Clothing for SAR

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Chapter 7

• Clothing for SAR

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Search is an Emergency !

• Search Statistics for missing lost persons
• 229 case histories analyzed from Washington NY
  State by Styrotuck
• 22 were found dead 11 in critical condition
• 1 out of 3 were dead or in critical condition
  due to hypothermia
• Of those found dead
• - 50 died within the first day
• - an additional 24 died within the second day
• 74 of found subjects died within 48 hours!

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Objectives (1 of 3)

• List at least three characteristics in the
  various natural and synthetic materials used in
  the construction of clothing as used in SAR.
• List three of the factors concerning heat
  transfer due to clothing construction and/or
  design.

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Objectives (2 of 3)

• Describe the function of each of the following
  layers of clothing
• Underneath layer
• Wicking layer
• Clothing layer
• Insulation layer
• Shell layer

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Objectives (3 of 3)

• Describe the proper SAR clothing to be used in
  various environmental conditions.
• Describe some advantages and disadvantages of
  various types of outdoor footwear.

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Clothing for the SAR Responder

• First line of defense in harsh conditions
• Protects from cold, heat, insect plant-related
  injuries
• Ensures comfort in adverse conditions

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Natural Fiber Materials

• Derived from plants or animals
• Natural fibers
• Cotton
• Wool
• Silk
• Down

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Cotton

• Adequate for moderate climates
• Breathable
• Absorbs water
• Burns easily but does not melt
• Good insulator when dry, but poor when wet

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Wool

• Maintains insulation when wet
• Burns slowly, very resilient, breathable, and
  durable
• Gives off an unpleasant odor when wet
• Inexpensive through military surplus supplier

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Silk

• Very comfortable and light
• Good insulating and wicking properties
• Generally expensive
• Not durable and damaged by perspiration and
  sunlight

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Down

• Light and very comfortable
• Absorbs moisture readily
• Excellent insulating properties when dry
• Absorbs and retains odors and will mildew when
  damp

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Synthetic Fiber Materials

• Synthetic fibers are produced by chemical
  synthesis.
• Nylon
• Polypropylene
• Polyester

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Nylon

• Abrasion resistant and quick drying
• Low moisture absorption and wicking properties
• Blends well with other fibers
• Can be damaged by sunlight and melts when on fire
  
• Examples Ripstop and Cordura

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Polypropylene

• Maintains insulative properties when wet
• Repels and wicks moisture/water
• High abrasion resistance
• Easy care and non-allergenic
• Melts at relatively low temperatures (160ºC or
  320ºF)
• Examples Capilene, Thermax

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Polyester

• Strong, durable, and inexpensive
• Softer and lighter than any other synthetic
  material
• Will not absorb moisture
• Examples Polartec, Polarguard, Primaloft,
  Thinsulate

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Polartec

• Warm, comfortable, and versatile
• Not abrasion resistant
• Quick drying
• Resistant to stretching and shrinking

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Polarguard

• Used primarily as an insulator
• Continuous fibers form air-trapping pockets.
• Eliminates clumping and cold spots
• Examples Polarguard HV, Polarguard 3D
• The North Face Mountain Hardwear Sierra
  Designs Marmot REI L.L.Bean Slumberjack
  Kelty GoLite Canadian Recreation

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Heat Loss and Garment Features (1 of 2)

• Rate of heat transfer through clothing depends
  on
• Quantity and thickness of dead air space
• Amount of air that passes through a material
• Water and moisture

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Heat Loss and Garment Features (2 of 2)

• Closures need to be designed and applied
  properly.
• Seams
• Vents
• Pockets
• Reinforcements

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The Layer System

• Layers of garments that can easily be added or
  removed
• Underneath
• Wicking
• Clothing
• Insulation
• Shell

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The Underneath Layer

• For hygiene, discretion, and comfort
• Socks
• One or two pair
• Should not bunch
• Should not cause constriction or abrasion

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The Wicking Layer

• Moisture control and comfort
• Ensure proper fit
• Materials
• Thin silk or wool
• Synthetics such as Capilene, Coolmax, and
  Polartec

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The Clothing Layer

• Should offer some insulation and absorb moisture
  from layers beneath
• Loose fit and comfortable
• Durability and snag/tear resistant
• Consider visible colors.

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The Insulation Layer

• Traps air between wicking and shell layers
• Accomplished best with multiple layers rather
  than one thick one
• Dont forget about your extremities.

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The Shell Layer

• Protects against the elements
• Must be strong and durable
• Consider ventilation.
• Hoods are highly recommended.
• Should be bright color.
• Research wisely A good shell is an investment.

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Shell Options

• Waterproof Shell
• Water-Repellent Shell
• Water-Resistant Shell
• Waterproof/Breathable Shell

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Other Clothing Considerations (1 of 5)

• The head
• An unprotected head can be responsible for half
  of the bodys heat loss.
• Whole-head protection in cold environments
  (balaclavas)
• In hot environments, protect head from external
  heat.

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Other Clothing Considerations (2 of 5)

• Hands
• Mittens keep generally keep hands warmer but
  affect dexterity.
• Leather gloves protect hands and improve traction
  and grip.
• Remember to protect the wrists.

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Other Clothing Considerations (3 of 5)

• Feet
• Examine and clean daily
• Treat blisters and hot spots immediately.
• Always wear clean, dry socks.
• Have footwear fitted by a professional.

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Other Clothing Considerations (4 of 5)

• Footwear
• Proper fit and comfort
• Adequate stability and support
• Durability and good traction for environment
• Protection from the elements
• Break in footwear before using the field.

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Other Clothing Considerations

• Winter Footwear Traction options

General Crampons 98-500
Instep Crampons 25-36
Slip on 27
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Other Clothing Considerations
Instep crampons (4 or 6 Pt) best for NBGSAR
Straps require tall style of boot!
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Other Clothing Considerations
Traction Snowshoes with built in crampons
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Other Clothing Considerations (5 of 5)

• Gaiters
• Protection against dirt, debris, snow, and
  insects
• Prevent layers from getting wet
• Usually made of Cordura or ripstop and coated
  with waterproofing agent
• Available in two sizes

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Clothing Purchase Suggestions

• Research and investigate before purchasing.
• Plan ahead and buy off-season sale items.
• SAR clothing is an important tool.
• Take advantage of online discount retailers.

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YSSR Team Policy

• Cardinal rule 1
• Searchers do not wear cotton pants or shirts into
  the woods (this includes jeans). Cotton absorbs
  moisture and is slow to dry. Moisture (from sweat
  or the environment) is trapped in the cotton and
  held against the skin increasing vulnerability to
  hypothermia (low body temperature). Beware
  hypothermia can occur year round, a combination
  of mild temps with a breeze applied to damp
  clothing can cause serious chilling.
• Cardinal rule 2
• Wear appropriate hiking boots into the woods
  (sneakers, cowboy boots, sandals are not
  allowed)!! Reason Searchers will be walking over
  rough terrain (rocks, roots, logs) and require
  ankle support and foot protection. Unsupported
  ankles are likely to suffer sprains, breaks, cuts
  and bruises converting a searcher into a medical
  emergency.
• Cardinal rule 3
• Wear Eye Protection! Walking through dense brush
  will cause eye injuries (especially at night).
  Without adequate eye protection you WILL receive
  a stick in the eyejust a matter of time. All
  searchers (including eye glass wearers) require
  safety glasses.
• Cardinal rule 4
• Prepare for rain! SAR operations are conducted in
  the RAIN day and night. Invest in lightweight
  packable rain pants and jacket (does not have to
  be expensive).

Basic Clothing document on YSSR website.
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Clothing Suppliers