Mounted search and rescue

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

From: "Una Smith" <una.smith@att.net>
> Becky wrote:
> > We have several EMTs, EMT instructors and First Responders in the
> > group who can train the rest, but what about certification?
>
> SAR certification does not appear to be on the radar in Iowa.  You
> can take a class and pass a test, or just pass the test, from NASAR.
> (NASAR calls the result a certification, but NASAR is not an agency.)

While SAR may not be on the radar in Iowa (or in some other states), it is 
certainly on the radar at the national level. Any new unit - and existing 
units - in the USA should be aware of nationwide expectations for mutual aid 
responders. Some states also have statewide requirements specific to SAR, 
and perhaps MSAR. Most SAR, including MSAR, want to be prepared and 
qualified to respond outside their normal area of operation ... mutual aid.

To be eligible for mutual aid response there is an expectation that the 
responders meet national standards for that type of resource, pass a 
background check, have a photo ID and card to indicate that person's 
verified and documented credentials ... and commonly that unit is recognized 
by a local agency who is the point of contact for authorized activation. 
Documentation is critical so there are records to confirm training, required 
gear, response experience, and any credentials / certification.

The de facto national minimum standard for SAR - recognized at the federal 
level - is ASTM F2209. ( www.astm.org )  Going forward there will be ASTM 
minimum standards for MSAR. NASAR training and testing is designed to meet 
the ASTM minimum standard, with related certification. Anyone new to SAR 
should seriously consider investing in the Fundamentals of Search and Rescue 
manual, written based on meeting the ASTM standards for SAR, available on 
the NASAR website bookstore www.nasar.org and elsewhere.

While MSAR units in the past were often simply an authorized group of local 
riders who would respond to a call-out, contemporary MSAR units are 
perceived as being SAR-trained, with Mounted SAR as additional training. SAR 
and MSAR personnel should also acquire CERT training to be eligible to also 
respond to disasters. For more information on CERT - a nationwide program 
under Citizen Corps, under DHS - visit http://citizencorps.org  and click on 
the Programs and Partners link. Note that NASAR is a Citizen Corps 
Affiliate.

SAR (and MSAR) units / personnel eligible to respond for mutual aid are also 
expected to be NIMS compliant. This includes learning the basics of incident 
management structure and application in ICS 100, etc., for consistent use at 
incidents across the country. For more information on current NIMS 
expectations, see  http://www.nimsonline.com/  The basic classes required 
are available online http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/crslist.asp but 
folks tend to understand better if taught in a classroom followed by the 
test online.

MSAR = Mounted Search and Rescue
NASAR = National Association for Search and Rescue
NIMS = National Incident Management System
ICS = Incident Command System
DHS = Department of Homeland Security
CERT = Community Emergency Response Team

~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
SAR & CERT
Mounted SAR
www.ceoates.com/msar