Mounted search and rescue

["T'mi Fi" <tfinkle@erols.com>]

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. [...]
>