Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

Is this a body recovery, or a search for a body (a cadaver search)?
They are two different tasks.

In a body recovery, the location is known and you go out and retrieve
it.  Usually, any crime scene and medical examination tasks are already
completed.  You pack the body on a horse or in a stokes litter or other
protective sled that the horse drags.

In a search for a probable body, your horse is a major asset, because
a horse is likely to smell the body long before its rider does.  So be
on the lookout for any alerts or other unusual behavior of any of the
horses.  Some horses spook.  Some act like they are barn sour, wanting
to turn and bolt for home.  Some just act interested.  Some show no
interest.  If you find the body, your job is to withdraw a ways, call
in your coordinates and death code ("red bandana", whatever the IC has
told you to use), and keep any rubberneckers out of the scene until
ICS gives you new instructions.

If IC does not give you a death code with your task assignment, ask for
one.

Orienteering is very good training for SAR.  You are fortunate to have
a local orienteering club.  Ask them about providing your group with
custom training.  Many clubs do that, for free or a very small fee, as
part of their recruiting program.  Sporting good stores sometimes also
sponsor training.  So do local YMCAs.  So ask around;  you may get a
training session to meet your own schedule and specific training needs.

        Una Smith
        New Mexico