Hey Buddy, What’s in That Pack?

The mountains of Utah are filled with countless opportunities to explore new areas and experience the epic terrain up close.  However, as more and more people push farther into the back country, the importance of the professional rescuer being prepared for a back country call out increases dramatically.  The evolution and proliferation of touring equipment has made it easier for the average individual to get out and about.  In the event that you do get called out on a backcountry rescue, make sure your gear is in good working order and that you have the best combination of equipment to get yourself in and out in one piece.

The following is a list of gear the professional rescuer should consider carrying in his/her pack:

Rescue Gear-                                                                 Medical Gear-

40-50 L pack                                                                  Sam splint

Minimum 100 feet of static 7mm rope                            Ace bandages          

2 carabiners                                                                  4x4 gauze pads

2-3 strands of 1 inch webbing of varying lengths         Kerlex gauze wrap

Harness                                                                        Latex or Nitrile Gloves

Belay device                                                                  Medical tape           

Collapsible shovel                                                         Triangular bandages

300mm probe                                                                Assorted band aids

Avalanche beacon                                                         Moleskin and duct tape

Climbing skins                                                               CPR Mask/NPA/OPA's

Snow/limb saw                                                              EMT Shears

Helicopter smoke/flare

Nutrition-                                                                  Fire and Warmth- 

Cliff Bars or similar protein bars                                  Lighter/Waterproof Matches

1.5-2 Liter water bottle and iodine tablets                Space blanket (reflective)      

Dried fruit                                                                   Bivy sac (overnight rescue)                

MRE  (yes, the military ready to eat meals)                Firestarter (emergency tinder)

                                                                                   12 hour emergency candle

Personal-

Extra pair dry gloves/socks/balaclava

Duct Tape

Extra pair goggles (low light lens)

Sunglasses

Knife/Leatherman

Helmet

Whistle

Compass

Headlamp/batteries

Extra mid layer

Write in the rain notebook and pen

This list is not exhaustive, but it is a great starting place.  These pieces of gear will ensure that you are prepared to respond in the event of a backcountry emergency.  Items like the 12 hour candle and bivy sac or space blanket are great if you have to dig a snow cave and spend the night in the outdoors.  An MRE is also a great warm meal for the extended time you or someone else may spend in the backcountry.  

Know what is in your rescue pack and ensure that things are in working order.  Grouping similar items like fire starters and matches in a waterproof bag or container is highly recommended.  Being ready to take on the elements and save someone’s life is part of our jobs as professional rescuers and we owe it to those we help to be well equipped and trained.  Check our places like Emergency Essentials or Recreation Outlet in Salt Lake City to find a variety of these items.

Thanks to Snowbird Ski Patrollers Sean Zimmerman-Wall and Josh Lambert for contributing to this entry.