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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Best Practices

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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Chronological Thread  
  • From: "T'mi Fi" <tfinkle@erols.com>
  • To: Jorene@CEOates.com, Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Best Practices
  • Date: Sat, 23 May 2009 08:02:57 -0400

Jorene,

You are correct! At the suggestion of our team's lawyer, we implemented the (FEMA online courses) requirements as a way to actually reduced the potential for liability issues. About the worse thing that could happen while a person is taking online training is that they could break a fingernail on the keyboard. Because the person is not (yet) a member of the team even basic first aid and CPR training is the liability burden is on the Red Cross (or other first aid training provider).

Once a person becomes a team trainee we can use those perquisites to show a good faith effort on our part that indicates each applicant should be suited to begin the process for the (volunteer) mounted responder position they applied for. It is at that time when our team provides formal (no or low cost) certified SAR training, first responder (first aid) training and other related public safety training that is conducted by government law enforcement , fire, EMS, public safety or emergency management agencies. About the only training we have not been able to obtain at a low cost is the Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER) course. Thankfully our team's certified TLAER coordinators were able to fund themselves and deduct the cost and related expense on their tax return.
We are registered and incorporated in the State of Maryland as a Search & Rescue Squad and are 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit response team (not a VOAD origination). In addition to MSAR related tax deductions, our active Maryland team members with 3 or years of service with the team receive a $3500 dollar tax credit each year that helps offset their time and expenses.
T'mi
www.trotsar.org


Jorene Downs wrote:

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

-----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. [...]







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