Mounted search and rescue

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

Someone choosing to do online training I don't see as a legal liability for
an MSAR unit. A requirement for SAR Academy training prior to joining a unit
has liability issues specific to that academy. In the instances I'm aware
of, the attendees of the academy are covered under the state's disaster
service worker program. 

Regardless, I don't see a legal liability for a unit requiring certain
training / certification as a pre-requisite to joining ... much like being
required to pass a background check, the individual chooses to make that
step. Much like applying for a job, the individual may previously be
attending school to get the required credentials, later driving to the job
interview, etc., at his or her own risk.

Many teams / AHJ have their own instructor available for First Aid / CPR, so
I can see that not necessarily included as a prerequisite. However,
requiring the certification up front means that team annually providing a
re-certification class for those who need it is a simpler - and likely more
cost effective - issue than also providing the initial training.

Where I'd be concerned regarding unit liability is holding riding tests
(more hazardous) and such for applicants who are not covered by team / AHJ
insurance. The scheduled event or facility used may be covered only for
members. 

Structure for SAR can vary greatly from state to state. Some states are very
organized (CA, VA, NM, etc.), others leave locals to do their own thing
regarding SAR. There are advantages from the insurance perspective to being
in a state where SAR is well organized to the state level, with state
coverage available. SAR organizations in other states may have affiliation
with an AHJ that provides coverage. In some locations units need to invest
financially for their own coverage, which also means fund raising efforts to
help finance that unit. 

Knowing your local status is necessary to make good decisions regarding
issues that may be related to insurance / liability.

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


-----Original Message-----
From: IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN [mailto:ilichten1@verizon.net] 

There are certain legal (insurance) implications to their not being a
member.  If they are not a member your comp may not apply and your liability
coverage definitely does not apply unless they have been commandeered under
a state law. [...]


-----Original Message-----
From: Jorene Downs

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.