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Oplopanax Horridus

Oplopanax Horridus

A veteran SAR volunteer's experiences in British Columbia

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Tag: backcountry

On Backcountry Safety

By Michael Coyle Posted on 17/03/2015 Posted in Blog Entry Tagged with #TrailHeadSelfie, backcountry, safety, social media
On Backcountry Safety

Backcountry safety is the process that consists of many parts; all of them are important, and leaving one out can mean the difference between life and death.

The Autoimmune Expedition

By Michael Coyle Posted on 20/02/2013 Posted in Blog Entry, Essay Tagged with adventure, avalanche, backcountry, fundraising, mountaineering, ski
The Autoimmune Expedition
Mount Rainier,Disappointment Cleaver

My friend Peter Marshall is climbing Mount Rainier to raise funds and awareness for Autoimmune Disease. He could use your help: Autoimmune Expedition

Traverse The Coast: An Audacious Undertaking

By Michael Coyle Posted on 05/02/2013 Posted in Blog Entry Tagged with backcountry, expedition, maps, ski, traverse, TraverseTheCoast

The Traverse the Coast expedition are undertaking a backcountry ski traverse from Vancouver to Alaska; I’ll be assisting by making maps for them.

Why does SAR Search for Dogs?

By Michael Coyle Posted on 08/12/2012 Posted in Blog Entry Tagged with backcountry, dog, hazard, management, policy, social media
Why does SAR Search for Dogs?

Why searching for a Dog is in the interest of public safety

Stop with the Smart Phones already

By Michael Coyle Posted on 30/11/2012 Posted in Blog Entry Tagged with backcountry, communications, gear, GPS, opinion, rant, safety, smart phone, social media, technology

People are still under the impression a Smart Phone can replace a GPS in the wilderness, and they’re still wrong.

Remains of Missing Hiker found near Terrace BC

By Michael Coyle Posted on 21/11/2012 Posted in Blog Entry Tagged with backcountry, death, SAR, search

The remains of missing hiker Warren Sill were found by the continued effort and perseverance of Terrace SAR

The idiocy of using social media to call for help

By Michael Coyle Posted on 11/10/2012 Posted in Blog Entry Tagged with backcountry, communications, GPS, rant, smart phone, smartphone, social media, technology
The idiocy of using social media to call for help
Share designed by <a href="http://www.thenounproject.com/Mikhail1986">Michael Rowe</a> from the <a href="http://www.thenounproject.com">Noun Project</a>

Why posting to Social Media when you are lost is a very very stupid thing to do

Cell phones and GPS

By Michael Coyle Posted on 26/03/2012 Posted in Blog Entry Tagged with backcountry, cell phone, communications, GPS, PLB, smart phone, technology
Cell phones and GPS

Some recent news reports contain conflicting information on Cell phones and GPS reliability for SAR use, I attempt to clarify

Personal Locator Beacons from the Rescuer’s Perspective

By Michael Coyle Posted on 26/08/2011 Posted in Blog Entry, Essay Tagged with backcountry, beacon, case study, helicopters, HETS, management, map, personal locator beacon, PLB, rescue, safety, Tyler Wright, weather
Personal Locator Beacons from the Rescuer’s Perspective

A case study of a rescue with a Personal Locator Beacon in SouthWestern BC detailing rescuer’s difficulties accessing the location.

Finding Someone from a Helicopter

By Michael Coyle Posted on 15/08/2011 Posted in Blog Entry, Essay Tagged with backcountry, rescue, safety, SAR, search
Finding Someone from a Helicopter
Well hello there.

A description of a search, and of finding someone from a helicopter. Some tips on how to be spotted.

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