Mounted search and rescue

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

We have a practice of sending out each search team (mounted or otherwise) 
with 2 SAR radios with 3 VHF channel options that are monitored at the CP, 
with one primary channel defined - commonly 155.160. If a search instead of 
a known rescue, we usually send out 4 searchers per team so they have 
potential to temporarily split into 2 teams of 2. (4 on a mounted team also 
provides them with enough people for an assist into the saddle to perform 
mounted rescue, as needed. Training required.)

1 of the channels hits a repeater on the mountain, and also our portable 
repeater. Sometimes we'll position relay personnel. Within each field team 
we encourage using FRS / GMRS radios for internal team communication to keep 
team chatter off the SAR channels.

We also use a consistent FRS/GMRS channel during any caravan response to 
keep in touch between vehicles, while responding management during Hasty 
response might also converse on a line of sight SAR channel. (We're 
sometimes 3-4 hours drive up the mountain - at speed - from arriving to set 
up a Hasty CP and do some planning and resource management en route so we're 
prepared to deploy about as quickly as we arrive.)

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

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Santafearabians@aol.com>
> You all have been extremely helpful . I have another  question. Do you all
> feel it is necessary for all of your riders to have  a hand held radio? Or
> possibly just your squad and team leaders. Of  course have the usual base 
> radio at
> operations base. We are having a very  hard time with our communications, 
> some
> hear and some do not.
> The team works in a 2 to 4 rider squad with a squad  leader, and a team
> leader.
>
> Thank you so much
> Al Hale       Sheriff's  Posse, Jackson Co.  Mo.