Mounted search and rescue

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

One common problem for many MSAR teams is that they do not have the 
equipment readily available to transport an injured person that can not 
walk or ride out of their "find" location.  A simple call on the radio 
can produce the needed manpower to carry someone out horizontally, but 
most often everyone will be wasting valuable time waiting for a frame 
litter to arrive.  The military has witnessed this same problem has has 
utilized soft flexible canvas and/or polymer stretchers for some time now. 

A mail order company called the Sportsman's guide 
(www.sportsmansguide.com) is selling (new never issued) military 
stretchers at some bargain prices ( I just purchased 3 of them).   A 
Czech version folds to about the size of a 1-liter bottle and is on sale 
for $10 dollars and has 6-nylon webbing handled (a closed-cell foam 
ground roll helps stabilize this version).  A German version, which is 
called a compact emergency stretcher sells for $30 dollar.  The latter 
of the two is about the size of a (thick sized) stadium cushion and as 
has 3-built-in safety straps for patient packing, plus it has hard 
handles for an 8 person carry.  As you tell, I like the German model.   
NOTE: These item may also be found in your local military surplus store 
and I do not suggest to buy anything from only one source.

I realize that not all MSAR teams encourage their members to carry a 
large amount of gear into the field and some teams do not train for 
patient packaging, leaving the task of rescue duties to other SAR 
resources.  If your MSAR team likes new training ideas, then this 
product may work for you.  My team requires our members to carry most of 
the items listed on the SAR Tech-II ready pack list, plus some MSAR 
items.  This gear is placed on or about the rider and mount.  We try 
very hard to provide a wide range of SAR services. Our team has been 
training with flexible stretchers during the past year and we like them. 
True there are some pro's and con's, but being able to carry someone 
horizontally out of a dangerous place with a soft stretcher, but being 
able to transport someone to a location where advanced support is 
waiting can mean the difference of life or death.

If you like this kind of product, please TRAIN WITH IT before using it 
on an injured person in the field.  Military forces from around the 
world have documented incidents where these type of stretchers saved 
many lives. As with any other piece of MSAR gear, keep it in safe 
working condition and inspect it before training.  Personally, I believe 
the highest level of training and the degree of preparedness should come 
from the local level.  Documenting your training and training with other 
teams adds to your professionalism and reduces liability.

Happy trails and searching,

Tomi`
TROT-SAR Mounted Team
State of Maryland