February 28, 2009 Survive! Before we get started on the subject of survival training... late Friday afternoon, the ARCUS computer specialist told some of us to go out to see the Ravens that were cleaning up after the sled dogs in the parking lot. Extra Credit Question... what is the word used to describe a large group of Ravens?
Ravens clean up after the sled dogs were fed in the parking lot.
Our final day of orientation was survival training. Tuck Brouhard, of LTR Alaska (Learn to Return) was our instructor. I will spare you the images of lacerations, broken bones, bear attacks, and frostbite that we viewed right after lunch. Considering my personal experience with chainsaws, I am pleased that I was OK looking at all of these pictures. (For those of you who do not know, five years ago I severely cut into my leg with a chainsaw.) We reviewed many basic first-aid concepts except for the all important call "911" rule. In most of the places our expeditions will be going, it may take hours or days before an injured person could reach proper medical attention. I for one will not be able to call 911 from Lake E! Most importantly, we reviewed how to assess an emergency then what basic first aid can be given in the field. Shortly after our instruction, I was "attacked by a grizzly bear" and since Sarah was my partner, she demonstrated the incorrect and correct ways to bandage a major neck wound.
Sarah demonstrates incorrect and correct bandages for a severe neck injury.
After I my bleeding stopped, Barney bandaged Mark's "severe head injury." Later we all practiced splinting broken arms.
Barney practices bandaging Mark after his bear mauling.
Another aspect of the training included appropriate arctic and Antarctic apparel.
This example of Betsey's idea of appropriate footwear... She will soon be working in Barrow Alaska. Betsey is from Tucson AZ. Follow her expedition.
Arizona Betsey's normal footware in Alaska
We learned to make cold weather gear from materials that could be found in a plane crash or broken-down car.
After Casey lost his boot, I replaced his North face snow boot with a plane/car crash boot.
With seat cushion foam, hard foam, plastic bags, string, tape and a piece of carpet, here is my finished product.
My completed work. Case said that this new boot was warmer than his North Face snow boot.
After walking around in the snow for quite a long time, Casey agreed that this new boot was considerably warmer than his North Face snow boot! Hopefully, we will not need any of our newly acquired arctic survival skills, however, it is much better to have the skills and not need them, than need them and not have them...
I will be leaving this wonderful place tomorrow morning.
Now more than ever... Stay Warm!