Mounted search and rescue

[Tm' Fi <tfinkle@erols.com>]

Our MSAR team requires that an approved riding helmet be worn during all 
training and deployments.   I wear the Troxel Dakota with an extended 
sun visor and the GPS adjustable system. 
<http://www.equestriancollections.com/eq/editBag.do?departmentId=-4&productId=5959>

The Troxel (adjustable) fits head sizes 20 1/4 to 23 1/2.   The GPS II 
adds "quick-fit" with the soft-touch dial permitting a quick and precise 
helmet adjustment.  The GPS III won't pinch or pull long hairstyles and 
is ponytail compatible. <http://www.troxelhelmets.com/safety/technology.php>

I realize that requirements for helmet wear can turn into a heated 
discussion on some MSAR teams.  However, the same thing can be said 
about the use of seat belts and child car seats.  Riding styles and 
traditions must take a back seat as MSAR duties  turn into a 
professional standardized resource.  With professionalism comes 
additional personal responsibilities and "safety" must be of utmost 
concern.  Someone will always have a story about how a limb stuck in a 
friends helmet and quickly removed them from the saddle, but could that 
same limb have entered the skull thus moving some gray matter around 
before taking that same person out of the saddle?   The bottom line fact 
remains that the wearing of a helmet reduces the severity of head trauma 
injuries.  As a volunteer public service equestrian resource, I believe 
MSAR personnel need to set an example (for both young and old alike) 
that reflects "personal safety" as being a key component of our 
(volunteer) profession.

Tomi`
Commander
TROT-SAR Mounted Team
State of Maryland