Mounted search and rescue

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

I agree; if a subject states "no" to equine evacuation; or if C-spine
injuries are probable; or if exposed bones or/and bleeding is present, then
"no" it is.  Training is the paramount key to this skill, just as important
is deciding in advance "not" to use this skill in the field.  If everyone
was scared (including the equines) during your experiments with mounted
evacuation, then it's a good thing that your team identified those
limitations in advance.  

All MSAR teams need to understand that mounted evacuation is not a whim or
stunt; it is a specialized skill that when conditions warrant such a tool,
needs to be performed by confident well trained personnel and MSAR equines.

T'mi
www.trotsar.org  


-----Original Message-----
On Behalf Of IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Transport via horse

It is the condition of the subject/patient that determines transport mode,
if any. 

(..........)

We have experimented in the past with putting simulated lower leg fractures
and broken arms in the saddle.  Otherwise healthy non-riders were splinted
up and placed in deep seat western saddles on well trained trail horses. The
patient was scared, the horse was scared, and the six people it took to lift
them into the saddle were scared.  

(.....)

Irv Lichtenstein