SAR Coordinator's Note, by Rick Kovar

30 Years of Service.

Commendations

Monthly Recognition: Micheal & Casey Riggs; Jamie Cole

Mission Summary

Missing Man in Crockett, Missing Woman in Walnut Creek, Missing Woman in Concord, Missing Man in Alamo.

Staff Positions Filled

Administration: Steve Filippoff -- Records Corporal; Tori Hirata -- Social Media Corporal

Academy Management: Caroline Thomas Jacobs -- Academy curriculum standards; Ed Griffith -- Operations Corporal

Hasty Squad: Walter Eichinger -- Hasty Squad Sergeant

Training Recap

February Team Training -- A pictorial review of a training modified to a search.

Alzheimer's and SAR

Symptoms and common behaviors of Alzheimer's patients; how to approach an Alzheimer's subject.

Searcher Spotlights

Alan Mathews, Larry Shih

SAR Coordinator's Note, by Rick Kovar

Annual Awards: Rookie of the Year (Andy Comly and Tim Murphy); SAR Member of the Year (John Banuelos and Chris Nichols)

Commendations

Monthly Recognition: Jennifer Wright & Shannon; Tom Magee; Antoine Snijders and Paul Moss

Mission Summary

Evidence Search in El Sobrante, Mission Woman in Solano County.

Keeping OES Mission Ready

Rules of courtesy for keeping OES clean and organized.

New ESSU Captain

Captain Mike Burton has taken over the leadership of ESSU.

Annual Uniform Allowance

Qualifying members can soon apply for the annual uniform allowance.

Training Recap

January Team Training -- A pictorial review of the annual CPR/AED recertification.

USAR Training -- A pictorial review of working with ropes in Rock City.

Explorer Training -- A pictorial review of climbing at Diablo Rocks Gym.

Metal Detector Resource, by Gerlad Fay

An explanation of metal detectors in SAR.

CPR and AED FAQs, by Carol and Mike McMillan

Commonly asked questions are answered.

Ride-Along Day, by Joe Keyser

A narrative of what it's like to assist as an EMT in an ambulance.

Diablo Foothills Plane Crash

A historical article about SAR's involvement with a plane that crashed in Countra Costa County.

Searcher Spotlights

Jennifer Wright, Mark Whiting

SAR Coordinator's Note, by Rick Kovar

Accomplishments in 2011.

Mission Summary

Evidence Search in Richmond.

Memorable Missions in 2011

Recapping important and unusual missions from 2011.

2011 Bicycle Academy Graduates

Andy Birnbaum, Brendan Correia, Christina Ditzl, Erik Fok, Bob Harrison, Alvin Lubrino, Rick Najarian, Pierce Plam, Brad Schimek.

2011: A Pictorial Review

Photos from throughout the years of trainings, searches, and medical events.

New Radios, Same Procedures (Almost)

A description of the new Motorolla APX 7500 O5 radios being installed in the SO vehicles.

Packing Lite

A discussion about the lightweight packing techniques.

Stats for the Year

Statistics that show who put in the most hours, went on the most searches, attended the most medical events, etc., including a breakdown of where 2011's searchs occurred.

Searcher Spotlights

Karen Kynowiec; Mark Moeller

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Annual Recognition.

Mission Summary

Evidence Search in El Sobrante, Mission Woman in Solano County.

Bicycle Academy

Announcing the 2011 Bicycle Resource Academy.

The SAR Bazaar

A review of uniform items available through Logistices.

New Medical Training

Announcement of the Emergency Medical Responder course replacing First Responder.

Log Your Volunteer Hours

A reminder to enter all volunteer hours into the ESSU Hours Tracking system.

Training Recap

Nighttime Mock Search -- A pictorial review of the November team training.

USAR Certification Day -- A pictorial review of USAR skills-testing stations.

The Case for EMT Certifiation, by Joe Keyser

An explanation of why SAR members should consider earning EMT certification.

Nortonville Mine Search

A historical article about a CoCo SAR search in 1980.

Searcher Spotlights

Reza Farasati, Jacqueline He

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Drive and Energy.

