GTM – 3 TasksGTM – 3 TasksBy C/Lt. Col. John S. Gomez-SimmonsBy C/Lt. Col. John S. Gomez-Simmons

Shoemaker Composite Squadron, TX-Shoemaker Composite Squadron, TX-403403

GSARSS InstructorGSARSS Instructor

Preparing Equipment – Things Preparing Equipment – Things you likely DON’T have!you likely DON’T have!

► F101 (typically called the “101 Card”)F101 (typically called the “101 Card”)►Orange Reflective VestOrange Reflective Vest►GTM-HandbookGTM-Handbook► Signal MirrorSignal Mirror► Triangular BandageTriangular Bandage► Chemical Light StickChemical Light Stick► Flagging TapeFlagging Tape► Blank Interview FormsBlank Interview Forms► Shelter Material (a tarp or a tent)Shelter Material (a tarp or a tent)

Individual RefitIndividual Refit

►Replenish: replace what you lostReplenish: replace what you lost►Repair: fix anything that is brokenRepair: fix anything that is broken►Repack: Get your gear ready againRepack: Get your gear ready again►Rest: only once you are ready to move Rest: only once you are ready to move

outout

Hot Weather InjuriesHot Weather Injuries

►Heat Stress PreventionHeat Stress Prevention Monitor color of urineMonitor color of urine Wear loose clothingWear loose clothing Avoid overexertionAvoid overexertion Avoid sunburn by using sunscreenAvoid sunburn by using sunscreen Observe other members of teamObserve other members of team Use the buddy systemUse the buddy system

Hot Weather InjuriesHot Weather Injuries

►Heat CrampsHeat Cramps SignsSigns

►Cramping of leg or abdominCramping of leg or abdomin►WeaknessWeakness►Dizziness or faintnessDizziness or faintness

TreatmentTreatment►Move to cool shady placeMove to cool shady place►Provide a type of electrolyte (salt water or gatorade)Provide a type of electrolyte (salt water or gatorade)►Massage cramped areaMassage cramped area►Provide pressure to cramped areaProvide pressure to cramped area►Apply moist towelsApply moist towels►Transport to medical care facilityTransport to medical care facility

Hot Weather InjuriesHot Weather Injuries

►Heat ExhaustionHeat Exhaustion SignsSigns

►Rapid and shallow breathingRapid and shallow breathing►Weak PulseWeak Pulse►Cold and clammy skinCold and clammy skin►Heavy perspirationHeavy perspiration►Weakness and dizziness leading to unconsciousnessWeakness and dizziness leading to unconsciousness

TreatmentTreatment►Move to cool shady placeMove to cool shady place►Remove clothing to cool patientRemove clothing to cool patient►Fan the patient’s skin Fan the patient’s skin ►Give salted water or commercial electrolyteGive salted water or commercial electrolyte►Treat for shock and transport to medical care facilityTreat for shock and transport to medical care facility

Hot Weather InjuriesHot Weather Injuries

►Heat StrokeHeat Stroke SignsSigns

►Deep breathing becoming shallowerDeep breathing becoming shallower►Rapid, strong pulse becoming weakerRapid, strong pulse becoming weaker►Dry and hot skinDry and hot skin►Dilated pupilsDilated pupils►Unconsciousness, seizures, and muscle twitchingUnconsciousness, seizures, and muscle twitching

TreatmentTreatment►Remove from any heat source/loosen clothingRemove from any heat source/loosen clothing► Immerse in cool waterImmerse in cool water►Treat for shock and transport to hospitalTreat for shock and transport to hospital

Cold Weather InjuriesCold Weather Injuries

►General PreventionGeneral Prevention Cover extremitiesCover extremities Use layer principleUse layer principle Choose clothing that will trap air pocketsChoose clothing that will trap air pockets Avoid getting wetAvoid getting wet Avoid overexertionAvoid overexertion Know who all in your team ever had a cold Know who all in your team ever had a cold

weather injuryweather injury Change clothing when dirty or wetChange clothing when dirty or wet Use buddy systemUse buddy system

Cold Weather InjuriesCold Weather Injuries

► FrostbiteFrostbite Early StageEarly Stage

►Skin turns from red to white and waxySkin turns from red to white and waxy►Numbness in affected areaNumbness in affected area►Should be treated by using body heatShould be treated by using body heat

Late StageLate Stage►Skin turns mottled or blotchy, yellow, and finally Skin turns mottled or blotchy, yellow, and finally

grayish-bluegrayish-blue►Best treatment is to transport patient to hospital Best treatment is to transport patient to hospital

immediatelyimmediately► If no transport is available, immerse in warm waterIf no transport is available, immerse in warm water

Cold Weather InjuriesCold Weather Injuries

►Do you ever massage a frostbitten Do you ever massage a frostbitten body part? Why, or why not?body part? Why, or why not?

