GPSAR Provides Information And Recruiting Display At Safety Expos
Intensive Canine Training Continues
GPSAR Receives Numerous Compliments For Our Web Site
Letter Of Thanks Received
GPSAR News One Year Old This Month
New Member News
New Deduction For Mileage For Charitable Organizations
Congress Enacts Volunteer Protection Law
SAR Dog Protection - It’s The Law!
To Neuter Or Not Neuter Your SAR Canine - The Continuing Question
Something To "Zinc" About
Words Of Wisdom
Effective Lyme Vaccine Found
Rare 25 Hour Operation Follows Woman’s Rescue
Quotes Of The Month
GPSAR PROVIDES INFORMATION AND RECRUITING DISPLAY AT SAFETY EXPOS
During the month of September, 1997, Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue was invited to participate in two safety expos. Thanks to the personnel listed below, new members have been recruited from these expos.
On September 26, 1997, we were invited to Montgomery Mall for their volunteer and safety expo. A display was set up for all to see including various SAR equipment, a video presentation, one of our canines and mountain bikes. Thanks go to the following personnel for assisting with this event: Chief Labov, Captain Zollers, Lieutenant Hopkins, Sergeant Marshman and members Hinkley, Mattox and Mower.
On September 29, 1997, we were invited to participate in a fire and safety expo. Two displays were set up for all to see, one indoors and one outdoors. The displays included various SAR equipment, a video presentation, two canines, three horses and a mountain bike. All were a big attraction for the crowd. Thanks go to the following personnel for assisting with this event: Chief Labov, District Chief T.J. Wallace, Captain Zollers, Lieutenant Hopkins, Sergeant Kratz, Sergeant Marshman and members Mower, Park and Voss.
INTENSIVE CANINE TRAINING CONTINUES
Intensive canine training continues under District Chief T.J. Wallace and instructor Robb Puffenberger. Seven canines are in training and the first should be certifying by the years end. When these canines certify, and with the existing certified canines, this will give GPSAR one of the largest canine units on the east coast for search and rescue.
GPSAR RECEIVES NUMEROUS COMPLIMENTS FOR OUR WEB SITE
Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue has been receiving a steady stream of compliments nationwide, via e-mail and telephone calls in reference to our web site. During the first three weeks of the site being open, we have received over 400 "hits". Some of the numerous comments have been:
From Larry Jacobson (Vice President of the National Association for Search and Rescue) - "Very, very nice web site! GPSAR has done a very nice job on its web site."
From El Paso County Search and Rescue (one of the larger established SAR organizations in the country) - "Great web site and very informative. We have added it to our list of recommended SAR organization web sites to see."
From Lt. Col Redhouse (Pennsylvania State Military Reserve) - "The site looks great. Informative and professional."
From Chief Winterstein (Northeast Search and Tactical Rescue) - "The web site looks great! Hats off to those who helped on the site."
While the Chief deserves credit for starting this project and gathering the multitude of information on an on-going basis for the project, our web master (Lt. Mark Hopkins) deserves the majority of the credit.
For those of you that may not have had a chance to see the site, it can be viewed at: http://www.gpsar.org
LETTER OF THANKS RECEIVED
GPSAR has received a letter of thanks from Dennison Township Fire Company for the assistance we provided for the search and rescue mission in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.
GPSAR NEWS ONE YEAR OLD THIS MONTH!
Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue’s official publication "GPSAR News" is one year old this month. The newsletter was developed under the restructuring program last year and has gained much interest and many positive comments. The comments all centered around the professionalism of the restructuring and the department. Several requests were made by public safety agencies to receive a monthly copy. A copy of "GPSAR News" (past and present for members) can also be located on our web site. The address to our web site will always be listed with our department information, at the bottom on the front cover of each issue.
NEW DEDUCTION FOR MILEAGE FOR CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
Since Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue is a 501(c)(3) organization, the federal charitable mileage deduction has been raised from 12 cents to 14 cents per mile for members traveling to missions, training's, etc. GPSAR members can drive a considerable number of miles per year and those miles could create a significant tax deduction.
CONGRESS ENACTS VOLUNTEER PROTECTION LAW
After ten years, Congress has passed the Volunteer Protection Act. In short, the new federal law preempts and supercedes state laws that previously had extended various degrees of protection to volunteers. The law provides for a minimum level of protection throughout the United States and does not preclude a state from adding additional protections to the federal minimum. The purpose of the law is to encourage volunteerism by eliminating the main reason why people avoid being a volunteer - law suits. The law protects all volunteers of tax exempt organizations (such as GPSAR) who are performing services and act in a prudent manner. Imprudent acts are those of an illegal nature, gross negligence, sexual misconduct and, actions which are illegal. In short, the new law is not a license for bad behavior, but rather a reward for good and reasonable behavior which will act as a shield to protect the volunteer. The law does not cover any actions within an automobile (this is left to the auto insurance companies), however, it does protect you from joint liability brought on by another rescuer in the department that actually caused the injury. In other words, you are liable only for your own acts outside of the law and not for the unlawful acts of others.