Commendations

Monthly Recognition: Chris Retta, Chris Poppett, Josh Israel, Karl Bohling

Captain's Commentation: Brian Mapel

Mission Summary

Missing Man in Sonoma, Medical Detail in San Ramon, Person Calling for Help in San Mateo, Medical Detail in Lafayette, Missing Woman in Oakley, Medical Detail in Walnut Creek.

Training Recap

SAR-A-Rama -- A pictorial review of the October team training.

UNO -- A pictorial review of the Unexpected Night Out training event.

Type II Academy USAR Day -- A pictorial review of the USAR training during the Type II academy.

The Spotlight: Academy Graduates

Short biographic sketches of the 2011 Type III academy graduates: Nolan Arieta, Andy Birnbaum, Ben Fandolina, Erin Field, Lana Gorina, Ed Griffith, Chris Hoye, John Hubinger, Darren Lynch, Kyle McKenzie, Pierce Plam, Dominic Rosso, Lauren Thomas, Aidan Whitehead.

Blood Pressure: A Closer Look

An explanation of what blood pressure is and how it's measured. Also, Korotkoff sounds and links to videos for learning more.

What's Not In Your Pack

Gifts high on the wish list of team members: Andy Csepely, Bob Harrison, Caroline Thomas Jacobs, Jamie Cole, Natalie Gore, Paul Moss, Steve deGolia, Suzanne Barbee, Mark Wilfer.

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

A Culture of Improvement.

Commendations

Monthly Recognition: Karyn Corcoran

Captain's Commentation: Wilma Murray, Jennifer Wright, John Banuelos, Chris Nichols

Mission Summary

Evidence Search on Mount Diablo, Missing Woman in Fairfield, Evidence Search in East County.

Snow and Ice Recertification

Annuoncement of training for the MRA snow and ice recertifcation test.

Bombs, Blasts, and Ballistics

Free class offered by the Contra Costa Medical Reserve Corps.

Are You a Ham?

Free class offered to learn ham radio and obtain license.

Promotions

Wilma Murray, New Members Corporal; Sean Larson, Member Development Sergeant.

Training Recap

USAR Learns Ladders -- A pictorial review of September USAR training.

Blood Pressure Basics, by Laura Carmody

Basic concepts and terminology associated with taking blood pressure are reviewed.

What's in Your Pack?

Rain gear used by team members: Antoine Snijders, Chris Poppett, Claudia Langley, David Ryan, Laishan Yee, Mike Taft, Todd Rogers.

SAREX 2011, by Chris Coelho

A review of SAREX 2011 held at Hume Lake in Kings Canyon.

Searcher Spotlights

Tim Santos, Kathy Gaughen

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Team Dedication.

Commendations

Monthly Recognition: Tim Murphy, Diane Moschetti, Diane Blue, Josh Israel

Captain's Commentation: Natane Engle, Andy Csepely

Mission Summary

Medical Detail in Danville, Evidence Search in Concord.

Vehicles! Vehicles! Vehicles!

The fleet is growing and getting re-striped.

CalMRA Regional Meeting

The quarterly CalMRA meeting will be hosted by CoCo SAR at OES in September.

Type III Academy Kickoff

Forty-seven students are on the roster for the 2011 Academy.

Training Recap

Fitness Hike and Navigation -- A pictorial review of the August team training in Shell Ridge.

USAR -- A pictorial review of the monthly USAR training on breaking and breaching.

Basic ATV -- A pictorial review of the Basic ATV training.

Who Let the Dogs Out?, by Carol O'Neil

The Value of dogs in search and rescue.

Rattlesnake Bite Care

How to provide medical care for a subject bitten by a rattlesnake.

A First Responder Steps In, by Karl Bohling

Personal story of how SAR medical skills may have saved a life.

SAR Vaccination Recommendations, interview with Paul Leung

A review of useful vaccinations to help protect searchers.

What's in your Pack?

First aid kits used by team members: Chris Coelho, Joe Keyser, Judy Apfel, Tom Magee.

Searcher Spotlights

Merrily Taylor, Jeff Tiernan

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Commitment to the Mission.

