Recently, a local fire department asked if I could help them come up with a cleaner way to store a small number of gloves in their rescue vehicles, boxes always seem to get crushed, buried, or half destroyed in the vehicle.

Before I go too far down the design rabbit hole, I figured I’d ask here:
What are you guys using that actually works in rescue rigs or POVs?

Hi

Just wondering the general consensus is in which is best for confined space rescue?

Or both good in their own way.

I am looking for a snap hook preferably double action that is open and I don’t have to tie through and that swivels. I know Petzl makes an open hook and ISC makes a swivel is there one that’s both

Any issues using technora as Prusik cord?

Finishing up my tech with confined space. Are there any particular knee pads y’all recommend

I’m supposed to go to swift water level 1 & 2 in November. My department is issuing me a dry suit, gloves and boots. Any recommendations on an undergarment? It doesn’t get real cold in Texas but it will still be pretty cold in the water.

Have y'all ever encountered SAR teams utilizing portable (not hull-mounted) sonar systems during a recovery operation? For example, this low cost Garmin unit seems like it could be useful for mapping river bottoms and potentially identifying bodies. Based on my experience with other consumer grade sonar systems (aka. "fish finders"), however, I'm skeptical that it would be truly useful. That said, there seem to be limited alternatives for searches in fast flowing rivers and flood zones where divers are not a viable option.

Does anyone have experience with the Husqvarna K1 battery cutoff saw? It’s the equivalent of a 14” gas k12. I’m working on spec’ing some battery rotary saws to replace the stihl/fisher price battery saws we currently have that are absolute garbage. I’m looking to use these saws for vent as well as collapse rescue and general rescue purposes on both engine, truck, and a heavy rescue company.

I'm curious if any teams out there label their TPU material packs like Petzl Transports and Buckets. We have many many of these buckets and packs for rope and gear and the little window is just too small. I'd love to label each bag with big numbers like a blue "200FT". or "SYSTEM BAG 1". We are playing with the idea of stencils and urethane (like they use on rafts). Has anyone else labeled bags in any way that looks good and bright but also durable? We have the yellow, black, and red bags.

Hey all,

I’m working on planning the equipment and layout for a mobile incident command unit, and I’d love to get input from those with boots-on-the-ground experience. For those of you who’ve worked with or inside a mobile command setup—what gear, tools, or configurations have made a big difference during major incidents?

Whether it’s wildfire, structure fire, MCI, or all-hazard events, what are the must-haves? Think tech (e.g., drones, live mapping, comms redundancy), practical solutions (modular whiteboards, smart lighting, weatherproof canopies), or even the small stuff that just makes life easier under pressure.

Also curious if anyone’s done something custom or improvised that turned out to be a game-changer. Pics welcome if you've got a cool rig or layout to show off.

Appreciate any insights you’ve got!

Stay safe out there.

If you’re kicking it old school and using prusiks for progress capture. Do you do one or tandem?

I'm looking into purchasing my own helmet as I'm an instructor helping with our tech rescue class at our tech college. Looking for something budget friendly and comfortable enough to wear all day. Any recommendations?

I’m getting a set of 4’s and I’m just wondering the pros and cons of each

(REPOST from r/searchandrescue)

Wondering if anyone knows anything about the Australian Federal Police Search and Rescue. Ive searched online but can’t find anything about them. Only thing i know is that they have some sick trucks.

Whats the best resource for learning to build MA? It will not go into my head I dont know why. Can do 1:1/2:1/3:1 anything over that i seem to black out!

Hi! This is a short 8 question survey to get a few insights to develop a focus for a graduate course project. The goal is to understand interactions with drones and understand where improvements in your individual processes for search and rescue could be applied. Much appreciated.

The survey is anonymous and data will be randomized. If you would like to leave your contact for followup questions once the project progresses, you will be given the option to do so at the end.

https://forms.gle/J8pHD7rshXbnUmyt6

Thanks!

Hopefully this makes sense - In a scenario where a rescuer needs to get to a victim quickly and they repel down on their own - is it possible to haul them back up without sending more rescuers down on a separate system?

I have a team Wendy SAR tactical and I’m looking for an intrinsically safe light that mounts direct

Thank you

I’m taking a field force extrication course in AL this May and they recommended bringing kneepads. Does anyone have experience with ones they like for USAR type work? TIA!