This annual event, run for the twelfth time, is designed to test the ability of teams in the Canterbury District and is becoming increasingly competitive. The standard of SAR skills is noticeably improving each year. In fact the difference in scores between the first and last teams are so close that the rules will be looked at with a view to incorporating other aspects of SAR. Currently, although it is necessary to locate the patient within a certain time, and radio operating procedures are scored, the emphasis is on treatment and management of the victim. Maybe next year we'll include some "observation" exercises and maybe test specific search techniques? Or why not blindfold and handcuffed them?

Or perhaps we'll return to the same area and award extra marks to the team that finds a Red X radio that went out with a patient and never came home! We reckon we've the sharpest SAR teams in the country and anyone who disputes that claim is challenged to enter their best SARbods in the 1998 competition.

Incidentally, the injury this year was particularly gruesome, consisting of a bolt from a crossbow through the leg. Trousers with an extra couple of holes were issued to each patient and an elastic band under the trousers and around the calf kept the head on one side and the feathered bit on the other. Some blood and a tinge of blue to the lips and ears completed the picture. It isn't easy to transport someone with a stick through a leg but everyone successfully trussed up their patient to avoid movement although points were deducted from a few teams who gnawed through the shaft to shorten it!

In the past there has always been some criticism about the accuracy of the grid references supplied to the competitors, so this year a GPS unit was used and guess what? There was still a disputed reference!

And the winner was - the Hanmer team! Methven were runners up and the Police came in third.

E-mail queries to dave-s@chch.planet.org.nz or write to me at 150 McCormacks Bay, Chch 8.

Dave Saunders
Adviser Canterbury District