Commendations

Carol O'Neil & Cassie; Ed Molascon

Mission Summary

Missing Man in San Mateo, Dedical Detail in Danville (Hot Summer Nights), Missing Man in Mendocino.

New Resource Lieutenant

Larry Fong was promoted to be the new Resource Lieutenant over Bicycles, Canines, Equestrians, Explorers, Metal Detectors, and Trackers.

Logistics Looking for Help

Logistics requests assistance setting up the Mobile Command Trailer and selling unused items on eBay.

Psychological First Aid Class

PFA is an important part of effective incident response. The American Red Cross is offering free classes in San Francisco.

Ham Radio Exercise

On August 20th, The Sheriff's Office RACES team will conduct a test of emergency communications using Ham radios.

Trailering Pop Quiz

In association with Ed Molascon's class on trailering, a quiz of 18 questions is provided.

Training Recap

Fire and Air -- A pictorial review of the July team training covering fire suppression, and the Civil Air Patrol.

USAR -- A pictorial review of the monthly USAR training on rope-system anchors.

Can You Repeat That?

Pictures and step-by-step instructions for how to set up the team repeater.

GPS Tracking Steps, by Rick Najarian

Detailed instructions for clearing, turning on, and turning off GPS tracking.

Get Ready for Rain, by Mark Wilfer

How to waterproof boots. Before and after pictures are provided.

Searcher Spotlights

Todd Rogers, Mitzi Dugan

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Volunteer Services Changes.

Commendations

Karyn Corcoran, Mark Wilfer, Matt Shargel, John Banuelos

Mission Summary

Evidence Search in Antioch, Missing Day Hiker in Yosemite, Missing Man in Castle Rock, Missing Woman in Amador County, Fourth of July Parade in Danville.

Look Who Got Dirty!

Eighteen team members attended the 2011 Tracking Academy.

ICS Classes Offered

ICS 300 ad ICS 400 will be offered by OES.

New Mobile Command Trailer

The new Mobile Command Trailer is yet to finish out fitting, but is officially in service.

Mountain Rescue Films

Three historic mountain rescue films will be airing on ITZONTV in July.

Training Recap

A pictorial review of June's mock search as well as Tracking training and USAR training.

Here Come the Bugs: Use Repellent Wisely, by Dr. Emily C. Zielinski-Guiterrez

An overview of different types of insect repellent and their usefulness.

What's in Your Pack?

Insect repellents used by various team members: Alex Kalkanis, Ed Molascon, John Giaconia, Mark Moeller, Matt Shargel, Mitch Allan, Reza Farasati, Steve Wilson, William McCammon.

Searcher Spotlights

Ken Rawles, Jack Peabody

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

The Dedication Shows.

Commendations

John Venturino

Mission Summary

Missing Infant in Knightsen, Missing Teen in Danville, Danville Search Moves to Presidio, Missing Man in Brentwood.

Type I Academy Graduates

Chris Coelho, Andy Csepely, Conor Healy, David Hoyt, Scot Johnson, Jeremiah Kost, Alvin Lubrino, Robert Medearis, Time Murphy, Ken Rawles, Tony Santos, Tim Santos.

USAR Resource Holds to Schedule

May training covered 15 specific skills for cribbing.

Medical Acronym Cards

Nice reference cards provided by Ron Huntington.

Training Recap

A pictorial review of the team's annual medical scenario extravaganza.

Psychological First Aid, by The Newsletter Staff

Tips for recognizing and responding to emotionally stressful situations in search and rescue.

New CPR Procedures, by The Newsletter Staff

New, simpler guidelines for CPR adopted by the American Red Cross.

Backcountry Chefs Wow Diners, By John Venturino

Review of the gourmet dinner contest that's part of the Type I Academy's Basic Wilderness Search Tactics outing.

The County Fair

Pictures from the 2011 Contra Costa County Fair medical support event.

What's in Your Pack?, by Karyn Corcoran

The backcountry gear team members take on extended outings: Michael Boyce, Richard Brown, Karyn Corcoran, Jeremiah Dees, Frank Moschetti, Matt Shargel, Jack Peabody, John Venturino, Joe Wilder.

