BAMSAR Minutes
Minutes of the September meeting, held at Eastport. Thanks to Bob Jaeger and Paul Massey for
their hospitality.
Present: Bayport, Blue Point, Bellport, South Country Ambulance, Mastic, Center Moriches,
Group Moriches, Eastport and Westhampton Beach.
Welcome to our distinguished guest Major Emanuel Mallia of the Armed Forces of Malta,
who is the Officer-in-Charge of the Search and Rescue School of Malta.
Old Business:
Dive Rescue 2 (Light Salvage) is cancelled. Planning discussions will begin next month, with
an eye toward having the course scheduled for October, 2003. Participants will have until February,
2003, to indicate whether or not they will attend. Once signed up, participants will be expected to
attend, or find a replacement to take their spot if they cannot attend. Departments indicating tentative
attendance are: Bayport (1), Blue Point (2), Bellport (2), Mastic (3), and Mastic Beach (1). Center
Moriches (1), Eastport (2), and Westhampton Beach (3).
Dive Rescue 1 (Basic) is suggested for early May, 2003. Further discussion will be held next
month. Departments indicating tentative attendance are: Bayport (3), Blue Point (1), and Bellport (1).
South Country Ambulance (4), Mastic (3), Center Moriches (3), Eastport (2) and Westhampton Beach (2)
No word yet on the progress of the Dory Rescue Squad surf net.
New Business:
Discussion was held regarding the drowning at Cupsogue Beach in August.
Some lessons learned:
I) Dye packets are a valuable tool that all rescue teams should look into carrying.
2) Command should have an accurate accounting of all rescue personnel in the water.
especially when a helo is involved in the search. This information needs to he passed to the
helo, so that the helo can sort out who is rescuer and who is victim, from the air.
3) A boat (in this case Mastic) outside the search area, for safety, is a good idea.
A number of Islip Town dive teams held a meeting with Station Fire Island
recently. They are looking to form a BAMSAR-style dive rescue association to work Great South Bay.
We will look into establishing a liaison with this new association.
Congratulations to Paul Massey, as he has officially been appointed dive
Coordinator for the South Shore. Dave Fischler is going to appoint a coordinator for the
North Shore as well.
Training:
Tim Haws (CG) was asked if the Group would consider giving another search pattern class,
over-winter. He indicated that this was no problem-just give him a suggestion for a date and place.
Greg Miglino offered to set up a CPR/AED class, and also asked when would be a good time
to have Bob Fink teach the courses discussed in last month's meeting. Members are asked to come
up with a date that everyone can get together, and bring it back to the October meeting.
We would like to start a BAMSAR-wide training calendar. Please give a list of your
prospective training dates and subjects to the Secretary at the December meeting, along with dates
your unit would like to host a monthly meeting in 2003 Thanks.
Next meeting will be on Thursday, 10 October, at 1930, at Bayport Fire Department.
Anyone needing directions to Bayport, please contact the Secretary, or Rick Magale, e-mail:
magale@mail.com.
Any additions, corrections, or comments, please contact the Secretary.
Respectfully,
John Foley
Secretary