SAR DOG PROTECTION - IT’S THE LAW!
As of February, 1997, it is a felony to tease, taunt or harm a search and rescue dog in the State of Pennsylvania. If a person is convicted under ACT 141 of doing this, they can receive up to seven years in prison and a $15,000.00 fine. Law enforcement canines have long been covered and the SAR community is now catching up.
A second bill was introduced to cover all SAR animals, however, this bill has not yet passed. However, it appears as though SAR horses may be the next in line to be covered by this type of law.
TO NEUTER OR NOT NEUTER YOUR SAR CANINE - THE CONTINUING QUESTION
Through the years, handlers have struggled with the question of whether or not to neuter their male working dogs. Recently, the following question was posed regarding a current working dog.
"I have a 6 year old German Shepherd that is my partner. My vet would like to neuter him to prevent health problems and give him longer life. My dog does have a strong desire to mark areas. He does not search a building well that has had a pet inside of it. Will neutering help this problem? I don’t have any desire to breed my dog. I also wonder about any loss of working drive. My vet has neutered many dogs and claims that the dogs all work as well as before, and some even better because the urge to roam and look for a mate has been taken away."
Here are some answers from handlers of working male dogs. One handler answered that his 9 year old Rottweiler had developed an enlarged prostate. His vet is recommending neutering the dog, as well as neutering any future canines that he may handle. Another handler commented that during the past year he had noticed his canine partner eliminating. He also had an enlarged prostate. After neutering, the problem seems to have improved. He is a veteran handler who did not know the problems associated with older un-neutered males. He was fortunate enough to have worked with three other canines and never had a problem until now. His future partners will be neutered, he claims.
As far as drive, an important concern for most handlers, another vet said that if the dog already has a high drive, there won’t be much of a change, if any. He said he has neutered many working canines and not one of them has had a problem with drive wherein the handler had to retire the dog.
In the discussion, a prominent trainer/handler stated that she felt at the age of the dog in question, neutering will not affect his behavior. She states that even though hormones started the behavior, by now, the behavior is a habit that includes marking and drive. So, at this point, the handler is not expecting a lot of reduction in marking except what he can train out of the dog.
Also, one of the working dogs is a "rescue" dog from the clutches of euthanasia, and thus neutered. From his impressive work history, it is obvious that neutering has not slowed him down, even though he was neutered at a younger age than the dog in question.
She also stated that she is a believer of spaying bitches. Not only do the dogs need to be neutered if they are not to be used as breeder dogs, but you do not have to consider down time when the pups are due, and the bitch is not a distraction to those canines who are still un-neutered.
In another case, an eight year old canine took ill and the only way to save his life was to neuter him. After agonizing over the decision to neuter him, the handler thinking the dog would be useless as a working dog finally decided to have the surgery done for the good of the dog. The handler was amazed to find out how mistaken he was. Since then, he has had four of his working dogs neutered (the only exception now for him would be a breeder pup).
To summarize, for those of you worrying about the performance of your dog, the working handlers have all agreed so far, neutering does not slow down or change a dog that already had good drive and has been trained well, and it is healthier for your dog, often avoiding cysts and other prostate problems when he is neutered.
SOMETHING TO "ZINC" ABOUT!
If you believe the cliche that nothing can stop the common cold, think again. For zinc may be a unique cold fighter according to recent studies being conducted. The herbs that help us resist colds are generally of two types: 1. those that enhance immune response so that the body more strongly resists infection, and 2. those that are directly anti-microbial, attacking viruses and other enemies. But zinc, remarkably enough, appears to accomplish not one but both of these tasks.
Some experts now believe that marginal zinc deficiencies may allow the cold virus and other pathogens to thrive for longer periods of time, causing cold victims extra discomfort, before the immune system eventually vanquishes the virus. The idea that a small deficiency (termed a "subclinical" deficiency) can have significant effects on otherwise healthy individuals has not escaped the attention of the U.S. Government. In a recent report noted findings were that "Zinc deficiency can lead to poor appetite, impaired sense of taste, and growth retardation. some findings from the clinical literature suggest that zinc deficiency, as manifested by growth retardation, has occurred in some otherwise apparently healthy children in the U.S. The significance of the observed low dietary intakes of zinc cannot be evaluated until adequate biochemical and/or clinical indicators of zinc status are available. Further monitoring is warranted."
Even though there are many forms of the common cold, zinc supplements come in mixed forms to inhibit the persistent viruses. The most effective are zinc amino acid chelates, zinc monomethionine, zinc picolinate, zinc aspartate and zinc gluconate. The zinc amino acid chelates, zinc monomethionine, zinc picolinates supplements are believed to be absorbed through the intestines and into the bloodstream with great efficiency. One possible reason is that they are quite stable. Another is that the body easily absorbs the organic molecules that binds the zinc, and therefore the zinc "tags" along, absorbed with the carrier substances. Today, researchers are taking closer looks at zinc aspartate and zinc gluconate. It turns out their composition may actually help them fight cold viruses more effectively. The zinc quickly separates from the aspartic acid and gluconic acid, forming zinc ions. The most recent studies show that, while their absorption into body tissues is rather low, these zinc ions can directly interfere with the ability of cold viruses to attach to the cells they are trying to infect.