Searcher Spotlights

Mary Carreno, Gene Campion, Kathryn Levenson

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Initiatives Update

Commendations

Chris Young, Catrina Christian, Chris Poppet; Captains Commendation goes to First Responder Proctors.

Mission Summary

Antioch Evidence Search, Missing Juvenile in Danville, Devil Mountain Run, Missing Man in Santa Rosa.

Tracking Academy Starts June 14

Announcement of upcoming Tracking Academy.

Photo Archive Corporal

Andy Csepely will be taking charge of the new photo archive.

New Comms Working Group

New group founded by Michael Cummings will work on a variety of communications issues.

Logistics Organizes Technology

New extension of Logistics will coordinate technology needs with resources.

Canines Recertify

CoCo SAR's only Human Remains Detection (HRD) dog completes annual recertification.

Annual Report Available

The team's annual report is available from the Finance Division.

Changes in USAR Staff

Tim Murhpy takes staff position as USAR Logistics Corporal.

Training Recap

A pictorial review of the full-team USAR training.

Bleeding Control and Bandaging

Step by step instructions and pictures for how to care for an open wound.

Splinting and the Sling

Step by step instructions and pictures for splinting a broken forearm.

What's in Your Pack?

Unique Items (Part Two): Jeff Tiernan, Karen Synowiec, Mary Carreno, Mike McMillan, Mitch Allan, Sam Barley, Tamie and Alan Hirata.

Searcher Spotlights

Maggie Graves, Janet Nadol, Roger Stein

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

The Mission of CoCo SAR.

Mission Summary

Missing Teen in Lafayette; Medical Support for Diablo Trails Challenge; Missing Teen in Concord; Missing Teen in Novato; Missing Teens in Lake County; Missing Teen in Santa Rosa; Missing Man in Orinda.

Medical Support Events

With the Diablo Trails Challenge just over, next up is the Devil Mountain Run in Danville.

Type I Academy Begins May 17

2011 Academy starting for Type I wilderness certification.

GPS Bracelets the Future of SAR?

Santa Clara County is beginning to use GPS bracelets for potential walkaway Alzheimer's or developmentally challanged subjects.

2011 Tracking Season Begins

The Tracking Resource will focus on the step-by-step technique pioneered by the US Border Patrol.

The Shannon Report

Search activity according to Shannon.

SAR Hams Needed

RACES will run a drill on May 21st to connect cities in Contra Costa by means of handheld radios.

Training Recap

A pictorial review of the March team training with a dozen stations from multiple resources.

Medical Forum

A pictorial review of the Head-to-Toe Assessment.

Pet Emergencies, by Janet Nadol and Mike McMillan

How to plan for and take care of pets in an emergency. Includes basic first aid and CPR for dogs.

Proctors -- Why They Do It? by Wilma Murray

A discussion of why team members should become proctors and when to get involved.

Epic Tale of the Two Hundred, by John Banuelos

Serving in the company of everyday heroes.

What's in Your Pack?

The unique or unusual items team members bring with them on a search: Alvin Lubrino, Dennis Lane, Gene Campion, Jack Peabody, Jennifer Wright, John Devine, Kathryn Levenson, Kang Lim, Mark Sembrat, Nancy Hoffman.

Searcher Spotlights

Dawn Curran, Ken Pritten, Kevin Clark

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Depth and Competency.

Commendations

Jan Daniel, Alex Kalkanis, Carol O'Neil, Jennifer Wright.

Mission Summary

Missing Teens in Walnut Creek; Missing Man in Sonoma; Missing 12-year-old in Danville.

Dealing With Poison Oak, by Sally A. Burtle, M.D.

What causes the skin reaction and what to do about it. Pictures also help identify it.

New Full-Team Members

William Dieu, Eric Fok, Maggie Graves, Anthony Santos, Timothy Santos.

Section Chief Management Grads

Nicholas Bloisa completed the recent Section Chief Management course run by BASARC.

Parking Lot Expansion

Land purchased behind OES makes room for more parking and storage of SAR equipment.

New Patrol Car Design

The Sheriff's Office is converting the fleet to a new black-and-white configuration.

Dogs in the Delta

A CoCo SAR HRD-certified dog handler participated in water search training with Alco SAR.

