Mounted search and rescue

["Chuck Daniel" <iwhound@voyager.net>]

Cross Training with CERT for SAR or MSAR is valuable.  I took the CERT 
training a year ago and the NIMS training also.  The local CERT training 
also provided the necessary equipment that Irv mentioned.  We all received a 
back pack with small adjustable wrenches, goggles, dust mask, flash light, 
duct tape, gloves, cutters, ect..

The point is, whether you are a ground pounder or mounted, one must be aware 
of the manmade environment and how to deal with the disasters.  A MSAR is 
first and foremost a SAR then a MSAR and must be able to exist for 48 hours 
or better on our own.  The first thing the CERT training stated was that 
help may not be available for 48 hours.  It is your responsibility to have 
assets available for yourself, family and the victims.

Over the last several years we saw how well FEMA and EMC worked in the gulf 
coast.  It wasn't until Katrina hit LA that we saw how a defunct and missed 
managed LOCAL EMC worked.  To say that the federal government failed was 
wrong, the first line of defense is at the local level.  Thus, crossing 
training is valuable since you will be the first line of defense.  I guess 
I'm beginning to stray; you cans see were my politics are  ........sorry

Chuck