In conjunction with the Placer County Sherriff’s Search and Rescue, and the Placer County Avalanche Canine Team (or P.A.C.T.), Alpine Meadows Ski Resort hosted a full day of search and rescue dog training Tuesday, Feb. 5. Registered attendees for the P.A.C.T. training day included dogs and handlers from Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, Squaw Valley USA, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Homewood Mountain Resort, Sugarbowl Ski Area and Placer County Sherriff Search and Rescue.
Preparation is essential. P.A.C.T. training and seminars were conducted with a hands-on approach and simulated real-life search and rescue scenarios that included:
-Training seminar for dog handlers -Helicopter transportation training for dogs -Advanced snow search problems for experienced dogs -Searches for individuals, multiple people, vehicles, clothing articles -Puppy training -Dogs eligible for P.A.C.T. certification will undergo specific tests and rescue scenarios and evaluated by a P.A.C.T. certified representative.
VIEW A VIDEO OF THE RESCUE SCENARIO P.A.C.T. is an important program because it provides search and rescue expertise within close proximity to many winter outdoor activity areas,” said Brian Slusser of the Alpine Meadows Ski Patrol and P.A.C.T. team member. “The Sierra Nevada hosts a large concentration of winter sports, and P.A.C.T. provides a key measure of safety. The fact that certified P.A.C.T. team members live locally is valuable in terms of response time in the event of an emergency; and their expertise within the realm of search and rescue is invaluable,” he added.
The region also recognizes the importance of P.A.C.T.
“Our goal is to be a regional resource, extending into California, Nevada, or essentially wherever we’re needed. We have agreements with California Highway Patrol and Care Flight. If they’re available, they can transport us or fly the team via helicopter to an incident site. Ultimately, P.A.C.T. unifies and maximizes the effectiveness of all of our region’s individual resources under one unit. We can respond quickly and with a great deal of man power to an avalanche incident,” said Chris Cattran of the Placer County Sherriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and P.A.C.T. Co-Founder. “The formation of P.A.C.T. has been a real team effort between many groups,” he added.
Becoming a P.A.C.T. team member requires stringent standards of expertise.
“In regards to avalanche rescue, P.A.C.T. represents the best of the best who are volunteering their time to be a resource for the community and visitors,” said Matt Calcutt of the California Highway Patrol and P.A.C.T. Board Member and Co-Founder. "All P.A.C.T. members are strong skiers, registered Disaster Service Workers in Placer County, and seasoned avalanche rescue specialists. Equally important, P.A.C.T. team members are committed.
“It’s great to see how all the ski areas, employees, and volunteers have played a part in the formation of P.A.C.T. Everybody is working and volunteering together for the common goal of being available in the event of an avalanche,” Calcutt stated.
In addition to support from the Placer County Sherriff’s Office, Care Flight, and California Highway Patrol, P.A.C.T. recently received a grant from the Reno, Nevada-based Thelma B. and Thomas P. Hart Foundation, allowing for purchases of backpacks, probes, shovels, avalanche search beacons for humans and dogs, GPS units, transport sleds for dogs, and communication radios – all essential equipment for rescue scenarios.
For further information about the P.A.C.T. visit www.skialpine.com or call (530) 583-4232 for more information about Alpine Meadows.
MEET SOME RESCUE DOGS These dogs may be cute and friendly as can be, but when it comes to taking action and saving lives, they know exactly what to do. Ginger 6 year-old Started training at 4 months Owner Loves riding in the helicopter - it's like riding in the back of the truck
Carmel 4 years-old Started training at 6 months Owner Rick Falkenberg of Truckee Carmel is crazy for frizbees. Her training and work is like a big game to her.
Bridger 6 years-old Started training at 8 weeks Owner is Don Akers of the Alpine Ski Patrol Team Bridgers favorite thing to do is follow dad (Don) around and be his best friend.
Shooter 4 years-old Adopted at 10 months, started training shortly after. Owner is Brian Slusser, Alpine Meadows Ski Patrol Assistant Manager Shooter got really excited when Brian mentioned fly fishing.
VIEW A PHOTO SLIDE SHOW OF THE DAY IN TRAINING AND PLAYING
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