SAR 2011 Budget Basics

Where the money comes from, and where it goes.

Promotions

Larry Fong (Member-At-Large), and Chuck Riesbol (Web Development Corporal).

The Shannon Report

Search activity according to Shannon.

What's in Your Pack?

The food team members carry on searches: Derek Hirsch, Diane Moschetti, Jim Clark, Jim Harroun, Joe Wilder, Ken Pritten, Michael Boyce, Tom Bates.

Martialing Our Defenses, by Andrew Walker

Review of a recent Explorer training event for self defense.

Responding Gets Real, by Ron Huntington

Personal story of how SAR medical skills may have saved a life.

Training Recap

A pictorial review of the March CPR recertification and medical skills refresher.

Technical Rock Certification

A review of the MRA technical rock recertification test the MRG recently passed in Lone Pine.

Searcher Spotlights

Laura Hubbard, Jon Kalan, Becky Schnurr

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

SAR Member of the Year; SAR Rookie of the Year; ESSU Volunteer of the Year.

Commendations

John Giaconia and Karen Synowiec.

Mission Summary

Evidence Search in Antioch; Missing Man in Sausalito; Missing Man in Lake County; Missing Man in Pleasant Hill; Missing boy in Oakley.

Successful USAR Kickoff

The USAR Resource has started a training program to become a Type III USAR unit.

Entry Level Tracking Training

The Tracking Resource is starting a program to train entry-level trackers.

New Full-Team Members

Eighteen members have completed their probationary status.

Hold These Dates

Tentative dates in 2011 for medical support events.

Answering the Call

Rick Najarian is recognized for responding to the most searches and logging the most hours on searches.

Updates from BASARC

Participation in a "virtual command post" experiment.

The Shannon Report

Search activity according to Shannon.

What We Do

A statistical breakdown of the hours team members spend with CoCo SAR.

Training Recap

A pictorial review of the January swiftwater training.

Team Radio Clamshells, by Joe Keyser

The team Bendix/King radios will now all use AA battery packs. The process for exchanging dead batteries is described.

Gassing Up, by Wilma Murray

Expectations surrounding refueling vehicles, including where to go and how to do it.

Searcher Spotlights

Paul Carlson, Robert Madearis, Catrina Christian

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

2010 SAR Coordinators Awards: Diane Blue, Michael Cummings, Walter Eichinger, Paul Jones, Tom MaGee, Ed Molascon, Diane Moschetti, Rick Najarian, Mark Wilfer, Cindee Valentin.

Monthly Recognition

Andrew Walker, Matt Shargel

In Memorian

Alyssa Skye-Collins

Mission Summary

Missing Man in Mendocino County; Evidence Search in Antioch; Missing Snowboarder in Placer County; Missing Teenager in Lafayette.

SAR Participation Requirements

Minimum requirements for team members to maintain active status on the callout roster.

All Trainings Attended

Team Members who attended all full-team trainings in 2010: Thomas Brightbill, Job Kalan, Andy Comly.

Most Hours Logged

The team member who logged the most hours in 2010: John Banuelos.

HAM Radio Classes in Concord

The Salvation Army and the Diablo Amateur Radio Club put on HAM radio classes in March, 2011.

Opening for Explorer Captain

Jeff Luchetti retires as Captain of the Explorers; applications being accepted.

New Metal Detector Callout List

A new list has been developed for automated calling of Metal Detector Resource members to trainings and callouts.

Trackers Try New Training

Tracking Resource training focuses on "mantra of detection" and triad formation.

New Staff for USAR

Steve Filippoff and Ed Perez become USAR Corporals.

USAR Certification Plans

The USAR Resource has firmed up plans to become a Type III Certified USAR team with the State.

Dog and Handler Pass Test

Kathy Gaughen and her dog Domino successfully pass 40-acre test with CARDA.

Who We Are?

Team demographics: Years on the team, age of members, and where they live.

POD: Interpreting the Math, by Jim Clark

The science behind Probability of Detection.

Loads in Rescue Operations, by Nick Bloisa

Calculating the failure point of a load; the breaking strength of system components.

