T.R.A.C.E.R. Technical Rope and Cave Emergency Response |
For many years while in Kentucky , Dr Becker was a
member of TRACER. Serving first as the Secretary/Treasurer, and
later, in addition, the position of Communications Officer. The
Experience that came from both learning, and later teaching, rope rescue
has only added to the scope of understanding of both human and large
animal rescue techniques. TRACER also assisted Bullitt County
Emergency Management and the Canine Team, the Bullitt County Sheriffs
Office, as well as Jefferson County Homicide in the search for lost
persons and criminal evidence. Not only was all of the
participation on TRACER volunteer, there was a considerable expense in
providing personal rope rescue equipment. The TRACER Team as of 2005 Below are some photographs of training evolutions. |
TRACER is involved in three different types of rescues. The photographs above demonstrate "high angle" rescues of persons trapped on a high ledge and possibly injured, or stuck on a rope due to equipment failure. |
Another type of rescue involves caves. Below is a cave rescue sequence.
This rescue scenario occured in Breckenridge County. The first photograph shows packaging the patient for hypothermia. Next, the patient is moved along the tight passages. Below, the patient is then rigged for vertical lift up a pit and raised using a haul system from other rescue personnel located above in the main room. Finally, the patient is moved through the main room and back to the earths surface. |
TRACER is also involved in Swift Water rescues. This will become very important
during the spring flooding. |
Just as Dr Becker is the Telecommunication Specialist
on two national disaster response teams, her participation on TRACER often times required having to leave work on a moments notice. With the veterinary practice, this meant cancelling appointments and rescheduling. And while this can be an inconvenience for horse owners, it is hoped that there was some understanding of the importance of public service, not dissimilar to being in National Guard of other uniformed service. |