Mounted search and rescue

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

Sorry, Irv, couldn't resist. ;-) Seems that every time we mention
transporting in the saddle you mention stokes litter carry without taking
into consideration that the person you put in the saddle obviously does
*not* need the backboard, etc.

Also, in the vast majority of SAR the litter carry out would be performed by
trained volunteers, at no cost to the subject. The person with minor injury
who doesn't need a helicopter or litter but shouldn't (or couldn't) hike any
real distance is a good candidate for the saddle transport.

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



-----Original Message-----
From: IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN
Anybody who calls out a medical emergency over new boots deserves the bill
the EMS people are going to give him. Get real-- we are not talking about
blisters and sore muscles, but serious injuries. You would be surprised how
fast a "serious injury" becomes a refusal when the litter comes out. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jorene Downs
I suspect someone with a blister from new hiking boots - slowed down and
uncomfortable walking - would consider a backboard/CID and Stokes overkill.
But if that same person can sit a saddle without problems you can eliminate
the rubbing boot and get them out faster than a litter carry. ;-)

-----Original Message-----
From: IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN
There are several possible ways to transport with horsepower.  In all cases
you start with a packaged patient on a back board/CID and in a Stokes
litter. [...]