William H. Smith July 18, 1999

1204 Christmas Tree Lane about 450 words

Pearce, Az. 85625

303-36-7671

(520) 826-1029

Search and Rescue

By

William H. Smith

On July 12, 1999 at 0830 hours, the Cochise Search and Rescue team arrived at the Cochise Stronghold to study the Air force’s methods of rescuing.

The Cochise Stronghold is located 9 miles west of highway 191, on Ironwood road that terminates at the Dragoon Mountains. The Dragoons are a small mountain range that is covered by large boulders, and was the home of an Apache chief, named Cochise.

The Air force arrived at 0955 hours. Arriving in a Black hawk helicopter, the purpose of the visit was to demonstrate their skills and techniques to the Cochise County Search and Rescue team. In the future it may be necessary for them to work together in an actual rescue.

The first phase of the demonstration was to free-fall from the Black hawk to the ground. This was carried out on a three-inch rope fifty feet long that was attached to the helicopter by two safety hooks. The Airman demonstrated by free falling to the ground, stopping just inches before coming in contact with the surface. This is like the method used when a fireman slides down a fire pole, free falling until you want to stop, by straightening your legs you will stop almost immediately.

Two Airmen repelling on two separate lines demonstrated the next method of repelling from the helicopter. They used harness similar to a mountain climber, when repelling down a cliff.

Another method of rescue was the Horse Collar. A rope with a collar attached near the end is lowered to the victim, a rescuer repels down on the rope to the collar, the collar is then attached to the victim, and both individuals are then wrenched into the helicopter.

The last method is the basket. The basket is lowered to the rescue crew on the ground, the basket is wrenched into the Helicopter. On the basket is a tag line this is used to keep the basket from spinning. This demonstration was made at different location in the boulders.

If a person was lying in the rocks, on a mountainside, or any other inaccessible spot, feeling very frightened, that whop-whop-whop of a copter can be very comforting to them, knowing help is there.

Before the Search and Rescue teams arrived, the camp host at the Cochise Stronghold camp grounds, reported to the Ranger that two climbers had left the night before without proper

gear to stay overnight. Considerations were made for a rescue. Before the Air force arrived, the climbers had made their way out and a rescue wasn't necessary.

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