BEECN Caches: Difference between revisions
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# Optimally, a BEECN cache is secured in an indoor location that volunteers have access to in the event of a deployment. An indoor location’s structure should be reasonably expected to endure a major earthquake sufficiently that volunteers can recover the cache safely. | # Optimally, a BEECN cache is secured in an indoor location that volunteers have access to in the event of a deployment. An indoor location’s structure should be reasonably expected to endure a major earthquake sufficiently that volunteers can recover the cache safely. | ||
# The property on which a BEECN cache is stowed may be a school, a business, a place of worship, or a private residence. In any situation for deployments and exercises, volunteers should act as guests and take care not to damage the premises or (during drills and exercises) interrupt other activities on the site. Volunteers will defer to the authority of a property owner, or the owner’s representative. | # The property on which a BEECN cache is stowed may be a school, a business, a place of worship, or a private residence. In any situation for deployments and exercises, volunteers should act as guests and take care not to damage the premises or (during drills and exercises) interrupt other activities on the site. Volunteers will defer to the authority of a property owner, or the owner’s representative. | ||
# | # When a BEECN cache is located on private property, PBEM will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the property owner. While MOUs are negotiated between PBEM and the property owner, a sample MOU can be downloaded [[Media:Sample BEECN MOU.pdf|'''HERE''']] for review. | ||
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'''Tools and materials needed:''' | '''Tools and materials needed:''' | ||
* | * 2 x 6" or 8" adjustable wrenches; | ||
* Socket set with 3/4" socket; | |||
* Car jack and jack arm (this is helpful since otherwise you would need to empty the cache and flip it over); | * Car jack and jack arm (this is helpful since otherwise you would need to empty the cache and flip it over); | ||
* A bike tire patch kit and/or a replacement tube; | * A bike tire patch kit and/or a replacement tube; | ||
* Exam gloves (this is a messy job). | * Exam gloves (this is a messy job). | ||
Use the two | Use the two wrenches to take the wheel off entirely (best practice is to loosen the nuts while the cache is still on the ground to prevent the wheels from pivoting while you monkey with them). and pull out the tube. Run your fingers inside the tire after the tube is out to make sure there's nothing poking through to puncture the tube you put in. If you buy patching material at a bike shop the easiest to use are the self-adhering patches that come with a bit of sand paper to scrape the area around the hole. | ||
If the tube is replaced, do not throw away the old tube. PBEM will pick it up from you and use it to order a new one from Les Schwab. | If the tube is replaced, do not throw away the old tube. PBEM will pick it up from you and use it to order a new one from Les Schwab. | ||
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To use the antenna, unscrew the "rubber ducky" antenna from the handheld radio. In its place, screw on the coupling at the end of the cable connected to the radio. The setup works best with two people: one to operate the radio, and another to point the antenna skyward. With the antenna connected and working, the signal coming in from the Relay should sound stronger and clearer. | To use the antenna, unscrew the "rubber ducky" antenna from the handheld radio. In its place, screw on the coupling at the end of the cable connected to the radio. The setup works best with two people: one to operate the radio, and another to point the antenna skyward. With the antenna connected and working, the signal coming in from the Relay should sound stronger and clearer. | ||
The cable that connects the antenna to the radio is a [https://a.co/d/aL9mev7 10-feet RG142 BNC Male to N Male RF coaxial cable]. It is not a good idea to go longer than 10 feet in length because, as the radio is UHF, the operator may experience signal loss. The larger "N" connector connects to the CXL antenna. The other end with the smaller BNC connector cannot be connected directly to the handheld radio as the radio uses a proprietary "J" connector. To complete the connection use a [https://www.gigaparts.com/icom-ad-98fsc.html?utm_term=sku-zic-ad98fsc&P_Max_Other_Products&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-e6-BhDmARIsAOxxlxVxLIqMSGSM03q7lW8czoipOCzcKGmvoglnz9WhKeyyzmuuGgJYfwQaAiNdEALw_wcB J Male to BNC Female Adapter], which allows the BNC end of the cable to connect to the Icom handheld radio with a J connector. | |||