Cold Weather InjuriesCold Weather Injuries

►HypothermiaHypothermia Early StageEarly Stage

►Uncontrollable shiveringUncontrollable shivering►NumbnessNumbness►To treat, keep patient warm and dry, remove To treat, keep patient warm and dry, remove

wet clothing, and warm central body before wet clothing, and warm central body before warming extremitieswarming extremities

Cold Weather InjuriesCold Weather Injuries

►Late Stage HypothermiaLate Stage Hypothermia SignsSigns

►Drowsiness, inability to perform simple actionDrowsiness, inability to perform simple action►Slow pulse and breathing rateSlow pulse and breathing rate►Failing eyesight and “glassy” stareFailing eyesight and “glassy” stare►UnconsciousnessUnconsciousness

TreatmentTreatment►All treatment steps for early hypothermiaAll treatment steps for early hypothermia►Place patient in the heads-down positionPlace patient in the heads-down position►Transport to medical care facility immediately Transport to medical care facility immediately

Natural HazardsNatural Hazards

►Three Groups:Three Groups: Terrain: steep cliffs, flooded areas, Terrain: steep cliffs, flooded areas,

boulders.boulders. Plants: Poison ivy, oak, and sumac.Plants: Poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Animals: Ants, bees, spiders, snakes.Animals: Ants, bees, spiders, snakes.

Natural HazardsNatural Hazards

►Guess who?Guess who?►Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, Poison Ivy,

Brown Recluse, Black Widow, Brown Recluse, Black Widow, Cottonmouth, CopperheadCottonmouth, Copperhead

FatigueFatigue

►Signs of Fatigue: Signs of Fatigue: Inability to concentrateInability to concentrate Incomplete sentences, slurring wordsIncomplete sentences, slurring words Bloodshot eyesBloodshot eyes Inability to walk properlyInability to walk properly Drooping eye lidsDrooping eye lids Slap happinessSlap happiness

FatigueFatigue

►Can be prevented/relieved by:Can be prevented/relieved by:►Taking frequent breaks when workingTaking frequent breaks when working►Eating light snacks throughout the dayEating light snacks throughout the day►Changing seats in long vehicle tripsChanging seats in long vehicle trips►Having 6 – 8 hours of sleep per nightHaving 6 – 8 hours of sleep per night►Sit, lay down, rest, and sleep Sit, lay down, rest, and sleep

whenever possible.whenever possible.

Field Sanitation and Hygiene Field Sanitation and Hygiene

►Care of FeetCare of Feet►Avoid unpurified WaterAvoid unpurified Water►Properly Dispose WasteProperly Dispose Waste►Personal HygienePersonal Hygiene

Care of FeetCare of Feet

►Correct fitting bootsCorrect fitting boots►Clean socksClean socks►Treat and protect blistersTreat and protect blisters►Keep feet dryKeep feet dry►Dust feet with powderDust feet with powder

Drinking Only Clean WaterDrinking Only Clean Water

►Use water purification tablets or Use water purification tablets or similar items only as a last resortsimilar items only as a last resort

►Always get team leader’s approval Always get team leader’s approval when using water purification tabletswhen using water purification tablets

►Only drink from known pure water Only drink from known pure water sources free of contaminationsources free of contamination

Taking Out the GarbageTaking Out the Garbage

►Cat hole: at least 1 foot deep, Cat hole: at least 1 foot deep, used for human waste used for human waste

►Make sure cat holes are at least Make sure cat holes are at least 100 yds downhill from camp area 100 yds downhill from camp area

►Have a designated trash area for Have a designated trash area for garbage (such as trail mix garbage (such as trail mix wrappers, MRE pouches, etc)wrappers, MRE pouches, etc)

Personal HygienePersonal Hygiene

►Brush Teeth Daily (after each meal is Brush Teeth Daily (after each meal is possible)possible)

►Wash hands before eating and after Wash hands before eating and after using cat holes/latrinesusing cat holes/latrines

The CompassThe Compass

►Points to MAGNETIC northPoints to MAGNETIC north►To follow a bearing (i.e. 47 degrees), To follow a bearing (i.e. 47 degrees),

rotate the dial until 47 degrees is on rotate the dial until 47 degrees is on the Line of Travel, then turn your body the Line of Travel, then turn your body until the needle matches up with until the needle matches up with 0degrees (or magnetic north). 0degrees (or magnetic north).

