The emergency response wing is responsible for investigating crimes, searching for accused and/or escaped persons and the security of the weyr, which they coordinate with the guard contingent. They are expected to attend regular weapons training and conduct regular sweeps of the surrounding areas. Also it deals with all manner of rescue work, from avalanches, blizzards, finding lost people and firefighting.
Wingleader: Vacant
Wingsecond: Vacant
Name Origin: Named for the legendary Thunderbird that came on lightning wings through hell and high water, swiftly and decisively, the emergency response wing combines S&R with policing. Formerly this wing was two seperate wings, Emerald and Ruby Wings.
Wing Badge:
Fort Weyr's diamond-shaped badge is a black fort on a brown background, with a lightning fork symbol set just above the battlements of the fort.
Function:
Thunderbird is the Weyr's emergency response wing, and is the first to respond with aid to those in distress due to natural and/or man-made calamity, or to the purpose of police work. Disaster relief and public service is what these riders specialize in, with a particular focus on keeping the peace, mediating dispute, fire fighting, seeking the lost, and unearthing any buried by landslides, mudslides, or avalanche.
Training:
Air to ground hide-and-seek style exercises, with the entire wing playing 'it' to a single, well camouflaged person, are routine and practiced at all hours and under various weather conditions. So too are air to air rescue drills, like catching a falling rider or wounded dragon. Other lessons include diplomacy and etiquette with a particular focus on high stress management techniques, the better to help one handle the unruly or panic stricken or the simply ornery. Riders are taught to respond in different ways to various emergency situations, including self-defense and knife-fighting training with the guards of Fort weyr. Every effort is taken to prepare them to maintain control under extreme duress under the worst possible circumstances. The ability to operate on one's own as well as cooperate with every other rider in the wing are essential and an enormous amount of time and energy are spent running single and collaborative team drills, making sure each individual is capable of such flexibility.
Injuries:
Emergency response is a high risk occupation, thus injuries to both dragon and human are common in Thunderbird wing. Damages incurred can include but are not solely limited to breaks, burns, lacerations, wrenched muscles, torn ligaments and additionally for dragons, talon loss and wing strain, not to mention assault and battery to riders, stabbing, bruises, broken bones and the like. Yes, it's a hazardous wing!
Notes:
Drills can be held either on or off camera, depending on how many wingriders are willing and available for RP. Exercises can be held practically anywhere the Weyrleader deems the practice useful, but mostly in pre-set areas about the Fort region. Wingriders are encouraged to RP performing certain exercises or drills on their own time as well. Any serious IC injury or death has to be discussed with and okayed by the Wingleader and Weyrleaders before RP. TP or RP ideas are always welcomed, as well as suggestions for any change in how the wing operates or how the drills are carried out. There is also a training facility for emergency response riders, located as an annex off of the guard area (South bowl, Guard area, Training field -TRA-) to facilitate training scenarios and RP. Wingriders should feel free to make use of the scenario generator located there.
