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Show 4. For the probing operation to be effective, lines must be ordered and properly spaced. To insure systematic and orderly probing, the number of volunteers per line should be limited. Twenty per line is satisfactory; thirty an upper limit. A stringline ( see Figure 8) is essential for keeping both coarse- and fine- probe lines aligned. If rescue manpower is scarce, the stringline may be omitted for the coarse probe. 5. The probe line maintains a steady advance upslope. Advancing in the uphill direction automatically helps set the proper pace and permits easy probing to full length of the poles. Downhill probing is more difficult to control. Probing does not come to a halt when a possible strike is made. The probe is left in contact with the possible strike while the probe line proceeds as before. A shovel crew follows up the strike by digging down along the probe pole which made the strike. The shovel crew should carry extra probe poles to replace those left behind at strikes. Such a scheme of operation is especially important when more than one victim is buried. Two distinct probing techniques are recognized: The coarse probe and the fine probe. As evident in the nomenclature, coarse probing implies a wider spacing of probe pole insertions with emphasis on speed. Fine probing involves close- spaced probing with emphasis on thoroughness. Coarse probing is used during initial phases of the search when live recovery is anticipated. Fine probing is the concluding measure which almost guarantees finding the victim. Section 2.4 will justify initial use of the coarse probe technique. The coarse probe functions as follows: 1. Probers are spaced along a line, 30 inches center to center. A distance of 20" is straddled, leaving 10 inches between toes of adjacent probers. ( See Figure 15.) 2. A single probe pole insertion is made at the center of the straddled span. 3. On signal from the probe line leader, the group advances 2 feet and repeats Steps 1 and 2. 4. Usually one signal suffices for the complete sequence- insertion of probe, retraction of probe, and advancement of line. It is important that the signals be adjusted to a rhythm which enforces the maximum reasonable pace. 5. Strict military discipline and firm, clear commands are essential for efficient probing. The probers should work silently. 37 |