The CompassThe Compass

►Compass-to-cheek method of holdingCompass-to-cheek method of holding

►Centerhold techniqueCenterhold technique

Actions When LostActions When Lost

►Stay where you areStay where you are►Think before acting rashlyThink before acting rashly►Observe your surroundings and its’ Observe your surroundings and its’

inhabitantsinhabitants►Plan for the worstPlan for the worst

Actions When LostActions When Lost

►Size up the situationSize up the situation►Undue haste makes wasteUndue haste makes waste►Remember where you areRemember where you are►Vanquish fear and panicVanquish fear and panic► Improve your situationImprove your situation►Value LivingValue Living►Act like the nativesAct like the natives►Learn basic skillsLearn basic skills

Universal PrecautionsUniversal Precautions

►Victims can have diseases that you must Victims can have diseases that you must avoid. Always use gloves and eye avoid. Always use gloves and eye protection when dealing with patients.protection when dealing with patients.

►Change gloves between different Change gloves between different patients to avoid contaminationpatients to avoid contamination

►Proper way to take surgical gloves off: Proper way to take surgical gloves off: pull off left glove, crumple it in right pull off left glove, crumple it in right hand, use left hand to reach underneath hand, use left hand to reach underneath the opening of the right glove, flip the opening of the right glove, flip inside-out.inside-out.

The Phone AlertThe Phone Alert

►Works similar to calldownWorks similar to calldown►Certain mission specific information Certain mission specific information

must be given and receivedmust be given and received Type of missionType of mission Expected DurationExpected Duration Time and location of meeting placeTime and location of meeting place Mission numberMission number Special instructionsSpecial instructions Call back numberCall back number

The Phone AlertThe Phone Alert

►Don’t trust your memory alone – write Don’t trust your memory alone – write it down!it down!

►What happens when you call the What happens when you call the person below you and they don’t person below you and they don’t answer?answer?

The Distress BeaconThe Distress Beacon

►Determine Distress Beacon BearingDetermine Distress Beacon Bearing Set up the ElperSet up the Elper Point out direction of ELT to within 10 Point out direction of ELT to within 10

degreesdegrees

Locating the Distress BeaconLocating the Distress Beacon

►Puts DF gear into operationPuts DF gear into operation►Locates beacon within 30 minutesLocates beacon within 30 minutes

Foot Scanning TechniquesFoot Scanning Techniques

►Scan entire area in front, left, right, Scan entire area in front, left, right, and downand down

►Occasionally, look backOccasionally, look back►Check blocked areasCheck blocked areas►Stay on trackStay on track►Do not use white lightDo not use white light►Don’t stare at the same spot for too Don’t stare at the same spot for too

longlong►Be alert for movement or noiseBe alert for movement or noise

Foot Scanning TechniquesFoot Scanning Techniques

►RulesRules Don’t stare at one spot for too longDon’t stare at one spot for too long Do not use white light (unless conducting Do not use white light (unless conducting

full light search)full light search) Avoid white light 30 minutes prior to the Avoid white light 30 minutes prior to the

searchsearch Be especially alert for movement or noise.Be especially alert for movement or noise.

The Search LineThe Search Line

►Several types and patterns depending Several types and patterns depending on the mission needson the mission needs

►Most common is a straight path across Most common is a straight path across an area of high PODan area of high POD

The Search LineThe Search Line

►Maintain close intervalMaintain close interval►Maintains correct directionMaintains correct direction►Maintains proper speedMaintains proper speed► Communicate to maintain interval, direction, Communicate to maintain interval, direction,

and speedand speed► Adequately search the assigned areaAdequately search the assigned area► Remain alert to the team leader’s Remain alert to the team leader’s

commandscommands► Correctly adjust interval as directedCorrectly adjust interval as directed

Communication and the Search Communication and the Search LineLine

►The begin moving and shout “Forward The begin moving and shout “Forward the line” in opposite directionthe line” in opposite direction

►Shouts “Halt the line” and listens for Shouts “Halt the line” and listens for responseresponse

Whistle SignalsWhistle Signals

►Used for search lines/rallying all team Used for search lines/rallying all team members to a certain point.members to a certain point.

