ORDER:
The following outlines the general procedures to be followed by desk and field personnel regarding activation of the Rescue Team in the event of any of the following:
- Stranded person (cliff hangers)
- Lost persons in mountainous area
- Auto accident, victims over the side
- Injured persons distant from roadway
- Assist Headquarters Units, Homicide Bureau, etc.
- Floods and major mud flow
- Forest/brush fires (assist Forestry - County re: rope systems)
- Scuba-dive work (assist Emergency Services Detail)
- Evacuation of areas (fire, flood, etc.)
When desk personnel receive a call pertaining to any of the above the Watch Sergeant shall be advised immediately. It is the Watch Sergeant's responsibility to call out the Rescue Team. (Use San Dimas Form 106.) Timeliness is of the utmost importance in activating the Rescue Team. Their response can always be terminated if it is determined that they are no longer needed. The Rescue Team doesn't mind being turned back nearly as much as being called too late to perform a function that is their responsibility.
Stranded Persons (Cliff Hangers)
Activate Rescue Team, dispatch unit.
Lost Persons in Mountainous Area
Notify Rescue Team to stand by and dispatch unit to check for lost person's vehicle if applicable. Using information obtained from informant, fill out SHR 220 as much as possible and start. checking with known family and friends to make sure that the lost person is not already out of the mountains. The determination to activate the Rescue Team will be made as the investigation continues.
Auto Accident, Victims Over the Side
If there are victims over the Bide, it is the Rescue Team's responsibility to retrieve them. If they are on the roadway, it is the Fire Department's responsibility. If in doubt, roll Rescue. If a victim is over the side, Dispatch unit, activate Rescue Team, notify California Highway Patrol and paramedics,
Dispatch ambulance and tow service as necessary. If a victim is on the road and there reportedly are injuries, dispatch unit, dispatch ambulance, notify California Highway Patrol and paramedics.
Injured Persons Distant from Roadway:
Dispatch unit and ambulance. If the area is not accessible by ambulance, activate the Rescue Team to transport the victim out.
Assist Headquarters Units:
The determination to activate the Rescue Team shall be made by the Watch Commander or Watch Sergeant.
Floods and Major Mud Flow:
Activate the Rescue Team for rescue work in these areas. They have expertise and equipment for this type of work.
Forest/Brush Fires:
United States Forestry and Los Angeles County Fire Department have requested that the Rescue Team be activated in areas in which rope systems may have to be set up to get their personnel out of an area if needed, and to assist in systems to climb steep areas.
Scuba-Diving:
San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team has personnel and equipment available to assist Emergency Services Detail in scuba-dive work.
Evacuation of Areas:
Activate the Mountain Rescue Team if there is a possibility that an area may have to be evacuated. This can apply to some of the above subjects (i.e., fires, floods, etc.). In most cases, it is not necessary to await the unit's arrival before activating the Rescue Team. If it is felt that the informant is reliable and the Rescue Team will be needed, activate the Team at the time the unit is dispatched.
The Station Coordinator will be advised immediately whenever the Rescue Team is activated.
The Emergency Services Detail will be advised immediately of all injury accidents and rescues in the San Dimas mountain area.
Use Division Order •16, "Dispatching Emergency Medical Assistance", for additional information if needed.
Helicopter Assistance
A helicopter may be available during daylight hours to assist with rescues or transportation of injured persons. If it is dark or near dark, the helicopter will not respond into the mountains due to wires, etc., that cannot be seen at night. Helicopter assistance shall be requested through Special Enforcement Bureau and not through Aero Bureau.
Field Units
If you are dispatched to any one of the previously mentioned situations, you should determine within the first few minutes of your arrival whether the Rescue Team is needed. That determination should be relayed to the desk immediately so that the Rescue Team's response can be confirmed or terminated.
01/01/2000
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