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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] MSAR Rider 10 Essentials List

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  • From: Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>
  • To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] MSAR Rider 10 Essentials List
  • Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2013 08:53:25 -0600

Ooh, a juicy topic. Never mind NASAR; this is relevant to all MSAR.

New Mexico SAR has a required equipment list that applies to all SAR
responders, including MSAR. It is provided in our Field Certification
Study Guide, which is on the web here:

http://www.nmsarc.org/resources/certification.html

Okay, a "10 essentials" list for an MSAR rider, to be carried on the
rider's person.

>2. One lightweight rain poncho or a large plastic leaf bag
>3. One space blanket

I don't see the point to requiring two inclement weather items. What
is the reasoning here?


>4. Two energy bars

These are commercial products. Why are they specified? Isn't it more
useful to specify how many calories? Anyway, food is not an essential
item.


>5. Fire Starter

I have carried some kind of fire starter in my emergency kit for over
30 years and never used it or wanted to use it. I have started many,
many fires (I practice whenever I light a grill) but I never start one
on the ground in the field and it makes me nervous to be with people
who insist on doing that. I doubt I would start one even in an
emergency. Too many fires started get away and turn into wildfires
and once started a fire must be watched closely. If I need emergency
help I would be in no condition to watch a fire. I would drop this
from the list.


>7. One folding knife or multi-tool

Why specify folding? Someone who has an upper limb injury or only
one hand free will have difficulty using a folding tool safely, if at
all. Here in New Mexico many residents, especially those who ride
horses, wear a fixed blade knife as a matter of course.


>9. One Compass

I would put this much higher on the list. And it should have glow
in the dark markings so it can be used at night without turning on
a flashlight.


>10. Two small flashlights

Why two? I'm not sure I would count any flashlight as an essential
item. I do a lot of field work after dark and rarely need to use a
light. In an emergency the main use of a flashlight is to signal
to searchers. For that I have the single LED light on my cellphone.
If the searchers are using night vision gear they can even spot a
cellphone or GPS display, or the nightlight feature on a wristwatch.
In New Mexico in recent years we've had multiple finds made in this
manner.


Why isn't a signal mirror on the list? Or a cell phone?

I would drop the basic first aid kit. Bandaids, thermometer, etc
will not save a life in a short term emergency.


The situation presented is a horse returns to base without its rider.
Let's think about this. NM SAR uses a form NMSAR 307 Mission Scenario
Worksheet (on the web: http://www.nmsarc.org/resources/forms.html)
and whenever I work as Planning Section Chief I use it.

Scenario Category Priority
1. Rider unhurt Mobile, Responsive Low
2. Rider hurt Immobile, Non-Responsive High

In Scenario 1 the rider is unlikely to need anything on this list
except water and compass, and is dressed for the weather and terrain.
Being afoot is an inconvenience, nothing more. If he has a radio or
cell phone I would expect him to use it to report his condition and
location.

In Scenario 2 the rider is in major trouble and may not be able to
help himself no matter what gear is on hand. I'd want him to have a
tourniquet (belt or bandana), a radio or cell phone, and a whistle.

So perhaps "10 essentials" could be cut down to just 5 essentials.

Finally, why is this rider alone??? Why are we even considering a
lone rider scenario?

Una Smith
New Mexico




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