►1 short blast: forward1 short blast: forward►2 short blasts: stop2 short blasts: stop►3 short blasts: help/danger3 short blasts: help/danger►1 Long blast: Assemble (on the 1 Long blast: Assemble (on the

location from which you heard the location from which you heard the whistle)whistle)

Attraction TechniquesAttraction Techniques

► Daytime Attraction TechniquesDaytime Attraction Techniques Shouting the target’s nameShouting the target’s name Honking vehicle horns during route searchesHonking vehicle horns during route searches Use of public address systemUse of public address system The “Sound Sweep” (everyone blows whistles for 15 The “Sound Sweep” (everyone blows whistles for 15

seconds then listens)seconds then listens)► Nighttime Attraction TechniquesNighttime Attraction Techniques

Building a bonfire (when stationary for long periods)Building a bonfire (when stationary for long periods) Hanging light sticks in trees (when stationary – collect Hanging light sticks in trees (when stationary – collect

when you leave)when you leave) Shining flashlightsShining flashlights Car headlights during vehicle searchesCar headlights during vehicle searches Hanging signs that direct the lost person towards your Hanging signs that direct the lost person towards your

camp or basecamp or base

Aircraft Search CluesAircraft Search Clues

►Changes in TerrainChanges in Terrain►SmellsSmells►Signs of AircraftSigns of Aircraft►Signs of Pilot or PassengerSigns of Pilot or Passenger

Missing Person Search CluesMissing Person Search Clues

►PhysicalPhysical►RecordedRecorded►PeoplePeople►EventsEvents

►Look for the clues leading to the Look for the clues leading to the personperson

Physical CluesPhysical Clues

►Pieces of clothing or equipmentPieces of clothing or equipment►Smoke (sight or smell)Smoke (sight or smell)►TrashTrash►Disturbed brushDisturbed brush►ScavengersScavengers►Decomposition odorsDecomposition odors

Recorded CluesRecorded Clues

►Trail registersTrail registers►Sign-in logsSign-in logs

PeoplePeople

►WitnessesWitnesses►Family and friendsFamily and friends

EventsEvents

►SignalsSignals►Falling rocksFalling rocks►Unusual noisesUnusual noises

Marking a RouteMarking a Route

►Used for line searchesUsed for line searches►Flagging tape is used to mark the ends Flagging tape is used to mark the ends

and show the area just searchedand show the area just searched►Best to use different colors for each Best to use different colors for each

lineline►Mark off areas within sightMark off areas within sight

Actions on Locating a ClueActions on Locating a Clue

Actions on a FindActions on a Find

Hasty SearchHasty Search

►Ground Team Leader (GTL)Ground Team Leader (GTL)►CommunicatorCommunicator►MedicMedic

►Mostly searches trails, streams, routes Mostly searches trails, streams, routes toward gathering places, and various toward gathering places, and various other areas with a high probability of other areas with a high probability of detection (POD).detection (POD).

The Litter CarryThe Litter Carry

►Minimum of 4 personsMinimum of 4 persons One per cornerOne per corner Six is preferred, but not always availableSix is preferred, but not always available

► To lift, start with your inside knee on the To lift, start with your inside knee on the ground (Driver makes sure everyone is ground (Driver makes sure everyone is ready)ready)

► Lift using your legs, not your backLift using your legs, not your back► Lower by dropping your inside knee (driver Lower by dropping your inside knee (driver

makes sure the ground is clear and makes sure the ground is clear and everyone is ready)everyone is ready)

The Signal MirrorThe Signal Mirror

►Used as a form of attraction (such as Used as a form of attraction (such as for attracting aircraft, etc)for attracting aircraft, etc)

► Is essentially a mirror with a central Is essentially a mirror with a central holehole

►Let light reflect onto your free hand, Let light reflect onto your free hand, then use your hand to help you aim at then use your hand to help you aim at an object. You should essentially be an object. You should essentially be able to draw a line from the mirror, to able to draw a line from the mirror, to your hand, to the target.your hand, to the target.

