a good while, but back in 93 we had a blizzard that dropped 3 plus feet of snow and paralyzed the state for 2-3 days. I was working in a hospital lab at the time and had an ultra redneck f150 on 38s. I spent the whole night pulling the plow truck up the hill so we could keep it open for ambulances. The following morning, I drove around and picked up a doc and 2 nurses to cover the e-room. That was alot of fun as they weren't used to driving over 6' snow banks in a truck with straight pipes

I would like to do more, I'd tried to hook up with the local volunteer fire company but it wasn't a good fit. Too many chiefs, kinda like a drinking club that got together to argue alot I am eagar to hear what others are doing.

 

[Jeeptrekker]

I've been in Search and Rescue for about 3 years now. I can't think of anything more rewarding. As a member of the local 4 wheel drive club, we were recruited by one of the local SAR teams to assist when 4X4 would be beneficial. After going to a couple of meetings, it was clear to me that I wanted to join the team and participate in other areas besides 4X4. I am a member of the ground search team and the Team Leader for the communications team.

The good feeling that you get after a successful search is unbelievable. Whether you were the one that found the subject or a member of your team or a member of another team made the find, it makes no difference. Everyone contributes. The saving of peoples lives is all that is important.

I would highly encourage anyone interested to join a team. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I always thought that you had to be a mountaion climber to be on a team (I don't like heights) and that is not the case. There are "Technical Teams" which do the mountain rescue and there are "Wilderness Teams" who just need ground pounders.

By all means, do it!

 

[WJinTRSC]

One such National organization exists...

In addition to local vol. Fire Dept. / SAR outfits, you can look up your local squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. It is the auxiliary of the Air Force and one of it's major purposes/goals is SAR. I was a member as a Cadet for 3 yrs and learned A HELL OF A LOT!!! In addition to flying on C-130's, C-17's, taking APC's, Humvee's, and Deuce and 1/2 off-road, I also got weapons training; (M16, M203, SAW, M60), first aid, navigation, flight time in Squadron Cessnas, rapelling, survival training, physical training, and way more than I could possibly list.
Like I said, a huge part of C.A.P. is SAR and they always need willing volunteers such as you all. It's run by nothing but volunteers. 75%+ of all small aircraft accidents are first reported to local C.A.P. squadrons for SAR. I recieved a lot of training to find down planes as well as lost persons. Give it a look. It's open to pretty much anyone and it also gives back to the younger generations of the community. I know b/c I'm a product of it!

 

[snipecatcher]

hey

I looked up the CAP:
http://www.cap.gov/index.cfm

...but can't seem to find much info on how the training works and such. Would it be possible to join while in college or are the hours pretty demanding? Tell me what you know!
-Dan

 

[WJinTRSC]

I'll see what I can dig up. It's been a few yrs for me, but YES, you could probly do it while you're in college(I say probly, it all depends on your major and involvement in other activities.) As a Cadet, we met once every Tues. night for about 2 or 3 hrs. If we had any activities going on, then we met on Sat. for additional training, flying, or SAR exercises. The Senior Members (which is the Adults and applies to anyone here) met on Th. nights for the same amount of time. It may be different locally for you and every squadron is different, so hopefully you can find a good fit. It is run much like a military organization. The Air Force uniform is worn, a chain of command is in place and strictly enforced, but all who are involved are volunteers and still Civilians; they just get a few extra privilidges, like the ones I listed above:wings: :ar15:

 

[offroad_nomad]

I'm not sure how I overlook this thread. It's great to read about all your interests in helping your communities, esp in the field of search and rescue.

I'm on the BOD of my SAR team located here in Northern Virginia. We've been fairly busy in recent months with training and missions. I've had many opportunities to use my 4Runner on actual SAR missions including transporting teams up a mountain along rutted and muddy logging roads; evacuating an injured hiker and friends out of a canyon in Shenandoah Na'l Park; mobile VHF comms relay station; and a gear hauler.

Keep up the good work and stay safe.

 

[Big_Geek]

I've often thought along these same lines and have come up with the following:

1. Take a first-aid class. They're inexpensive to take from the Red Cross and they seem to do a good job of covering the very basics.

2. Carry a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. You may even want to add a rescue tool and learn how to use it. Hopefully you'll never have to use them.

3. Maintain a three day supply of emergency food and water on hand.

4. Attain an amateur radio license and USE it.
a. Participate in nets
b. Operate during Field Day (one of my FAVORITE activities)
c. Learn radio DF techniques and practice them in a fox hunt (this is really helpful for aircraft SAR tuning to the PLB)
d. Participate in weather nets. If you're really into weather, you can be a storm spotter. The National Weather Service gives excellent weather training for free if you know when and where to attend. The Amateur Radio Community can get you hooked up here.

5. Educate those in your travel party about conservation and the Tread Lightly philosophy.

In general, do what you can to ensure you're not part of the problem then figure out what you can do to assist others in need.

 

[offroad_nomad]

Sounds like a good plan.

Have you ever seen the smile on someone's face and gratitude from a total stranger when you have stopped to help change a tire or jumpstart their battery? Smalls things like that can make a big difference in someone else's life.

I've often thought along these same lines and have come up with the following:

1. Take a first-aid class. They're inexpensive to take from the Red Cross and they seem to do a good job of covering the very basics.

