Mounted search and rescue

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

Jorene Downs wrote:
>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.

This assumes a whole lot about the situation and the subject.
A subject who shouldn't or couldn't hike out generally also
does not belong on horseback.  This often has more to do with
the terrain, timing, and weather, than the subject.  Also,
let's not forget one other alternative:  staying there with
the subject.  Get them warm, fed, and rested.  Then get them
out.

There are always exceptions.  We had one here a few years ago,
a rider with a major abdominal injury.  The medical director's
best assessment was that the subject would die before the litter
foot team already en route could get him out, and the location
prevented a helicopter pickup.  The subject was a horse rider,
and agreed to riding out to a heli pickup point, knowing that
given his injury the riding could kill him.  It was a choice
between very likely death and possible death.  He did survive.

On the other hand, a now defunct SAR team collapsed when they
held a training ride and while climbing a steep trail someone
fell off behind the horse.  The horse then kicked the person,
causing massive injuries.

Please find someone local to you to help with training, and be
careful not to create unrealistic expectations.

        Una Smith
        New Mexico