Our Utah Search and Rescue effort at the tragedy last week was outstanding, professional and heroic. Many of the rescuers risked their own lives trying to save others. Because RCT has raised issues of communication, we are seeing changes being made already which will benefit the entire Bear Lake area. While these current efforts might not have made a difference in the June 1 tragedy, it is worth looking at some additional issues and questions to be answered for future incidents, including:
1. Radio contact. Why is there no radio interoperability directly between Idaho and Utah Park boats? Utah has 800 MHz state of the art radios. Idaho has an old analog system. In 2003, 2007, and 2009 there were Idaho State studies about this problem and in 2007 there was a significant grant in Idaho for new radios but none was given to Bear Lake County which has to communicate with Utah (and others) in the Bear Lake region. The Idaho State Parks boat was unable to communicate via radio directly with any of the Utah rescue boats, having to work through central dispatch.
2. Ambulances unable to cross state lines. In 2003 there was an Interstate Agreement Compact signed between the state of Idaho and the state of Utah for Ambulance Licensure that had a single stated purpose, i.e., “To allow currently licensed ambulance services based in the states of Utah and Idaho the ability to provide the public, of either state, emergency medical services and medical transportation without regard to state border.” The agreement contains considerably more specifics and was to remain in effect for perpetuity until rescinded by either of the two states. We can find no evidence that it was ever rescinded. The Rich County Commission is aware of this compact but has been told by their insurance carrier that it does not legally indemnify them, so the ambulances stop at state lines.
3. Idaho State Boat not ready to launch. The large Idaho State Park 26’ boat was parked for a period of at least two or three weeks prior to June 10 for repair and upgrade in the State Park facility at St. Charles, Idaho. Memorial Day is the start of the high tourist season . In response to the emergency the smaller 20’ boat was launched on the evening of June 1 from the North Beach boat ramp ½ hour after notification, operated alone by a highly experienced and courageous employee, which is as fast as they could get it in the water. Kirk Rich, Idaho Parks, said that the 26' boat is now in the Utah Marina as of June 13, using docking space which Utah provides free of charge.
4. Using all the resources available. The Bear Lake Community Clinic has IV warmers for hypothermia victims but they were not notified. With 7 potential victims and only 3 ambulances plus the 3 Utah helicopters, the clinic could have been a resource to start treatment.
5. Spotting Training. Should Search and Rescue in both states train and equip with high power optics and communication gear several volunteer spotters around the lake in both Utah and Idaho about how to spot people in the lake and how to give clear directions to search parties? The two spotters from Utah who helped the rescue efforts from a vantage point in Idaho were very calm and very accurate so that they were able to help save at least two of the survivors.
6. Waterproof Boat GPS. Should boaters in large and potentially dangerous lakes and water ways like Bear Lake or Lake Powell, for example, be required to rent or have waterproof electronic tracking units or visual flare devices for night use?
Many people may have more ideas for increased boater safety and we hope you will share them with us.
No comments:
Post a Comment