Anchor Analyzer, by Mark Trevor

Review of software used to model the forces put on two-dimensional rope rescue systems.

Meet the Staff

Cpl. Steve Filippoff, Cpl. Ed Perez

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Accomplishments of 2010.

Mission Summary

Missing Man in Pittsburg; Missing Man on Bethel Island; Weapon Search in Antioch.

Monthly Recognition

Andy Comly

Grant Received

Pleasant Hill Community Youth Foundation presents CoCo SAR Explorers $715.

Lost Science, by Andy Comly

Basic concepts and terminology related to the behavior of lost persons.

Wilderness First Responder, by Jan Daniel

An explanation of what Wilderness First Responder is and a review of the course.

Drivers Wanted!, by Wilma Murray

The need for drivers during searches and trainings, and the process for checking out a vehicle.

Medical Detail Season Ends, by Mike McMillan

A review of medical details during 2010.

Meet the Staff

Jan Daniel, Andy Comly

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

The Beat Goes On.

Monthly Recognition

Rick Najarian

Member at Large

John Banuelos serves as Ombudsman.

The Spotlight: Academy Graduates

Short biographic sketches of the 2011 Type III academy graduates: Laura Carmody, David Cossu, Andy Csepely, Marylou Dahl, Jim Gay, Natalie Gore, Jim Harrison, Patricia Hoedt, Dave Hoyt, Steve Kost, Jim Lubman, Melissa Madsen, Sheryl Miller, Tim Murphy, Paul Murray, Wilma Murray, Chuck Riesbol, Casey Riggs, Micheal Riggs, Natane Rogers Engle, Jeff Saenger, Caroline Thomas Jacobs.

Plan for Debriefing, by Andy Comly

Explanation of the Debriefing Form and how to prepare for a thorough search assignment debriefing.

Desert Awareness, by Karyn Corcoran

Review of a Type I desert training at Joshua Tree National Park

MRG Truck, by Joe Keyser

Introduction of the MRG Truck and the equipment contained in the various compartments of the vehicle.

Meet the Staff

Mitch Allan

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Teamwork Begets Teamwork.

Monthly Recognition

Diane Moschetti, Diane Blue, Alan Mathews, Nicholas Bloisa

SHARES Cards

New fundraising program.

Rigging for Rescue 2010

Review of course that teaches technical rope rescue skills.

SAREX 2010

When Things Go Bang in the Night; Real Time-Team Position Tracking; Hazard Communication for SAR; Pot Grows and Searcher Safety; The Big Picture of SAR in California; Missing Person Behavior; Don't Drop the Patient.

Logistics Support Vehicle, by Mike McMillan

Introduction to the Logistics Support Vehicle, sometimes called the SAR Van.

Meet the Staff

Matt Shargel, John Venturino

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Changing of the Guard.

Mission Summary

Evidence Search in Orinda; Missing Man in Hercules, Part 1; Missing Man in Hercules, Part 2; Missing Woman in Concord.

CoCo SAR on Facebook

The new CoCo SAR page on Facebook goes live.

Dine About Town

The first ever Dine About Town CoCo SAR fundraising event.

Look Sharp!

How to properly fold the sleeve of the SAR Battle Dress Uniform (BDU).

Bleeding Control: Why the Red Cross No Longer Teaches Elevation and Pressure Points

by Mike McMillan

Studies indicate using elevation and pressure points provides no benefit, while the application of direct pressure to the wound is critical.

Beware of Bottles, by Dr. Mark Sembrat

The concern over plastic bottles manufactured with Bisphenol A (BPA).

Is 13,000 Feet High Enough?, by John Banuelos

Review of a Type I training in the Eastern Sierras.

Meet the Staff

Larry Fong, Chris Poppet

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Appreciating Luck.

Monthly Recognition

Mike McMillan

Mission Summary

Missing Woman in El Sobrante; Missing Woman in Mendocino.

Look Sharp!

Blousing the Pant Leg; The Collar Chevron.

SAR Communications Take a Step Forward, by Michael Cummings

Communications Training; Frequency Database; Repeater; 800 MHz Liaison; Ham Call Signs; Interoperability with the ACU-1000.

