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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Conference planning

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>
  • To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Conference planning
  • Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2006 21:41:22 -0800

From: "Una Smith" <una.smith@att.net>
Hm. My experience has been that cavers and divers are even
more obscure.

Cave rescue teams in SAR are commonly technical rescue who also have cave training. That training is normally based on NCRC training. http://www.caves.org/io/ncrc/ During an actual incident caving organizations, local clubs, etc., may be called upon to provide the additional personnel needed. A cave incident is run similar to a technical rescue, with topside personnel to support the in/over folks. My cave rescue topside assignment is Entrance Control and Communications with the Hasty response, then Entrance Control after we have additional personnel. If a cave rescue team isn't readily available, management checks the Mutual Aid resource list or goes direct to a source like NCRC.

It isn't unusual for some folks on dive teams to be cross-trained in swiftwater rescue, which is another specialty in SAR. (Years ago I was NAUI-certified as a diver. These days this grandma is shore support trained for the local dive team and swiftwater team.) If there is water such as lake or river close to the facility, the SAR conference often includes some water-related classes. Swiftwater is normally based on Rescue3-type training for consistency.

MSAR folks with even elementary cross-training can be very useful at cave, technical, or water rescue incidents. MSAR packers can also haul gear for a more remote location.

SAR conferences I attend regularly on the west coast always include Track Aware at minimum, and commonly offer a full multi-day tracker's field course. Once MSAR folks have a decent handle on how to track from the ground, those skills can be transferred to tracking from the saddle.

-Jorene






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