Hi, <br>I must admit this forum has been very useful for me finding things out about equipment etc. I lead a team of specialist rapid interventionists in Istanbul for disaster and emergencies response. It is very likely that we will be dropped to a very rural area after a disaster by a helicopter after a disaster, because we are the only team here trained to work with very light equipment carried on back packs on remote locations. Having been trained by British Civil Defence (chief instructor ex SAS member) unlike many urban search and rescue teams we have learnt the value of individual survival in the team.<br><br>I would be over the moon if I could exchange any info with people who would like to share their invaluable experiences with us.<br><br>Burak Birhekimoglu<br><br>Survive and Protect

Hello Burak, I assume most of your remote disasters involve the frequent earthquakes you share with California and rescues in the cold mountainous areas. Are you involved with immediate victim search and assistance, or do your duties involve long term involvment, such as the combating of infectious deseases that often follow large scale disasters?Let us know any questions you may have.<br><br>

Hello Chris, Many thanks. Yes, our remote disasters involve eq's and we also have floods. It is real cold in winter time but in some places in summer it is extremely hot. We are involved in immediate victim search and debris tunneling mostly, but we may stay in the area longer and do any given job. <br>As an ex USCG do you know any case studies about immersion hypothermia which I can access?? We also have a boat team for flood and coastal rescue.<br><br>Survive and Protect

Ratstr, www.hypothermia.org/protocol.htm is a site maintained by the state of Alaska. There are many sites available if you do a simple websearch for hypothermia. this is the one I prefer. It is very straightforward and complete.<br><br>

Many thanks, Chris<br> <br>Seeing your interest in earthquakes, you may check my website on www.ratstr.org <br><br><br><br>Survive and Protect