What we need to do is to assemble an all-purpose rescue kit that would suffice to address a less-than-life-threatening emergency. Since this is a Scout group, we have to consider the possibility that the emergency involves some unrelated person or group the Scouts found while on their hike.
In addition to personal gear (pack/tent/sleeping bag/food/water/knife/personal FAK) we will need to identify any additional gear that could be useful in an unspecified emergency. Some things that come to mind are:
- ropes/harnesses/pulleys to be used for raising a stranded / fallen hiker.
- extra water
- advanced first aid kit
- fabric stretcher to transport a hiker
What else should we include? We need to consider weight, since we will have to hike in and out with whatever we bring. The hikers will already have their personal gear, but it is possible that some key piece of gear has been lost, food taken by a bear, etc.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Ugh... OK, first off, may I ask your experience in BSA? Many of these concerns, while valid, fall way outside of Scouting, IMHO. I was in scouts 10 years, Eagle, etc. Not once did we ever have a "rescue group," for better or worse.
If someone was sick, two of us would walk the person out (the buddy rule). If someone was injured, they'd walk out. If they couldn't walk, then 2 of the older scouts went to the nearest ranger station/waypoint and obtained their assistance. Calling for assistance is NOT the same as a SAR response. I don't think there's any good reason that Scouters should be exposed to the risks of self-rescue. Getting trained in high-angle rescue, carrying 150 lbs. 20 miles the the car, etc, is VERY dangerous work, as well as strenuous. Looking at the adults in my troop, half would have probably had heart attacks trying to help. A bunch of middle-age dads isn't necessarily the best group to consider.
As for other concerns, it does matter where you are. Eg, in Yosemite, there's usually quite a bit of water. Have each kid with 2-3 quarts, and fill up every night, you'll be fine. My longest hike of 10 days had no problem. Maybe places also have some sort of provision for cacheing supplies, or having a supply train meet you. Look into that for your group. Bears? ha... hang your food, or buy some bear canisters:
http://www.rei.com/product/709075You can fit 2-3 days worth of food for about 8 people in one. they also have cases so you can lash it to the outside of a pack. Don't forget, other critters will eat your stuff, like raccoons.
I wouldn't do any first aid other than what's taught by ARC - you do anything more, you start risking "medicine without a license" problems, unless the person is trained in that. Like, don't bring an IV unless you're a medic, nurse, or doctor. Maybe a few people taking wilderness first aid is a good idea.
You also need to consider the legal, and possible PR, aspects of this idea. If something goes wrong, the entire troop and the adults will be reamed for doing the wrong thing (hindsight is, after all, 20:20). And possible sued. Or jailed.
The last thing is, that the first thing professional rescuers are taught is to NOT BECOME A VICTIM. I advise your rescue group to consider this law when planning their intentions.
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