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  • From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>
  • To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Starting MSAR unit-organizing the organization
  • Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2006 21:15:39 -0700

In many jurisdictions SAR / MSAR is directly affiliated with the local Sheriff's office, who has legal responsibility for SAR in that jurisdiction. The authority having jurisdiction may have - and choose to provide - insurance related to training and response. (In my county in CA when we have authorized SAR training or response, state Disaster Service Worker coverage is automatically activated.)

But the first step is to do your homework and determine if SAR response common to the area (this includes mutual aid response) is in an environment where mounted responders can function effectively, and if there are a significant number of SAR call-outs where having additional trained resources available would be advantageous.

Assuming yes, approach the local authority having jurisdiction with a proposal to develop trained MSAR as a local resource. I'd start with the Sheriff's office - they'll point you to someone else if necessary. To gain support, you need to be percieved up front as intending to become SAR professionals with a specialty in MSAR, not just a bunch of local riders who want to show up with your horses to help. ;)

In your proposal, emphasize the intent for MSAR to meet national standards, which will reduce liability. (Liability is a big issue from the management perspective.) This means meeting de facto national standards for SAR, then adding MSAR as a specialty, plus meeting NIMS requirements. The sales pitch might go over even better if the MSAR riders also intend to cross-train in CERT, creating additional local disaster resources with very useful cross-training and capabilities. (CERT training is also very useful in SAR.)

Also inquire if there is an *existing* nearby SAR team where you can attach mounted personnel. Many successful SAR organizations have multiple specialties within that organization, including MSAR riders. (There are MSAR riders who routinely cross-train with others, which is highly advantageous.) Then you don't have all the "form a new organization" paperwork, etc. Going forward those interested in MSAR as a new specialty for that organization would need to develop written minimum expectations for that resource type that meet national standards and are appropriate for your response area. You might also want a defined riding evaluation for applicants to ensure solid fundamental riding skill to start, etc.

To find out what you're getting into starting out in SAR, I suggest investing in the Fundamental SAR manual edited by Don Cooper. It is available on the NASAR web site www.nasar.org and elsewhere on the internet. That kind of foundation in training, will be necessary to meet de facto national SAR standards. Later meet the emerging national standards for MSAR, which are still under development through ASTM. www.astm.org

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Jorene Downs
www.ceoates.com/msar






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