Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una@lanl.gov>]

Deb, Amy, et al.

There are many new mounted SAR units in the US, and old units
are always recruiting new members, so I think it benefits us
all to share information as freely as possible.  There is a
lot of truth in the saying that a great way to learn a thing
is to teach it to others.  So I offer a lot of advice, not as
a know-it-all, but as a dedicated learner.

For example, why do I say "unit" where others here say "team"?
In general SAR context, a team is a group of people who search
together.  I call a horse and rider a pair.  A mounted team is
usually 2 or 3 riders and at least one horse per rider;  a dog
team is often a dog and its handler but in wilderness areas I
think for safety the team should consist of dog, handler, and
a second person.  Your unit or group may be small enough that
you field only one team.  So when you arrive at base camp and
they ask your leader what resources you have, she should say
something like "X teams of Y riders".  Think about how to give
tactful direction to incident command, so that they will learn
to use you effectively.  Many people working incident command 
have little knowledge of horses, and this is ESPECIALLY true if
you are a new MSAR unit in a state where such are rare.  One
other factor;  as a new and unproven unit, you should expect
that your team(s) will be told to search in areas where no one
expects to find the subject.  The only thing worse than no find
is a find by a team that is incompetent and consequently harms
the subject or destroys a crime scene.  Being sent to unlikely
areas to search is discouraging but necessary, so try to see
it as part of your training, and make the most of it.  You may
still find the subject, so always do the job expected of you.

Deb, as someone with groundpounder SAR experience, you know a
lot about searching.  Could you tell us how being on horseback
changes things for you?  For example, are you able to extract
the subject, or would you need to call in a groundpounder team
with medical skills, supplies, and possibly a litter or other
technical gear?

        Una Smith

Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS K-710, Los Alamos, NM  87545