Mounted search and rescue

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

From: "Guy Wood" <guy.wood@gmail.com>
> My real concern is what is "required" for training, membership in national
> organizations, etc., that will make the MSAR team legitimate to area LE
> agencies.

To meet voluntary national standards (in progress) for MSAR, anticipate 
needing to be trained as searcher who then adds MSAR as a specialty. De 
facto minimum national standards for SAR are found through ASTM www.astm.org 
document F2209 and related standards. NASAR www.nasar.org can provide 
training, testing, etc., based on the ASTM standards, or you may be able to 
find another recognized source. The Fundamental SAR manual available to 
purchase online is also the foundation for NASAR's version of meeting ASTM 
SAR standards, resulting in NASAR SARTECH II status. If you choose to go 
through NASAR, there are NASAR instructors, evaluators, etc, in GA. (Keep in 
perspective these are minimum standards, with an expectation that additional 
training, etc., will be required as needed for local application.) Minimum 
expectation is to be equipped for the emergency overnight - often referred 
to as a 24 hour SAR pack - but for MSAR you'll need to add some basic extra 
gear like equine First Aid and have an idea how to use it.

Common to MSAR around the country, the mount will need to be suitable for 
disposition, health, fitness, level of training, etc. The rider will need to 
be able to demonstrate various knowledge, skills and abilities specific to 
SAR / MSAR, including from the saddle. The horse (or mule) and rider that 
can calmly handle parades / crowds / chaos and wilderness trails with some 
obstacles to overcome is generally a good MSAR prospect. MSAR horsemanship 
requirements are similar to basic level of mounted peace officer - you don't 
want the horse leaving the county because an ambulance shows up with lights 
and siren. ;)

MSAR standards in progress through ASTM will address the minimum 
expectations that includes being prepared to respond nearby for mutual aid. 
(For example ... if you live in a valley with a mountain 50 miles away, also 
train and equip for mountain response.)

There are very few states with published mutual aid requirements specific to 
MSAR to refer to as examples of what is likely to show up in national 
standards. I heard VA recently rewrote their state MSAR requirements, but 
last I heard it wasn't on the web yet. CA has minimum mutual aid guidelines 
for MSAR that also need review, but the current version is online on:
http://www.oes.ca.gov/Operational/OESHome.nsf/Content/A3F586FD13D795C788256B7B0029BBFF?OpenDocument#_fatkmop35e9n6asrj419maobicdk209h0a9in6orlckg54rrcck_

You'll also want to meet NIMS expectations, learning and using ICS and 
understanding the basic escalation process as described in NIMS training. 
http://www.nimsonline.com/ Much of the NIMS required training can be done 
online, but the classroom environment that includes hands-on is recommended 
for better actual understanding of how to apply the training.

Most in management don't really understand the value of MSAR as a resource, 
or how to use the resource effectively. If you want some ammunition to hand 
to the local authorities regarding the potentials for MSAR as a resource, 
feel free to print and hand them copies of any of my published articles. 
www.ceoates.com/msar

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
www.ceoates.com/msar