Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

On Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 01:02:33PM -0700, E.S. wrote:
>someone need to invent a folding stretcher that can be installed on the 
>saddle, should I start this invention?

Already done.  And on http://www.ibiblio.org/msar/pix/ are some
photos of one packed on a horse.  See all the photos from El Paso 
County SAR;  they are from training missions.  The black horse
is packing a collapsible litter and its wheel.

Here, as in other photos of similar training I have seen, I see 
a common mistake.  The subject's right lower leg is bandaged (and
splinted?) yet the subject is being put on the horse from the
left so the "hurt" leg must be lifted over the horse.  Standard
first aid[*] for lifting someone with an injury like this is that
the helpers lift the person by the upper right leg, thereby
protecting the lower right leg to the greatest extent possible.

[*] as given in wilderness first aid manuals.  The presumption is
that the subject can walk out on one leg if supported, but must be
lifted at any points requiring stepping up or down.

        Una Smith
        New Mexico