Mounted search and rescue

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

As Tomi' indicated, asking folks to demonstrate commitment up front is a
good way to weed out folks who show up thinking all they need to do is sign
up and later show up on a SAR. I know of some other SAR / MSAR units who
require certain training prior to being eligible to join the organization.
In some cases the requirement is to attend the local SAR Academy, which is
usually at least 40 hours. I like TROT's approach of requiring completion of
available outside training first, such as certain online FEMA courses, etc.

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

-----Original Message-----
From: T'mi Fi

[...] One major item we have stopped is our recruitment drives.  We found
that 30 or 40 folks would show up for orientation just so they could attend
the Horse and Rider Evaluation (HRE).  Then as an applicant would have 6
months to complete the basic  courses to reach status as a trainee. 
 When folks realized this was a serious volunteer public safety commitment
they simply quit.. We now have all applicants obtain 4 online FEMA EMI
courses (IS-100, IS- 200, IS-700 and IS-317), First Aid, CPR and pass our
written MSAR entry exam before they are even eligible to attend a HRE. We
have found the applicants that follow through with this process are folks
who understand the meaning of commitment.

We implemented a minimum of 40 hours per year minimum training requirement
for all members. The average yearly training hours of all teams members come
out to about about 90 hours per year.   also have training session that are
mapped to SAR skills and document all training (for each horse and rider).
We place a great deal of focus on POD percentage, search theory, land
navigation and communication.  The days of just going on a group trail ride
(as SAR training) through a nice regional park are over.  

For anyone who wants more information about our team, a copy of the 2009
TROTSAR Mounted Team Standards are in the MSAR-Riders library (or they can
contact me off list).

T'mi
www.trotsar.org