Latest FSAR News and Training Oppetunities

Hi Folks,

Here is the latest FSAR news...

I just sent out a text message about Baxter State Park rescue coverage for the weekend of June 30-July 1. We currently only have 2 people signed up and we should really have 4. Please check your calendar and see if you can make this weekend work. If we have 4 we can split into 2 groups and one group can hike the mountain each day while the other provides primary coverage. If we have 2 people (1 group) we can still hike but will need  to be within 2 hours of a trail head so, shorter hikes. This is a great opportunity to play and maybe contribute to a rescue in New Englands premier wilderness park. Please contact me if you are able to make this weekend work.

We were just invited to Northstar’s swiftwater rescue weekend on the Magalloway in late August (details below). I attended this training a few years back and it was an AWESOME time. It is highly recommended, especially if you have not had any swiftwater training in a few years. It is great instruction, great camping, great fishing and great company.

Also, we have the latest FSAR member roster laminated for your wallet or glove box or to post next to your phone. Please contact Mit or Yates for a few copies. Remember if the need arises (all board members are out of town), every member should be prepared to help notify (text or phone) other team members in the event of a rescue call.

Thanks  -Mit

(NEW addition) Magalloway River Swift-water Course
24-26 August 2012




Friday 24 August


1600-1830 Arrival campsite setup and initial gear ups


1830-1930 Supper

1930-2100 Intro to the swift-water environment


Saturday 25 August


0700-0800 Breakfast


0800-0830 Gear up


0830-1030 Dry-land work next to the river


1030-1200 Swimming practice


1200-1230 Lunch


1230-1300 Break


1300-1700 On river perspective


1700-1800 Gear down


1800-1900 Supper


1900-2100 Debrief day and kayaking videos



Sunday 26 August

0730-0830 Breakfast and gear up


0830-1200 River work c boats


1200-1230 Lunch

1230-1330 Final Simulation

1330-1400 Debrief and final gear down

Other Training for the summer:

June 19-24 Eco Challenge  (contact Al and Barry for More info)  Begins in the forks Thurs/Fri more likely to involve us at the end. FSAR should be on a ‘heightened readiness response’ during this time. Al and Barry are coordinating Northstar and FSAR’s response for this event.

June 30- July 1 Baxter State Park rescue coverage by FSAR
We are still looking for volunteers for this weekend, contact Mit if you are thinking about attending.

Sunday, July 22 Carrabassett Backscountry Cycle Challenge. FSAR had a rescue/support role last year and we plan to participate again this year. The race is on, Sunday, July 22 more info here:  https://www.bikereg.com/Net/15826  If you are interested in helping out contact Barry or Al. Even if you do not have a mountain bike, you can be of great help during the event (and it is fun!)

August 11-12    Baxter State Park rescue coverage by FSAR, this weekend is nearly full, (max of 6 members)

Sept. 1-3 Labor Day weekend coverage of Baxter State Park by FSAR

Smalls Falls Rope Rescue Training June 9, 2012

We had a great day on (or above) the river for the Smalls Falls rope rescue class. 7 FSAR members and about 25 others participated in the training. We began by breaking into groups, mainline, belay and litter rigging. Each group learned some of the numerous ways to accomplish each task before rotating to the next station. Each evolution was a simulation of what a real rescue would be like. This consisted of lowering the belayed litter and medic/attendant down into one of the falls pools, switching over to a raise/haul system and raising the patient and attendant back to the rim.

This class was unusual because after lunch an EMT-B class joined us for the training. Once we completed the final raise with the patient (Luigi) and litter attendant, the EMT students took over and worked, packaged, and carried the litter off the hill to the ambulance. They also used FSAR’s litter wheel to move the litter, which was a new experience for most.

We were able to complete 4 lower and raise evolutions during the day. Thanks to DK, Paul, Al and Gabe for some great instruction.

DK give an overview of the process

Jeff 'geeks out' with the scarab diagram!

Paul conducts a critique after one of the evolutions.

Al helps rig Gabe's harness.

Jeff rigging for raise

EMT students take over.

Using FSARs litter wheel 

Debrief and critique

FSAR 2012 Summer Training Schedule

Summer FSAR training schedule

June 9 Smalls Falls rope rescue training.  ALL FSAR members are encouraged to attend. the event is from 9-3  Paul, Mike DK and Al are instructing.


June 13 Final FSAR meeting until September. Yates home pot-luck, families are encouraged to attend with members.

June 19-24 Eco Challenge  (contact Al and Barry for More info)  Begins in the forks Thurs/Fri more likely to involve us at the end. FSAR should be on a ‘heightened readiness response’ during this time. Al is coordinating Northstar and FSAR’s response for this event.

June 30- July 1 Baxter State Park rescue coverage by FSAR 
We are still looking for volunteers for this weekend, contact Steve Mitman if you are thinking about attending. 

Sunday, July 22 Carrabassett Backscountry Cycle Challenge

FSAR rescue/support role for the last year and we plan to participate again this year. The race is on, Sunday, July 22 more info here:  https://www.bikereg.com/Net/15826  If you are interested in helping out contact Barry or Al. Even if you do not have a mountain bike, you can be of great help during the event (and it is fun!)

 August 11-12    Baxter State Park rescue coverage by FSAR, this weekend is nearly full, (max of 6 members)

Sept. 1-3 Labor Day weekend coverage of Baxter State Park by FSAR