Mounted search and rescue

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

From: "KARI L SASSO" <ksasso@facstaff.wisc.edu>
> Is there any training out there that is somewhat generic and could be used 
> by anyone? <

Any SAR / MSAR team in America should be NIMS (National Incident Management 
System) compliant, trained in - and using - the Incident Command System, 
etc. The NIMS requirements are indicated on http://www.nimsonline.com/ 
Online training is available through FEMA's Independent Study program on 
http://training.fema.gov/IS/

Yes, there is common training specific to SAR / MSAR that *ALL* in MSAR 
should have if they wish to be considered MSAR. In progress at the national 
/ international level are standards being developed through ASTM 
www.astm.org specific to MSAR. While those standards are still in progress, 
they are getting close to completion.
In general ...

MSAR personnel should anticipate that all riders are expected to have the 
same fundamental training as ground searchers, then transfer that knowledge 
to the saddle and add KSA (knowledge, skills, abilities) specific to 
searching while mounted. The minimum KSA expectation for the foundation of 
ground SAR training is based on ASTM F2209. If your training is NASAR 
SARTECH II, or equivalent, you already meet this national / international 
standard. (Those who wish to be tested and certified as NASAR SARTECH II 
should contact NASAR. www.nasar.org ) You can either acquire ASTM F2209 and 
related documents to determine if your local training meets the 
requirements, or invest in the Fundamentals of Search and Rescue manual 
available on the NASAR website bookstore - and elsewhere online - to use as 
a training aid or confirm local training meets ASTM F2209. NASAR also has 
other training aids / programs available.

The mounted searcher should also be able to demonstrate use of various 
commonly used equipment, understand how the mount is used as a search 
partner (naturally, or with specific training for air scenting, etc),  have 
basic knowledge of equine First Aid, basic mounted tracking skills, etc.

Riders are also expected to demonstrate suitable horsemanship KSA, and the 
mount having an appropriate disposition and level of training. Very 
generically, a horse/mule and rider that does fine in the chaos of a parade, 
and can calmly navigate basic trail obstacles and the more challenging 
riding terrain in the extended response area has a good foundation for MSAR.

Also meet any local / state level expectations for SAR / MSAR. For example, 
common expectations for mutual aid include arriving self-sufficient for up 
to 72 hours with adequate human and horse feed and water in the trailer, and 
to be prepared for at least an emergency overnight in the field.

Additional standards are in progress through ASTM for "Mounted Rescue or 
Evacuation", which puts the "R" in MSAR. This training is specific to 
evaluating the subject and situation, then - assuming it is appropriate - 
transporting the subject in the saddle using the identified methods and 
procedures. (The standard is based on the methods used successfully for many 
years by Mounted in Yosemite National Park, and for several years I have 
also been teaching this class across the country.) MSAR lacking this 
training would be considered Mounted Searchers.

Going forward, NASAR will have a Mounted SAR testing and certification 
program available based on the ASTM standards currently in progress. States, 
teams, etc., also have the option of developing a consistent training and 
testing program to meet national / international standards.

If you're just getting started in MSAR, or looking to expand team 
capabilities, you might get some additional ideas from copies of my 
published articles available in PDF format on www.ceoates.com/msar

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