Trip Report: the LCCC’s first Safety Day
Sixteen LCCC members spent a day at Dodge Park sharing knowledge and ideas about how to prevent and respond to problems on the river. Members present included Allie D., Bruce B. Chris G, Robin K. Clayton S., Jill M., Bryan S., John F., Justin B., Jason F., and Meg S. Members offering instruction were John M., Alyse O, Chris M., Bruce E., and me, though I had laryngitis. The day was perfect, and we all learned something. Thanks to all who came, we love it that you care about safety! Because guess what, $4it does happen.
This is not a drill. LCCC members attempt to recover a pinned IK in the Bull Run River, in 2022.
First John Maroney gave a presentation, and a handout, about first aid. The handout was a waterproof first aid reminder brochure to go in our first aid kits, and it provided the structure for his talk. Most interesting were the updates on wilderness emergency medicine, specifically the emphasis on including rescue breathing with CPR when drowning is the issue, the debate about benadryl in the treatment of anaphylaxis, and the reduced use of backboards in cases of possible spinal injury. John also demoed the use of a heavy duty garbage bag and kayak paddles as a litter, and gave us each a groovy trash bag. Thanks John for bringing your current knowledge of wilderness medical care!
Next Chris Meinke unpacked his considerable safety kit including first aid, hypothermia kit and rescue gear. We compared notes and I emptied my drybag revealing a rather more minimalist approach. A couple things that I learned: 1) carrying a specialized tourniquet as part of your kit is advisable and 2) there are some new kinds of medical tape that stick when wet--a lot better than what I've been carrying. Upon shopping these items I’m considering a bulk order and can split with folks if others are interested. Stand by for details. Thanks Chris for teaching us swiftwater skills and safety awareness!
Control panel of aircraft.
Bruce Eicher then shared his Go/No Go checklist, which is under development. Bruce is an aviator and aviators use checklists. Bruce modified a pilot's pre-takeoff checklist to apply to paddling. Basically it makes you think about each detail until you’re sure the balance is in your favor, and you can go. If too many uncertainties or weaknesses are present the wise pilot of any craft will skip it that day. Expect to see Bruce’s checklist again as he refines it. Thank you Bruce for your leadership both in the course and in the rescue! Some people just get stuff done.
At some point we were discussing evacuation and Alyse told us about a Colorado Search and Rescue Card program by which you can purchase a SAR card that will reduce the cost of your evacuation if you ever need it, and help train and equip Search and Rescue teams. In Colorado it sounded like the card costs $25 and works statewide. In Oregon a 1-year card costs $10 and covers a specific SAR district, and a 5-year card is $55. Folks who paddle the Illinois River might be wise to purchase the Josephine SAR card, because that SAR crew knows how to get to Greenwall Rapid by land, and has already rescued quite a few boaters. Also if you buy that card you're entered in a raffle for a Glock G43X.
After lunch Alyse Oxenford presented two methods for reducing a dislocated shoulder. Alyse is in medical school and has previously worked as paramedic, so she has considerable experience in this area. She taught us two simple methods. My take-away is that if it's a simple anterior dislocation (not complicated by fractures, etc) it's much kinder to reduce it (put it back in joint) immediately, because over time a dislocated shoulder just gets harder to reduce. Thank you Alyse for all the medical and wilderness evacuation tips!
Knot tying in the shade, photo by John M.
Next we spent some time tying knots and playing with ropes. Chris Meinke led the discussion and everyone went home with a prussik loop, though I'm not sure everyone knows how to tie a double fisherman's knot yet. My take away from this exercise is that tying knots is best learned when you are young--some folks are never going to get good at it, and it's not necessary that everyone be good at knots and ropework. Better that you should know who is good with knots on your trips, and if there is a need for a rope system, designate them the official "riggers" and set them loose.
The same strategy (of delegation) applies to throwing ropes, as least in a larger group. In real life some people have "a good arm" (for throwing) and others don't. When it really counts, you want someone who can hit their mark to be ready to nail you with that rope and pull you in. Everyone in a team has their strengths, and we are blessed when we use each person’s strengths.
While we were tying knots we saw a man and child going downstream on a SUP without lifejackets, helmets, or a clue. They were headed for a big, bony, long rapid called Pipeline. Lucky for them, after they wiped out they ended up on the island across from us. Bruce and Chris organized a strategic response and we were able to get them back to shore, though the SUP had gone downstream. The debrief discussion was an excellent real-life heads up to help us all respond better the next time.
Satellite view of confluence of Bull Run and Sandy Rivers, and Dodge Park
For the last part of the day we suited up and swam in the river. Bruce and Chris orchestrated these exercises. We went over to the Bull Run side of the confluence because there was less flow over there, though the water temperature was considerably colder than the main Sandy. We swam over (and under) a log obstacle, with folks practicing throwing ropes to get everybody in below. I was impressed with the throws! We have some "good arms" in the crew.
Overall this was a great day with the newer boaters perhaps learning the most. I think everybody got something out of it. I know I did. Pretty much everybody had something to contribute to the ongoing discussions. After the class 7 of us paddled the Bull Run which is a delightful class 3 romp that is less than 2 miles long. We also ate a great deal of the leftover pizza.
Sandy River with “god light” by Don Feltham.
