Mounted search and rescue

["Lila Corey" <Caballera@embarqmail.com>]

She has been missing for weeks now - so it is a cadaver search.  I am sure, 
short of a miracle,  she would not be found alive at this point.  It has 
been all over our news here.  Her house was burned- or part of it anyway. 
Thanks for all the tips.  You guys have been great.  I really do want to get 
good at this and be an asset not a problem.  The first search I worked on at 
the ICC was a homocide as it turned out.  It was good experience for me to 
see it from that angle - this is just another angle and I don't want to make 
any mistakes.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Una Smith" <una.smith@att.net>
To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 11:56 AM
Subject: [MSAR] Upcoming mounted search in NC USA


> 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
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