Friday, November 15, 2013

Rescue team gets new equipment

Donations provide new off-road vehicle, gear

---

By ERIC AVISSAR
Express Staff Writer

    The Ketchum-Sun Valley volunteer association rescue team now has new equipment to help backcountry search-and-rescue missions.
    Through public donations, the department has most notably acquired a 2008 Polaris Ranger, an off-road vehicle that will provide access to remote areas.
    In addition to the $13,000 utility task vehicle, the department acquired a “skid unit” for patient transport. According to Sun Valley Fire Department training officer Taan Robrahn, the $3,500 piece of equipment will make sure the patient being rescued can be seated with the medic right next to them and readily available to provide the necessary care.
    In addition, the rescue teams will be able to now use a Delorme tracking system. Robrahn said it is a highly advanced emergency locator system. As a result, rescue teams will be able to send free-form text messages from remote backcountry locations.
    “With our population, we have a very active community,” Robrahn said. “Now we can have better resources for our volunteers to work safely.”
    The fourth significant purchase made was a new sled that will ensure the safe transport of skiing and snowboarding accident victims from the terrain to the rescue vehicle.
    All of the items were purchased after Robrahn and fellow volunteers put together a proposal for the equipment early last summer. He said he felt grateful for all of the new equipment that was acquired solely through public donations.
    “We really appreciate the public support,” Robrahn said. “Their donations were huge, and now we will be able to better ensure the safety of our citizens and visitors this season.”   
Eric Avissar: eavissar@mtexpress.com

acheter viagra
comprar viagra
buy viagra