When the next regional disaster strikes, AND IT WILL, MERC will be ready to respond to the needs of our community. The SLV MERC is an organization of motorcycle riders who will act in any necessary capacity in the event of a disaster or emergency. SLV MERC riders will be trained in CERT First Aid, CPR, Amateur Radio use, Light search and rescue, high angle rescue, and motorcycle specific first aid. SLV MERC riders will train in regional drills throughout the year. MERC riders will be available for search and rescue operations in areas where aerial searches can not see through the canopy of tree tops, and access on foot would take a great deal of time. MERC riders will be able to locate lost, stranded, or injured hikers, bikers, and horseback riders easily in our rugged mountain terrain surrounding the SLV.
Due to the nature of the terrain in the SLV, MERC riders will need to become proficient in basic, and safe off road, and on road riding in adverse conditions. Special training will be arranged to cover this. Drills will be planned in conjunction with local government, and property owners, such as the park service, CDF, fire districts, private property owners, and law enforcement agencies. MERC may be training in collaboration with these agencies, and gaining access to alternate routes, such as fire roads, trails, and utility corridors. MERC riders will be responsible for learning these routes, and maintaining these routes through responsible access, and respectful riding practices. These routes will give MERC riders VERY FAST access to prime lookout points, radio relay points, and emergency access routes that would otherwise be inaccessible to emergency vehicles, and personnel.
Training would be hosted monthly through organized drills, and training rides in different communities throughout the SLV, with at least two per year in each district. No experience is necessary, but any experience would be an asset. Experience with on, AND off road riding, plus first aid, CPR, and Amateur Radio experience is desired. MERC will provide information on how and where to obtain this training, and may even organize special training sessions where appropriate. If you are interested in becoming a part of MERC, contact Bryan Manternach at:
smash at transwarp dot com
Phone: 338-3504
Mobile: 408-209-3099