Mounted search and rescue

[Bdurham05201@aol.com]

I wanted to share a training idea one of our members came up with.  Of course if it is a flop I won't be so happy, but maybe someone else can improve on it.

 

It is always most fun to train on horseback, however some of our best learning happens when we are on our own two feet and thus concentrating more on the task at hand.  So this training will be without horses and regardless of the weather.

 

We are setting up "skills stations"; when you first arrive at the training you will be directed to the "command post" where you will demonstrate and/or explain what your responsibilities as the first arriving member(s) must do.  Including roping off the command post, that horses aren't allowed in, starting the Sign In sheet. Issuing medical packs and radios, assigning teams, and actually having the teams test their radios (as if they were leaving on a search).

 

From the command post they will be sent to any of the following (not all to the same station so we won't be all bunched up together). 1) Medical station, where a local paramedic and first/aid CPR instructor will have a few different scenarios pre-decided, he will randomly have each member handle a different "medical skills test."  Again it will probably be a combination of demonstration/explaination to keep things moving and not become too time consuming.  2) A check in point where we will check their personal packs/saddle bags to make sure they are equipped with all the required equipment.  3) Orienteering station where they will have to navigate a course inside the building and around what ever is going on in there (we will be using a large fire house). 4) Communications station, because we have some people who really seem to be afraid of talking on the radios.

 

The instructors will chart how everyone does and share that with them so everyone will know where they need to improve.  If they are short on their required equipment, they must prove at the next call out or mock that they have all the required equipment or they will not be allowed to participate.

 

If anyone has any suggestions we are still about 4 weeks from the training date.  We still have time to tweak the plan.

 

Also, I recently read about a competition played out west and in Michigan on horseback that involves Orienteering. If anyone knows about this I am interested in the details.  It sounded like a fun way to practice a necessary skill.

 

Brenda Durham, Coordinator

East Fork State Park Volunteer Mtd S&R

bdurham05201@aol.com