Talking Through Mountains: SAR Gets a Repeater, by Andy Comly

How a repeater works and the benefit the new unit will bring to the team.

Stretching the Limits -- Part Two, by Dr. Mark Sembrat

The importance of a cool-down when stretching; basic stretching exercises.

SAR Oxygen Pack, by Mike McMillan

Everything in the blue SAR oxygen pack and which pocket it's stored in.

The Little Green Bottle, by Ian Snelson

How much oxygen a cylinder holds; how long it will last; deciding between a nasal canula and non-rebreather mask.

Meet the Staff

Michael Cummings

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Maintaining Membership.

Monthly Recognition

Diane Blue, Larry Shih

In Memoriam

Fletcher Young

Mission Summary

Missing Man in Clayton.

County Fair Medical Incident Report

Review of all the medical incidents that were responded to during the 2010 County Fair.

Safety First!, by Nick Bloisa

The importance of safety and being prepared in Search and Rescue.

The SAR Garage, by Mark Wilfer

Organizing a garage for quick access to items needed for a search.

The End of the Line: Coroner's Office Tour, by Andy Comly

Review of a guided tour through the Coroner's office.

MRA National Conference, by Mark Trevor

Review of CoCo SAR's attendance at the National MRA Conference held in Juneau, Alaska.

Cub Scout Outreach, by John Banuelos

Review of a high-profile Cub Scout PR event.

Stretching the Limits -- Part One, by Dr. Mark Sembrat

Reasons and guidance for how to warm up and stretch properly.

Meet the Staff

Daryl England, Roxane Gruenheid

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

The Graduating Class: First Responder.

Monthly Recognition

Chris Young, Rick Kovar, Joe Keyser

Special Recognition

Horseshoe Aid Station Personnel: Mark Trevor, Evan Hubbard, Dan Coyne, Jim Harroun

Mission Summary

Missing Orinda Cyclist; Missing Elderly Hiker in Alameda County; Missing Man in Discovery Bay.

Medical Incident Report

Choking Subject at PR event.

The SAR Medical Pack, by Mike McMillan

A detailed description and photos of the red fanny pack contents carried during medical support events.

Becoming an EMT, by Andy Comly

A description of what an EMT is, the levels of medical certification in California, and how to become an EMT.

Equestrian Sensory Training Clinic, by Gerald Fay

Review of a special sensory training clinic for horses engaged in Search and Rescue.

Firearm Evidence and Safety, by Andy Comly

Review of a training to teach searchers safe handling of firearms and the kind of evidence left behind by a firearm.

Meet the Staff

Chris Young, Thomas Brightbill

CoCo SAR History

Pictures from the early days of CoCo SAR.

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Medical Skills.

Monthly Recognition

Carol O'Neil, Walter Eichinger

Mission Summary

Man Swept Away in Canal.

Medical Incidents

14-year-old girl collapses at Devil Mountain Run.

The Difference Is Night and Day, by Lee-Anne Gillum

A review of the night vision equipment used during a recent search.

The Hands I Never Saw, by Matt Shargel

Appreciated help from an unknown searcher.

I Know! I Know! Give Them Oxygen!, by John Banuelos

A review of the First Responder course.

Can't Transmit?, by Frank Moschetti

Tips for solving transmission problems with the Bendix/King team radios.

Solar System Safety, by Nicholas Bloisa

Identification of solar power systems, and what searchers need to know to remain safe.

County Fair Radio Tips, by Thomas Brightbill

Important tips for communicating more effectively by radio.

Mount Lassen Snow and Ice Training, by John Venturino

A review of the Type I training climb of Mount Lassen.

Meet The Staff

Ed Molascon

CoCo SAR History

Excerpts from the October 1974 issue of The Callout -- Diablo Four Wheelers; Search Hours.

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Are you 'Searcher Ready'?

Monthly Recognition

Carol Vilevac, Jack Peabody

Mission Summary

Missing Man in Fairfax; Missing Teenager in Marin; Missing Senior in San Francisco; Buried Victim.

Medical Incident Summary

Diablo Trails Challenge -- Possible Heart Attack; Traumatic Fall From Bike.

