This week saw the Search-and-Rescue (SAR) team take time out of our busy work schedules to head to the plateau for a day to practice their skills. The team loaded up two Haggs with a mountain of rope and equipment and drove to a small ice cliff near Mt Henderson. It was certainly a step up from the small blizz tail on station where we had our last training exercise!
The team began by building anchors in the blue ice using both ice screws and v-threads. A v-thread is made by drilling two angled holes in the ice that intersect and can be threaded with a piece of climbing tape to provide a strong anchor. The v-threads gave Mal a chance to show off his carpentry skills.
Mal and Nate then set up the lowering and hauling system, and Matt took charge of the belay. Both Brilly and Pat took turns as the attendant, being lowered down the cliff and then hauled back up. It was decided to leave the stretcher in the Hagg as it was a bit too windy, but there was plenty of good learning and practice regardless.
Before long everyone was working confidently and efficiently, and whilst we hope we won't need to call on the SAR team, it’s good to know that we're capable and practised if we do.
Mark Savage, SFTO
