search & rescue

[droid_ca]

Does anyone have any designs for a search and rescue trailer. I'd be very interested in any design ideas you may have or ideas that might be required in such a trailer almost thinking a cargo conversion might be the way to go.

[proformance]

Google, "CERT Trailers". Several CERT teams have utilized cargo trailers to create custom trailers specific to their needs/application. They very greatly depending who designed the trailer and the respective budget. Some are very well thought out incorporating central communications, storage of all the equipment, awnings, chairs, tables, cots, triage related equipment, search and rescue equipment, and more.

Just a thought to help get you started.

[schaney]

Are you thinking about a command center / gear locker or individual SAR members trailer?

I've talked with some local SAR folks thinking about a super-size Explorer Box style trailer as an individual trailer. You have everything organized and packed up ready to go.

[droid_ca]

We were looking at a command center that would also be a base of operations, to relax in and not have to leave the site so people could get rest if needed.. Some one was mentioning dual slide outs for a cargo trailer cause there would be need to sleep approximately 6 people separately for a few hours at a time. Most of the vehicles carry gear for the search. so it would be good to have a portable station for situations where more then one person has gone missing and you don't want to separate them..... hope that is a more accurate description

[schaney]

My stuff has been focused on the individual side.

IMHO I'd start by doing a needs analysis with your SAR group and use that to shape the features and design necessary. Just some thoughts off the top of my head;
what will it be towed with?
maximum setup time?
Will command center move during a search?
sleeping space?
how much covered (like an awning) gathering space?
wall hang or table map area?
what computer, GPS tracking, radio, electronic gear needs a place?
Secure, lockable storage for anything that only certain people have access to?
etc ...

[droid_ca]

hey schaney do you have S&R trailers?
we are looking at a fast setup and take down style of trailer in case of rapid deployment
Need to have a kitchen Washroom and sleeping ares so basically its a travel trailer but we also need storage for ropes and gear I'm starting to get in to working as a a canine handler and will be training my own dog for it if he qualifies
W will need to have radio equipment in the form of a base station setup
but heating and cooling will be needed for this type of trailer
The field commander will be the one towing the trailer and he's using a big diesel pig so weight is not an issue
I would like to have a trailer for my truck but that will be coming out of my pocket so who knows it would be nice
but still in the information gathering phase

[schaney]

No we haven't done a SAR trailer. That said, an SAR trailer would be no different than a camping, dog hauler, lap across america, etc trailer. From our approach the trailer design is driven from what you need to haul and how does it need to be organized.

Current we focus on smaller sized trailers that would work well for an individual SAR trailer. The thread peaked my interest because we've had interest this year in SAR and wildfire support trailers. I'm just collecting data and trying to better understand the needs at this point.

[droid_ca]

I would like to have my own personal trailer or camper setup, as well for my truck since the main one wont be hauled by my truck, just makes sense to me

[schaney]

Yes a personal one for your own gear and a nice camping setup since you could be away for days on a search makes since. If you secide to build an Explorer Box style one let me know.

[droid_ca]

how warm are they in the winter as that's when stuff usually happens and some times its animals like horses so you never know what your getting into