Mounted search and rescue

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

From: "Chuck Daniel" <iwhound@voyager.net>
> Part of the Kokosing Group received "confined space, low angle rescue, and 
> open trench rescue" training.  The training was a combination of classroom 
> and hands on work.  [...] While I doubt that we as a mounted unit will 
> probably never have to do this type of rescue, it was good training for 
> other life experiences.  [...] <<

Excellent training, Chuck. Confined space rescue isn't something that all 
folks can deal with ... with or without lights. Locally we have a big 
trailer that a semi hauls around to different locations for training. The 
trailer is divided into 3 levels of crawl space, set up like a maze complete 
with up/down and some dead ends ... and a couple of emergency exits. Trench 
/ "something might collapse" training is also excellent for safety 
awareness. And being capable of low angle and able to at least assist for a 
high angle just made your team that much more versatile as a resource.

As you're aware, ongoing training will keep knowledge fresh and accurate. 
"I think ..." instead of  "I know ..." can be a major safety issue.

How can you use this training in SAR / MSAR? Any kind of collapse, 
landslide, mine or cave rescue environment, etc., where you might search for 
/ find the missing person. I also recommend cribbing and shoring training so 
you can evaluate and potentially stabilize that environment or even safely 
reach that person to provide some basic medical. If you are first on scene, 
knowing how to assess and stabilize until specialized resources arrive can 
save a life. Even understanding the hazards is invaluable for your own 
safety.

Also, even if the Mounted team isn't the primary response resource for that 
type of rescue, being a knowledgeable support resource is invaluable.

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

Learn about Disaster SAR-related discussion on:
www.tk-cert.org/natlsar/