Mounted search and rescue

["Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Terry Nowacki" <wwfarm@wiktel.com>
> From: "Tm' Fi" <TFinkle@erols.com>
> >  MSAR will likely never be recognized as
> > a professional Search & Rescue resource.

[...]
> Since MSAR  power is growing partly in thanks to this list and the fact 
> that
> NASAR is recognizing MSAR maybe things can be changed. I will bet we have
> the right folks in this group that know how to get the ball rolling in 
> order
> to change things for tge better. [...]

We're working on that. ;)
Once we develop basic MSAR standards that can provide consistency 
nationwide, we'll have something for FEMA to consider to include in the 
Typing system. (For those not familiar with the federal Typing system for 
resources, visit http://www.fema.gov/nims/mutual_aid.shtm#resources )

However, all MSAR should be aware that the standards under development will 
include a pre-requisite of being qualified in Ground SAR. This is the 
obvious trend nationwide so there is core consistency for all in SAR. First 
qualifying / certifying in Ground SAR (NASAR SARTECH II or equivalent) then 
add the specialty like SAR Dog, Mounted, ATV, or whatever. Any national / 
federal level Typing for Mounted SAR will reflect this.

Also keep in perspective that for disaster response it will be necessary to 
have additional training or you won't be on the call list. ODP (Office for 
Domestic Preparedness) is rewriting the WMD Aware class to be more of an 
All-Hazards Aware class. The rewrite will include things like "during a 
flood, water may be contaminated" - and the training will be required for 
all emergency / disaster responders.

I also recommend all SAR - including MSAR - take CERT (Community Emergency 
Response Team) training. Lots of advantageous cross-over training for SAR 
... and the feds may end up requiring it for SAR in their Typing system. 
http://www.citizencorps.gov/programs/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
Tulare SAR - Hasty Team ICP Team
www.ceoates.com/sar
Tulare-Kings CERT
www.tk-cert.org