It seems that in order to cause a cold, cold viruses need to latch onto cell surfaces, attaching to a structure called ICAM-1. These zinc ions, however, cut off viral access to ICAM-1, thus inhibiting the cold virus’ proliferation. So when zinc ions from zinc aspartate and zinc gluconate saturate the tissues of the nose, mouth and throat, cold upper respiratory viruses are thwarted. If you suck on zinc lozenges several times per day, you can provide plenty of these cold fighting ions.
Studies describing the ability of zinc ions to reduce the duration and severity of the illness show that cold victims who use zinc shorten their colds from about 7 days to approximately 3 days. This remedy is considered a short-term remedy, and should be undertake with the advice or supervision of a qualified health care professional.
After reading this article and knowing that search and rescue personnel are very susceptible to colds while working in the field with many other persons, the Chief waited for a cold, in order to try Zinc to see if it would be effective at all. The Chief used Solgar brand Zinc at the dose of 2 immediately and 5 a day for 3 days. The one immediately noted effect is a bad taste that it does leave in your mouth for the 3 day period. The Chief also tried another herb combination "Echinacea-GoldenSeal" by Nature’s Herbs at the dose of 2 three times a day for 5 days. Both were taken at the same time. The results were the following: The effects of the cold (sore throat, soreness, runny nose, etc.) seemed to be reduced by about 50%. The duration of the cold was 5 days as opposed to his usual 10 days. So, if you do come down with a cold, you may want to give Zinc a try!
Thanks to Energy Times for portions of the above article.
WORDS OF WISDOM
An injured reputation is hard to cure.
Hiding the truth takes more energy than telling it.
EFFECTIVE LYME VACCINE FOUND
A new vaccine has proven to be 100 percent effective in protecting people under age 60 from Lyme disease, the tick-borne ailment that plagues outdoors persons such as search and rescue personnel.
Clinical tests began in 1994 and involved more than 10,000 adults in five states where Lyme disease is found (within the area of GPSAR coverage).
A company called Pasteur Merieux Connaught, based in Pennsylvania, is planning to seek FDA approval of the vaccine by the end of this year. Even after it does become available, however, SAR personnel should still check their bodies for ticks after a mission or training. Even though you may receive the vaccine you should still be careful.
The vaccine, which would be marketed under the name ImuLyme, was made using genetic engineering to produce a protein that stimulates the body’s immune responses. Three doses of the vaccine were shown to be 100 percent effective on men under 60 years of age and, all women, but only 67 percent effective on men 60 or older. Medical researchers do not yet know why the vaccine was less effective on men over the age of 60.
The vaccine was administered in injections one month apart, with a third dose a year later. Those tested experienced redness, swelling and soreness at the site of the injection, the same side effects as any other intramuscular vaccine.
Lyme disease is predominantly found on the East Coast. Some 98,000 cases have been reported to the Centers For Disease Control since 1982, including approximately 14,000 cases last year. Those most at risk include children, outdoor enthusiasts and workers, including of course, search and rescue personnel.
RARE 25 HOUR OPERATION FOLLOWS WOMAN’S RESCUE
In a rare 25 hour operation, surgeons reattached the face of a woman after a farm machine tore much of her scalp and face from her head. The 28 year old woman had virtually her entire face and scalp ripped off when her hair caught in machinery which then required rescue personnel to free her.
The trauma unit senior team physician that reattached her face stated that he had never seen anything so ghastly as he was referring to the exposed bones and muscle. The physician stated "The tissue that was sent to us was packed in ice, and when we unraveled it and laid it out, here was a face looking at us."
The surgeons had never operated on a patient with such extensive injuries. Five surgeons used microscopes to magnify tiny blood vessels up to 30 times in order to match the vessels in the amputated tissue with the remaining tissue. As they worked, the woman was given up to 30 units of blood - almost double the amount contained in a body.
Following the surgery, the surgeons stated that they are confident that most of the face has been successfully reattached and that the woman will look as she use to with the exception of scars around her eyelids and chin.
As search and rescue personnel, should you ever come across a victim of an amputation, remember to pack the amputated part properly and send it to the trauma unit with the victim. As the above case shows, had this not been done by the rescue personnel, the victim certainly would not have had the same future. The rescue personnel’s quick actions were the key to saving this victim.
QUOTES OF THE MONTH
The trouble with life in the fast lane is that you get to the other end in an awful hurry.
John Jensen
Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
Thomas Edison
Notice
GPSAR News is published monthly by Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue. Material published herein may be reproduced with credit by other non-profit organizations. Others should request reprint rights from GPSAR. Editorial content may be the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue. The right to edit or not publish submissions is retained by editor, dependant on available space and content of submission.