Mounted search and rescue

[Paul Fleming <pfleming@nwlink.com>]

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Paul Fleming" <pfleming@nwlink.com>
> >  In my unit if you don't met the required training objectives with and
> >  without your horse you don't get certified. If you are not certified
> >  you don't get called out.
>
> You're lucky to be in that kind of position. Many MSAR teams are still
> wrestling with a transition from the traditional to contemporary and don't
> have written MSAR standards, or even written ground SAR standards for their
> region. Until those people see the value in the training, there isn't enough
> support in the team to enforce training standards.
>
> ~
Yes, we are fortunate to be in this position. When out unit was 
formed in the early 90s we got our SOP's , By Laws and some guidance 
from a Unit in Placer County CA (hope I've spelled it correctly). One 
of the best bits of advice was MSAR isn't about horses its about SAR 
and don't ever feel that it isn't. With that approach and the State's 
Administrative Codes we have little other choice. Here in Washington 
the SAR folks fall under the Department of Emergency Management. By 
law we have many qualifications that we have to attain before we are 
certified to go on active searches. Not to mention all the unit 
unique training one must have. Then our unit itself is certified as 
ready for call out.

Like I said this has been a very interesting thread.



Be sure to check the Training Page
<http://www.nwlink.com/~pfleming/SAR.html>

Paul