Helicopter rescuers rely on SERE training Published Jan. 22, 2007 By Justin Oakes Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) -- The situation was desperate. A father and son's snowmobiling expedition turned potentially deadly when they became stranded in the Idaho wilderness due to weather so severe a ground rescue was impossible. Luckily for the stranded men, a group of Airmen from the 36th Rescue Flight based at Fairchild AFB, Wash., had the training and dedication to help. "Two different launches had to be aborted because of the weather, but two helicopters were planned for the morning of Jan. 11," said Senior Airman Jacob Bragg, a flight engineer and hoist operator on one of the rescue helicopters during the mission. The 36th RQF is part of the 336th Training Group, U.S. Air Force Survival School at Fairchild AFB. The group serves as the primary source for Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training. "The father had a cell phone and was able to communicate with the local search and rescue team," said Airman Bragg. "He was instructed to make a 'V' to signal the aircraft that they were alright, and he even started a fire with the gasoline from the snowmobile." The two helicopters took approximately 45 minutes to locate the men. "Our training applies to this mission because it pushes airmen through survival school with a better understanding of how to communicate with an aircraft, how to vector in on their location, and how to signal both in a hostile and non-hostile work environment," said Airman Bragg. Captain Christopher Roness coordinated communication between the two aircraft and served as a co-pilot during the mission. Once the father and son were located, this is the time to be "cool, calm, and collected-and maintain a clear channel for instruction during the rescue," stated Capt. Roness, chief of training at the 36th RQF, and mission commander on one of the UH-1 Hueys. Relevant to this particular mission, Capt. Roness illustrated "that some of their training exercises focus on high hover work, crew coordination, and hoisting in adverse terrain." "The 36th RQF practice rescue exercises every week, and you just can't beat this training," said Capt. Roness. Tech. Sergeant John Parish, 336th Training Support Squadron served as the independent duty medical technician. Sergeant Parish was lowered 65 feet down to the ground in order to evaluate the men's medical condition. He found the son was in better condition than his father and had him lifted out first. "The father was to go up in the second aircraft in case something were to happen to the helicopters," Sergeant Parish said. "I would be the one left behind. Going through survival school training and independent duty medical technician school gives you the ability to survey the scene in order to make any necessary determinations--such as staying with the most critically injured to ensure the patient's safety," said TSgt Parish. With all of the crew and survivors safely aboard the helicopters, the mission proceeded to a hospital in Bonner's Ferry, Idaho. Both men made it to the hospital without incident and in good condition. While father and son were treated at the nearby hospital, the crew from the 36th RQF headed back to base with the knowledge that their survival training and performance of their duties allowed them to uphold the survival school's motto of "Return With Honor."