Trainee's MRA Test

On the weekend of June 30th, 2001, three Montrose Search and Rescue trainees took their "final exam" in order to demonstrate various mountaineering skills acquired over the past 12- to 15-months of rigorous training. This test was the final step before the team puts their membership to the vote on July 11.

Trainees John Levin, Arbi Karapetian, and Lyle Koegler were tested on many of the critical mountain rescue skills required to become a member of the team. Specifically, each trainee was tested individually on: rappelling past a knot, tying various knots, litter rigging, ascending past a knot, rock climbing, belaying, setting up and converting between lowering and raising systems, building load distributing anchor systems, victim pick-offs as well as a team participation scenario.

In spite of the intense heat and constant pressure by the testers, all trainees managed to complete the 2-day ordeal relatively unscathed.
Read more about the trainee's test in a recent article in the Foothill Leader

Here are John, Arbi, and Lyle BEFORE the test began. Well...at least they look ready.

The Testers: (Left to Right) Alan Edwards, Jay Paneno, John McKently, Rick Homan, Mark Millis, and George Struble.

John is tested on patient packaging and litter
lashing.

Lyle demonstrates his litter rigging abilities
using his personal rope to tie a pre-rig.

Here is Arbi nearing the top of his rope ascent. The last foot is always the toughest. Hang in there Arbi!

Arbi makes his way back over the rail.

Now it's John's turn. Almost there......

Made it!   Whew....ok....what's next?

Well...next was climbing. Here is John only
feet away from the top after climbing over
175' (see photo right)

Here, Lyle is being tested on his belay skills as he manages the safety line while John is climbing.

The testers look a bit more relaxed after having put the trainees through their paces for the entire day.

And here are the trainees at the end of Day 1. What a difference 10 hours can make eh?

Then it was up to Barley Flats to prepare dinner for the rest of the team. "Will this day ever end???"

Day 2 began with a team scenario of 2 victims over the side. Here, John and Lyle are lowered down to the victims.

Team member Al Magee (aka victim #1), gets packaged for the ride back up to the top.

Always time to stop for Jpeg moment!

With the 2nd victim packaged and ready to go, John and Lyle tend the litter back up to the top.

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© 2000,2001 Montrose Search and Rescue Team

On the weekend of June 30th, 2001, three Montrose Search and Rescue trainees took their "final exam" in order to demonstrate various mountaineering skills acquired over the past 12- to 15-months of rigorous training. This test was the final step before the team puts their membership to the vote on July 11. Trainees John Levin, Arbi Karapetian, and Lyle Koegler were tested on many of the critical mountain rescue skills required to become a member of the team. Specifically, each trainee was tested individually on: rappelling past a knot, tying various knots, litter rigging, ascending past a knot, rock climbing, belaying, setting up and converting between lowering and raising systems, building load distributing anchor systems, victim pick-offs as well as a team participation scenario. In spite of the intense heat and constant pressure by the testers, all trainees managed to complete the 2-day ordeal relatively unscathed. Read more about the trainee's test in a recent article in the Foothill Leader	Here are John, Arbi, and Lyle BEFORE the test began. Well...at least they look ready.
The Testers: (Left to Right) Alan Edwards, Jay Paneno, John McKently, Rick Homan, Mark Millis, and George Struble.	John is tested on patient packaging and litter lashing.
Lyle demonstrates his litter rigging abilities using his personal rope to tie a pre-rig.	Here is Arbi nearing the top of his rope ascent. The last foot is always the toughest. Hang in there Arbi!
Arbi makes his way back over the rail.	Now it's John's turn. Almost there......
Made it! Whew....ok....what's next? Well...next was climbing. Here is John only feet away from the top after climbing over 175' (see photo right) Here, Lyle is being tested on his belay skills as he manages the safety line while John is climbing. The testers look a bit more relaxed after having put the trainees through their paces for the entire day.
And here are the trainees at the end of Day 1. What a difference 10 hours can make eh?	Then it was up to Barley Flats to prepare dinner for the rest of the team. "Will this day ever end???"
Day 2 began with a team scenario of 2 victims over the side. Here, John and Lyle are lowered down to the victims.	Team member Al Magee (aka victim #1), gets packaged for the ride back up to the top.
Always time to stop for Jpeg moment!	With the 2nd victim packaged and ready to go, John and Lyle tend the litter back up to the top.
Home \| About the Team \| Photo Album \| Team Stats \| Training \| Contact Us \| Missions \| Links \| Support Us © 2000,2001 Montrose Search and Rescue Team