Safety Symposium: Saturday Sept. 17th

PinkyBoarder · Since 04 May 2011 45 Posts Seattle, WA

In lieu of recent events and water injuries (and past and future events), Saturday Sept. 17th from 1-4pm there will be a safety class/discussion/BBQ taking place at the event site. Jeff Pritcher, a local fire chief/paramedic/kiteboarder, has volunteered his time to come discuss water rescues, first aid techniques, first responder information, and ways we can all be more safe out there. So B.Y.O. food and drinks, plus there will be some food hopefully donated from our local shops in the Hood! It will be good times! We hope to discuss any ideas people have for future events and future plans for beefing up the safety of our beloved sports. Hope to see you all there Smile

(and hope for wind)

When: Saturday Sept. 17th starting at 1pm
Where: The event site
What: Safety Symposium/BBQ
Who: Anyone interested!

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

I'll be there. I to have an agenda item to add. Heliport closer to action.

tpcramer · Since 26 Jul 2010 71 Posts

We should try and get Dave Smith to come down, seems part of our discussion should revolve around what the Fire Department would like us (the kiting community) to be handling. I will contact him to see if he, or another member of the HRFD, is available to attend.

cgka · Since 18 Jul 2006 278 Posts Obsessed

Updated 9/14/11

Just to give some quick info so as not to takeaway from the focus of Pinky's event posting:

Helipad -
There are 3 designated helipads for emergency along the waterfront
These helipads unfortunately have fallen behind on safety certification and are to be discussed this winter.

RE: Dave Smith and HR Fire Dept :
Fire Chief Devon Wells (Jeff is the former Chief of Cascade Locks) and the Hood River Fire Department plan to work with the CGKA (and likely CGWA) to establish a clearer rescue protocol program for both the Hood River Fire Dept and the Hood River Sheriffs Office when handling emergency water rescue situations that require their services.
In addition,a Waterfront Safety/Access Plan allowing emergency callers to coordinate their locations more accurately to avoid location communication issues during rescue calls is hoped to implemented by next Spring as well.
These discussions are intended to be worked on throughout the Fall and Winter with the intent of promoting and establishing a program for Spring 2012.

RE: Hood River Fire Dept
We have been asked to clarify that this Saturday's symposium is not an event represented by the Hood River Fire Dept.

Safety is always an important topic of discussion, especially from trained/certified professionals.
Jeff and Ashleigh will have a lot of good experience and training information that can be helpful to all people at any time and in most any circumstance.

PinkyBoarder · Since 04 May 2011 45 Posts Seattle, WA

Awesome! Keep the suggestions coming in!

This Saturday is an informal gathering to bring awareness to the actual water users on safety techniques and ways to improve safety. Also, to discuss ideas and topics that can be brought to the CGKA and the fire dept. for future use. The goal is to eventually have everyone using the water, the fire dept/patrol, and EMS all on the same page and having the knowledge of how to better handle water rescues and how to get help when it is needed.

It is great to increase knowledge and improve the process and standards within the fire dept and EMS, but we need to educate within our peers too. If something occurs out on the sandbar, the EMS may not be able to make it down to you, the sheriff's boat cannot get through the shallows, and we have no official jet ski water rescue for our sports. What to do? See you Saturday Smile

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

So happy to see this post! I was hanging out at Brian's today & was handed a flyer about this. I will be there for sure. So what part of the event site? In the middle? If it's windy, the East kite beach will be busy...

If you need any help setting up etc. Please let me know.

Mel

PinkyBoarder · Since 04 May 2011 45 Posts Seattle, WA

Thanks Mel! Come down anytime, I'll be out around 11-12. Not much to set up, were roughing it Smile

but the wind looks good, so maybe we'll be out kiting beforehand!

WINDUDE · Since 10 Jun 2010 558 Posts GORGE! Addicted

Safety is no accident!

Nice work!

PinkyBoarder · Since 04 May 2011 45 Posts Seattle, WA

Had some people asking what would be covered on Saturday, so here is a little update:

Saturday is a gathering of kite/wind boarders and water users to discuss ways to promote safety and self-reliance on the water, ways to help out in a water rescue, ways to assist first responders/EMS in cases of injury, and what NOT to do in an emergency. We will be looking at safety equipment and having some fun demos too.

I(Ashleigh) was discussing safety with Theo Fusban's host family (The Roeselers) after the horrible accident that took place at the sandbar a few weeks ago. I gladly jumped on the idea to do a clinic, bringing in Jeff because of his experience as a lifeguard, paramedic, forest service, etc. My apologies for listing Jeff as a 'fire chief' instead of 'former fire chief.'

It seems that right now, if something goes wrong, most likely it is going to be a fellow kiteboarder or windsurfer to initially help out since we dont have lifeguards or water patrol or rescue jetskis or boats that can enter shallow water. Personally, I have assisted in 6 medical rescues in my first season kiting the gorge, from nasty cuts and broken toes to broken necks. So while we work on improving overall safety procedures in HR, we can also work on individually being educated and well-prepared in cases of emergency.

(stepping off my soapbox now)
Smile