Mounted search and rescue

["IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>]

There are only two mistakes you can make in the field on a recovery search—not complete the task, and trampling the scene.  Since most horses I know don’t like dead bodies trampling the scene is hard to do.  Not completing a task because of navigational errors is easier, as is just going out and coming back an appropriate time later on.  At least you know you are looking for a body and there is no urgency and no reason to take safety shortcuts.  

 

You should use this experience to test your equipment and how it is mounted on you or the saddle.  Carry what you need, but no more.  Food, water, seem to go faster than you expect.  So do radio batteries.  Spare pens and pencils also help in case you drop one or break a point at a crucial time.  Operationally, stay with your task team. Do not get separated unless medically necessary.  If you actually do make the find, one of you has to stay in sight of the body while the others secure the area until relieved but you should be in visual and audible range of each other then.

 

Irv Lichtenstein  

 

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From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Lila Corey
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 8:18 AM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Change of e-mails and some news from Iceland