{| class="wikitable" margin:0px 20px 0px 0px;" | {| class="wikitable" margin:0px 20px 0px 0px;" | ||
|+ | |+ | ||
! colspan="2" style="background-color: #ecbf33;|CXL Antenna Information | ! colspan="2" style="background-color: #ecbf33;" |CXL Antenna Information | ||
|- | |- | ||
! style="text-align:left;" | Manufacturer | ! style="text-align:left;" | Manufacturer | ||
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== Supportive BEECN Equipment == | == Supportive BEECN Equipment == | ||
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</div> | </div> | ||
< | |||
=== SKEDs and MegaMovers === | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|+ | |||
! scope="col" width="300px" style="background-color: darkkhaki;color:white;"|Relevant Documents | |||
! scope="col" width="100px" style="background-color: darkkhaki;color:white;"|Updated | |||
|- | |||
|[[Media:NEW-SKED-INSTRUCTION-2024-SD-4.pdf|SKED Instructions and User Manual]] | |||
|2024 | |||
|} | |||
Each BEECN cache initially included a single SKED Basic Rescue System for patient transport. However, SKEDs are being phased out and only a few BEECNs still have them. Instead of a SKED, caches are stocked with several MegaMovers. <mark>If a BEECN Coordinator manages a cache with a SKED and they prefer to have MegaMovers,</mark> they should contact PBEM and ask for an exchange. PBEM will not replace a missing or damaged SKED with a new SKED, though PBEM will make a best effort to replenish missing parts (e.g. straps). | |||
The reason for the change is that SKEDs are very expensive, take up a lot of space in the cache, and require training to use. MegaMovers are inexpensive, intuitive, and six MegaMovers can take the place of one SKED. The only drawback is that MegaMovers are intended as single use and disposable, though it is acceptable to use them after their first use for heavy objects (MegaMovers have an approximate weight limit of 500 lbs.) | |||
==== Using and training with a SKED ==== | |||
{{#ev:youtube|QGna4iy88Lw|430|right|'''''Video: How to package a patient in the SKED'''''|frame}} | |||
If a team has a SKED and they opt to keep it, they should learn how to use it. PBEM does not offer regular SKED training, though it is possible to provide on request and as resources allow. [https://skedco.com/ Skedco], the manufacturer of SKED rescue systems, has a user manual available for download at the top of this article. Skedco also has a [https://www.youtube.com/@SkedcoInc/featured YouTube channel] with many training videos. | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0px 20px 0px 0px;" | |||
|+ | |||
! colspan="2" style="background-color: #ecbf33"|SKED Specifications | |||
|- | |||
! style="text-align:left;" | Size (in pack) | |||
| 9" diameter x 36" length | |||
|- | |||
! style="text-align:left;" | Size (laid out) | |||
| 3' x 8' | |||
|- | |||
! style="text-align:left;" | Weight (in pack) | |||
| 17 lbs. with all accessories | |||
|- | |||
! style="text-align:left;" | Max weight allowance | |||
| Unclear; 1,350 lbs documented | |||
|- | |||
! style="text-align:left;" | Temperature range | |||
| Down to -120 °F | |||
|} | |||
Every SKED kit should include the following: | |||
{| style="border:1px solid white; border-collapse:collapse;" | |||
| style="vertical-align:top; border:1px solid white;" |[[File:SKED Stretcher.png|center|259x259px]] | |||
| style="vertical-align:top border:1px solid white;" | | |||
* SKED stretcher | |||
* Backpack carrying case in "International Orange" | |||
* Horizontal lift slings | |||
* Vertical lift sling (30 ft. 1/2" static kernmantle rope) | |||
* Large steel locking carabiner | |||
* Tow strap | |||
* Four removable webbing handles | |||
|} | |||
==== Use of MegaMovers ==== | |||
{{#ev:youtube|qZmlS47ZkYY|430|right|'''''Video: How to use a MegaMover'''''|frame}} | |||
MegaMovers are intuitive enough not to require a handbook. But a few notes are in order: | |||
* MegaMovers '''''can be used''''' for dragging patients when necessary. However, a MegaMover used for dragging should not be used again for patient transport. | |||
* Most (not all) MegaMovers stocked in BEECNs have a cross strap to help secure the patient. Use of a cross strap is particularly important for dragging. | |||
* Don't forget how many people it takes to transport a patient safely. Best practice is four ''minimum''. A MegaMover will allow for up to ten people helping. | |||
* A MegaMover is about 2 lbs. by itself, and folds down to 10" x 12" x 1". A deployed MegaMover is 32” x 72” and has a load limit of 500 lbs. | |||
[[File:MegaMover 2.jpg|300x300px]] | |||
== BEECN First Aid Kits == | == BEECN First Aid Kits == | ||
