Ever have a rough day?
Israel is full of national parks offering opportunities for
hiking, climbing, camping, rappelling, and more. Both Israelis and tourists love
to spend time outside enjoying nature. Unfortunately, combine lots of people with
harsh and desolate places and there is ample opportunity for accidents to
happen.
To deal with these accidents, there are twelve Search and Rescue
units around the country – each covering a different region. These units are
the first line of defense for all search and rescue emergency calls. For more
serious search or rescue efforts, the Israeli Army is available with
helicopters and other military equipment.
When a call comes into the Police Department, it is
forwarded to the appropriate regional Search and Rescue Commander for action.
All work done by the Search and Rescue units is on a
volunteer basis. Members have a background check and an annual physical. Many
have skills from their time in the military (mandatory for most Israeli
citizens). The units train their volunteers in rappelling, searching, investigation, and
water rescue – taught through the Army Reserve. Most medical personnel working
with the Search and Rescue Units were army medics.
The Negev Mountain unit covers most of the Negev desert in
southern Israel. There are 70 registered members. Ironically, despite covering
the desert region, this unit has the most extensive experience with water
rescues – due to flash floods in the region. Incidentally, the Negev Mountain
unit has a twin city relationship with the Denver, Colorado Search & Rescue
unit (Rocky Mountain Search & Rescue). This group has trained in Colorado
and the Rocky Mountain group has trained in the Negev.
The Negev Search and Rescue unit gets an average of 2 calls
per week. Roughly 80% of the calls involve a search rather than a rescue (someone
has gotten lost in the desert or other region and needs help). But, about 4
times per year a rappelling rescue is required.
In order to be able to deal with various rescue scenarios, every
month the group has a rappelling training in a different area. Twice per year they have a major, three-day search operation training.
Which brings me back to my rescue. . .
I saw a flyer in the hostel where I’ve been staying in the
Negev.
The minute I saw this (especially the stretcher on the zip
line photo) I knew I had to volunteer! So, I agreed to be a “victim” for the
unit’s monthly rappelling training session. We hiked about
2 miles into the desert where I "injured" myself in a canyon and was then carried in a stretcher for another 2
miles over rough, rocky terrain.
Next, we came to a 130 foot cliff (in complete darkness) and
had to rappel down the cliff -- I was in the stretcher the whole time. It was so scary to be
pushed over the edge of the cliff, with my fingers crossed that the ropes were
all properly attached! (Of course, had anything gone wrong, at least the Search
and Rescue team was nearby!)
Llamas came on this training exercise to carry the rescue
equipment over the rough terrain for which they are well suited. It felt a bit
like I was back in South America and not the Middle East!
 |
| Sharing the bus back to town with a llama |
Since I had so much fun as a victim, I volunteered again the
following month, for an early morning training.
The second training was in daylight so I could see what I
was getting into! I rappelled down a steep incline with lots of loose rocks.
Then I waited for the team to arrive to “rescue” me, put me in the stretcher, and
carry me back up the cliff.
I had a great time as a victim in the desert. (Naturally, it’s
fun when you’re not actually lost or injured). I was very impressed with the
skills and professionalism of the Search and Rescue unit. And of course what
girl doesn’t love to be rescued?!?
If you visit Israel, I hope that you don’t have cause to
meet the men and women of the Search and Rescue units. But should the need arise;
know that you’re in good hands.
