Cell phone saves drunken man’s life Michael Conway By Jessica Hewitt n Sunday February 27, 2011 Michael Conway, 29, was walking home intoxicated from a friend’s party in North Vancouver, when he got lost and stumbled into a 200-metre ridge during the latest Metro Vancouver cold snap. Conway used his cell phone to call for help, but had no idea where he was. The RCMP were able to contact his cell phone provider and using ping technology they were able to locate him within half a kilometre. The media and law enforcement constantly remind us that cell phones are dangerous, especially behind the wheel. We often forget how important these devices are when we are suddenly faced with an emergency. For Conway, he was very lucky to have been found. Otherwise, his story could have had a much more tragic ending. Despite severe frostbite on his exposed foot and hypothermia, Conway is expected to make a full recovery. Rick Laing, Team Manager of the Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue Society (SAR) warns against relying on your cell phone. “They create a false sense of security. If your cell phone doesn’t get coverage or if the batteries are dead—any number of things can go wrong.” Instead, he recommends learning basic map and compass skills. Often people underestimate the environment, much like in Conway’s case. “The terrain itself can be quite hazardous. A lot of people believe that if you follow a stream downhill it will reach civilization. The terrain between where- you are and the bottom of the creek can be steep waterfalls and terrain you just can’t navigate through,” says Laing. This is not to say that new technology has not made it easier to locate lost individuals. New telecommunications and mapping tools allow the SAR to communicate more effectively with radios and create detailed maps of specific search areas. Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue also recommends taking the 10 essentials before venturing out in the woods. Bring a map, flashlight and compass, let people know where you are going and don’t go onto a trail alone. For more information on Ridge Meadows SAR’s 10 essentials, visit www.rmsar.bc.ca. Student research days coming up By Maria Asselin-Roy, Staff Reporter he third annual Student Research Days are coming up at the end of March. On March 28 and 29 in both the gym at New West and the atrium at David Lam, there will be several posters and projects made by Douglas College students who are presenting their research proposals and ideas. The posters that have been presented in previous years ranged from all sorts of different topics. What is the purpose of this event? Basically, Student Research Days raises awareness of student research at the college and it exhibits the hard work and enthusiasm of the topic done by the students. Last year, there were over 100 research projects displayed for other students and faculty to see: Some interesting projects were titled “The Impact of a Mentoring Relationship in the Coming Out of Gay Men” by Ryan Tripp, “Hippotherapy: Benefits and Limitations” by Caterina Maria Murdocco, and “Aggression and Exercise: Ghost Relationship?” by Kelsey Stevens just to name a few. In both previous years and this year, the event is made possible by student volunteers who work to organize school events. If you have any questions regarding student research days or if you are interested in participating and would like some more information, please e-mail rsa@douglascollege.ca 250 Columbia St. PHURSOAY is é STUDENT NIGHT! HT UA WATERFRONT LOUNGE 004.517.2900 w ww.broolelyn.ca fae Tommy the TUNE TWISTER