*** Orienteering for SAR Teams *** Tue May 21 09:12:03 1996 Letter : 12355631 From: Rick Hood Address : 71753.2332@CompuServe.COM Subject : Orienteering for SAR To: Martin Colwell The orienteering markers are three sided, approximately a cubic foot, colored orange and white, and hung at waist level. The location are marked quite well on the event maps, and I believe would make an excellent SAR training events. What follows are a few examples: -- Individuals or teams would take part in the event thro home map reading, route choice, contour, pace and compass skills while participating in the event proper, or --After the event a SAR member or team could offer to recover some or all of the markers and, as such, have almost exclusive use of the area for a more formal practice SAR mission. -- Augment the markers with either written" subject cards" or practice subjects (for example the second of the team to reach the marker becomes the subject; he reads the card that says he has a unstable leg fracture and needs both medical and transport attention; then he assume the part.) --After the event, send out 4-5 subject (or more) to selected controls and run a practice mission where the sound sweep or other "response subject" methods are likely to produce positive results. === Orienteering === For SAR Teams and Members Seeking Navigational Practice or Challenge If you are looking for a great way to gain or test your proficiency with map* and compass, try Orienteering, the sport of navigation. The objective is to navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint in the woods over a preset course. (The essence of Orienteering involves key SAR navigation skills like map reading, route choice, compass/pace-counting skills, coupled with your or your teams physical condition to reach your checkpoints.) Events are held year-round throughout Washington State and British Columbia and range from an short to an extended format**. Each event offers basic to advanced options, which are graduated according to total distance, elevation gain, and technical skill required. In Orienteering you choose your own pace and whether to go it alone or with others. (Instruction is provided free upon request and newcomers are always welcome.) A great source for general information is the Orienteering Hotline, 206.783.3866, which includes the latest schedule information for the next few months, or call Rick Hood at 206.367.2606 (email:71753.2332@compuserve.com) for SAR-related Orienteering information. * Orienteering maps are based on USGS maps but offer more detail- 1:15,000 is the normal scale with contours of 5 meters. Further, most maps are produced with five colors that make vegetation and other terrain features apparent. Lastly, they are attractive and make a great souvenir! ** Extended backcountry events, or Rogaines, typically: last 6 to 24 hours; are done in two to four-person teams; use a modified USGS 7.5' series map; place a premium on map reading, route selection, and stamina; and are mostly done at a hiking pace. This, of course, makes for a great SAR Team exercise or competition. Rick Hood ======= email: 71753.2332@compuserve.com phone/fax: (206) 367-2606 postal: 19708 15th Ave NE #19 Seattle WA 98155-1164 -------------------------------------