It's About the Win, by Dennis Lane

The rewards of being on the Tracking Resource.

Come Track With Us, by Bryan Walley

The value of tracking.

Tracking for SAR, by Karen Synowiec

A personal discovery of the benefits of tracking skills.

Why Am I a Tracker?, by John Banuelos

The satisfaction that comes from becoming an accomplished tracker.

Logistics Requests, by Rick Najarian

A description of the Logistics processes for requesting vehicles and equipment.

Debunking Fitness Myths -- Part Two, by Alyssa Skye

Running is bad for your joints; I really only have to exercise for ten minutes; If I eat few calories, I’ll lose body fat without needing to exercise.

The Diablo Trails Challenge 2010, by Mike McMillan and Bryan Walley

A review of SAR mecial support for the second annual race sponsored by Save Mount Diablo.

The Challenges of ABP, by Joe Keyser

A review of Advanced Backpacking, an annual Type I training event.

Meet the Staff

Rick Najarian; Paul Jones

CoCo SAR History

Excerpts from the October 1974 issue of The Callout -- Who is SAR?; REACT.

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

Mission, Membership, Me

Monthly Recognition

Jennifer Wright

Section Chief Graduates

Catrina Christian, Lee-Anne Gillum, John Pascale, Joe Wilder

Mission Summary

Metal Detector Evidence Search; Missing Senior in Concord; Missing Snowshoer in Nevada County.

The Tax Implications of SAR, by Paul Jones

Tax deductions for Search and Rescue equipment.

Winter 2010 Academies, by Larry Fong

A review of the Type III and Type II academies.

New Academy Graduates

Suzanne Barbee-Perez, Tom Bates, Chris Coelho, Andy Comly, Allen Currano, Jan Daniel, Steve deGolla, Trevor Dimond, Eric Fok, Maggie Graves, Jacquelyn He, William Henrickson, Nancy Hoffman, Ron Huntington, Adriene Iverson, Alvin Lubrino, William McCammon, Robert Medearis, Andy Rich, Dave Rowsey, Antoine Snijders

When Is the Mission Over?, by Dick Danger (a.k.a. Rick Najarian)

Returning all equipment to its proper place after a search.

The Little Things, by Mark Wilfer

Searcher awareness--looking for even the smaller clues.

Why I Hide for the Dogs, by John Banuelos

Motivational article on hiding for the Canine Resource.

Tech Tip -- Keep Those Batteries Warm, by Michael Cummings

Extending the life of radio batteries.

Dubunking Fitness Myths -- Part One, by Alyssa Skye

Getting fit through walking; doing crunches, sit-ups, or using an ab-machine to burn fat.

Basic Hypothermia Treatment, by Chris Nichols

Safely rewarming a subject with hypothermia.

Meet the Staff

Mark Trevor, Karyn Corcoran

The First Patch, by Evan Hubbard

The first shoulder patch for CoCo SAR and how it evolved over the years.

Captain's Note, by Rick Kovar

The Volunteer Services Awards Banquet, Fletcher Young

Annual Recognition 2009

Karyn Corcoran, Diane Moschetti, Larry Fong, Rick Najarian, Ted Fick, Max Ramsey, Jim NiCastro, Sean Larson

Monthly Recognition

John Banuelos, Patrick Micely, Jon Kalan, Greg Mullen, Mark Wilfer.

Mission Readiness: It Begins With Me, by Rick Najarian

Always being prepared for a mission.

Unexpected Rewards, by Dennis Lane

Using light and shine in tracking.

Tech Tip -- Earbuds, By Michael Cummings

Good reasons for using ear buds with a radio.

Fit for SAR, by Karyn Corcoran

What different team members do to keep fit.

The Value of Horses in SAR, by Gerald Fay

Why horses have a place in SAR

Horses: What All Should Know, by Walter Headley

Tips for keeping safe around horses.

Avalanche Training, by Derek Hirsch

Review of snow & ice skills training.

Escape From Alcatraz, by Alex Kalkanis

Review of high angle training on Alcatraz.

Meet the Staff

Laury Clymer, Gerald Fay

The Jimmy, by Evan Hubbard

CoCo SAR's first vehichle.