Mounted search and rescue

[tm-fi <TFinkle@erols.com>]

Chris,

I agree with you and the comments you made.  TROTSAR is an East coast 
Mounted Unit and most of our searches last less than two 12 hours 
shifts.  Many of our team members use the multi section waist pack (with 
built in lumbar support) and a leg pack carried on the left leg (the leg 
packs are used military M-17 gas mask bags).  Items such as ropes, 
caribiners and gear related items are carried in saddle bags.  Safety 
items on carried on the person.  The Maryland Search Team Task Force 
(MSTTF) advised all members last year, that all SAR Techs. personnel, 
those  with animals may need to safely secure the animals on the scene 
in the event, the nature of the situation/mission requires the need for 
additional ground personnel.

This basically means the need for a (standby) standard back pack for 
that purpose.  Mounted Teams are used for certain purposes, however, the 
SAR skills are why we are in the field. Sadly, I have seen too many 
"new" teams think MSAR is simply a nice day riding around in the field 
looking for a lost person.   Our region ONLY utilizes certified SAR 
personnel, their their special skills are secondary. Our SAR call-outs 
come from the State Police or County level Law Enforcement agencies. 
MSTTF keeps a current list (on the web site and hard copies) of all SAR 
teams within the State and keeps area jurisdictions informed of what 
services and manpower needs are available 
<http://home.adelphia.net/~capt1295/capt1295/MSTTF>

After reading some of the post on this site, I can not help to wonder if 
a few of the Teams represented here even understand what NASAR standards 
are.  Each of our operational team members must be NASAR certified
and must annually complete our Horse/rider requirements (which have been 
posted here, on the main site before).  Even our Support/Logistics (base 
camp) personnel must be a SARTech-III and have completed the 
NASAR-FunSAR standards. As far helmets, whether it is a training day or 
a  field assignment, "no helmet = go home" PERIOD.  Safety is our 
paramount mission.

Be well,

Tomi (TROTSAR2)  <http://profiles.yahoo.com/trotsar2>