The RadioThe Radio

Radio FrequenciesRadio Frequencies

Basic Radio ProceduresBasic Radio Procedures

Keeping a Log (And I Keeping a Log (And I Don’tDon’t Mean a Tree-Type Log…)Mean a Tree-Type Log…)

►Officially…Officially… Log time and event (periodically!)Log time and event (periodically!) Writes legiblyWrites legibly

►Unofficially…Unofficially… Remember that the log book CAN be used Remember that the log book CAN be used

in case of legal defense – treat it like an in case of legal defense – treat it like an official document.official document.

Keeping a LogKeeping a Log

► Things to remember:Things to remember: ““Log book opened by Log book opened by [signature here][signature here]”” Every 5 – 15 minutes, there should be something added.Every 5 – 15 minutes, there should be something added. When first started, list all team membersWhen first started, list all team members Monitor water intake on a daily basisMonitor water intake on a daily basis If someone else takes over the log book, make sure that If someone else takes over the log book, make sure that

the original person “closes” the log book, and that the new the original person “closes” the log book, and that the new person “opens” the log book as in paragraph 1 above.person “opens” the log book as in paragraph 1 above.

When a mistake is made, cross it out with a single line.When a mistake is made, cross it out with a single line. When all has been written and the mission is done, draw a When all has been written and the mission is done, draw a

diagonal cross from the top right to the bottom left to diagonal cross from the top right to the bottom left to prevent another person from tampering and adding to the prevent another person from tampering and adding to the log book.log book.

Basic First AidBasic First Aid

►Assessing InjuriesAssessing Injuries►““C-Spine”C-Spine”►Stopping BleedingStopping Bleeding►SplintingSplinting►Getting them on the Stokes Basket Getting them on the Stokes Basket

(Stretcher)(Stretcher)►Basic Carries if Stretcher is Basic Carries if Stretcher is

UnavailableUnavailable

““C-Spine”C-Spine”

►Refers to a part in a person’s neckRefers to a part in a person’s neck

►Must be properly held while moving a Must be properly held while moving a patient with suspected spinal injuriespatient with suspected spinal injuries

Assessing InjuriesAssessing Injuries

► Is the patient conscious? Is the patient conscious? If so, introduce yourself (tell him you are there to If so, introduce yourself (tell him you are there to

help)help) Ask what he thinks is wrongAsk what he thinks is wrong Feel his major limbs and ask him if anything hurts Feel his major limbs and ask him if anything hurts

when you touch itwhen you touch it

► If unconscious, treat him to the best of your If unconscious, treat him to the best of your ability assuming the worstability assuming the worst Assuming the worst means that you take into Assuming the worst means that you take into

account his back may be broken (depends on account his back may be broken (depends on situations surrounding)situations surrounding)

How to Stop BleedingHow to Stop Bleeding

►Apply pressureApply pressure►Hold at an angle where gravity pulls Hold at an angle where gravity pulls

blood away from the wound (towards blood away from the wound (towards your core)your core)

►Wrap up in some type of bandageWrap up in some type of bandage

Proper SplintingProper Splinting

►Once completed, the patient should be Once completed, the patient should be unable to move the splinted body partunable to move the splinted body part

►Required items: Required items: Two rigid sticks/polesTwo rigid sticks/poles Webbing/other means to tie down splintWebbing/other means to tie down splint

►Once sticks are in place, wrap the Once sticks are in place, wrap the webbing from under the foot to the topwebbing from under the foot to the top

►Cross it overCross it over►Wrap around the back, and repeat.Wrap around the back, and repeat.

Getting Patients on the Getting Patients on the StretcherStretcher

►1 Person holds C-Spine1 Person holds C-Spine►2 or 3 hold the patient on his side, 2 or 3 hold the patient on his side,

while the others move the stretcher while the others move the stretcher under his backunder his back

► It is inevitable that you will have to life It is inevitable that you will have to life the patientthe patient

►Only lift him as much as you need to…Only lift him as much as you need to…

Basic Communications User Basic Communications User TrainingTraining

QuestionsQuestions

►Feel free to ask… ES is complicated at Feel free to ask… ES is complicated at times, and the key to learning is times, and the key to learning is understanding.understanding.