2. Carry a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. You may even want to add a rescue tool and learn how to use it. Hopefully you'll never have to use them.

3. Maintain a three day supply of emergency food and water on hand.

4. Attain an amateur radio license and USE it.
a. Participate in nets
b. Operate during Field Day (one of my FAVORITE activities)
c. Learn radio DF techniques and practice them in a fox hunt (this is really helpful for aircraft SAR tuning to the PLB)
d. Participate in weather nets. If you're really into weather, you can be a storm spotter. The National Weather Service gives excellent weather training for free if you know when and where to attend. The Amateur Radio Community can get you hooked up here.

5. Educate those in your travel party about conservation and the Tread Lightly philosophy.

In general, do what you can to ensure you're not part of the problem then figure out what you can do to assist others in need.

 

[MossMan]

In addition to local vol. Fire Dept. / SAR outfits, you can look up your local squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. It is the auxiliary of the Air Force and one of it's major purposes/goals is SAR. I was a member as a Cadet for 3 yrs and learned A HELL OF A LOT!!! In addition to flying on C-130's, C-17's, taking APC's, Humvee's, and Deuce and 1/2 off-road, I also got weapons training; (M16, M203, SAW, M60), first aid, navigation, flight time in Squadron Cessnas, rapelling, survival training, physical training, and way more than I could possibly list.
Like I said, a huge part of C.A.P. is SAR and they always need willing volunteers such as you all. It's run by nothing but volunteers. 75%+ of all small aircraft accidents are first reported to local C.A.P. squadrons for SAR. I recieved a lot of training to find down planes as well as lost persons. Give it a look. It's open to pretty much anyone and it also gives back to the younger generations of the community. I know b/c I'm a product of it!

I like the sound of this :gunt:

 

[tibaal89]

5. Educate those in your travel party ...

I think this is the simplest and most important thing that everyone can do. Spreading the word is great - but even more powerful is leading by example.

The first time I ever ran with a group was with 1leglance. This guy picks up so much trash out the trail you would not even believe it! I'd read about responsible trail use, but that first time out was nothing short of inspiring.

So, having learned by his good example I do the same when I'm out. And I know for sure, on other runs, that other newcomers to the trails have been similarly affected and motivated to do the same.

Each of us can, simply by demonstrating this kind of stewardship, tacitly spur others into action. And I mean the basic and meaningful action - there's a bunch of garbage on the trail, go pick it up! It's that simple! :safari-rig: :safari-rig:

 

[Spikepretorius]

Our club, the Landcruiser Club of Southern Africa, do an annual beach clean up weekend at various places around the country and then also an annual fun day guiding the public through a nature reserve that is only opened once a year for this purpose, to raise funds for the National Sea Rescue Institute.

Our other big club, the 4Wheel Drive Club of Southern Africa, run a search and rescue section who operate as support and logistics back up for local emergency services. This is all personally funded by the individual drivers involved and it's quite hardcore

 

[dhackney]

I salute those who participate or who plan to participate in SAR, CAP, etc.

I don't have professional health care skills, but have tremendous respect for those who utilize those skill sets in programs providing services for those in need, both in emergencies and in efforts in developing countries.

We have taken the steps to get off-road, first aid and survival training so we don't put an unnecessary load on SAR resources.

Our past "giving back" activities have included five weeks of disaster relief in Mississippi after Katrina. It was the most fulfilling experience of my life. We gained a lot more than the people we helped. Details here: http://www.hackneys.com/Katrina/

Outside the U.S., it is often simple things that can mean a lot.

MotoDiscovery helps with distribution for Rebound.org http://www.reboundsports.org/ . We're going to pick up some of their deflated balls down here in Chile and distribute them in remote places where the kids don't have much.

On our first overland trip in Africa we noticed that professional and amateurs took countless photos of the local people, but gave nothing back. On subsequent trips we carried a small photo printer on our bike and gave pictures instead of just taking them.

It is a very simple thing. We travel out into the bush until we find people who have never held a photo of themselves or their children and we give them one. Details here: http://www.givingpictures.org

Since we've got more room on the truck than the bike we've added a video projector that we plan to use to show kids and villages some of our travels to other parts of the world, DVDs such as the Planet Earth series, etc., in an effort to educate them about the outside world. We'll probably also show some selected kid's movies for pure entertainment. It's another simple, little thing, but we believe it will make a small positive difference.

In our travels we've seen abandoned projects of all scales with faded signs with the logos of every major relief organization and church denomination I've ever heard of. I have not seen evidence that big charity actually works in a sustainable manner anywhere in the 38 countries we've visited. For example, over the last 50 years there has been over $600 billion in aid invested in Africa, with close to zero rise in living standards.

Consequently, we've adopted a model of direct assistance. If we can do it directly, then we do it. If we know someone who is doing something directly, then we support that. We've identified some opportunities for directly giving back to schools, etc. and will continue to post them on our web site as we travel. Click here and scroll down: http://www.hackneys.com/travel/index-givingback.htm

The most important thing is to just do it, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Giving back to your community and your world will give you rewards you will never experience financially or materially. And, by doing so, you will introduce your children to the experience and those rewards.

Doug

 

[1leg]

I have been thinking about using my new HAM lic, and join my local CERT.