To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Starting MSAR in Georgia
Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2006 23:03:56 -0700
From: "Guy Wood" <guy.wood@gmail.com>
My real concern is what is "required" for training, membership in national
organizations, etc., that will make the MSAR team legitimate to area LE
agencies.
To meet voluntary national standards (in progress) for MSAR, anticipate
needing to be trained as searcher who then adds MSAR as a specialty. De
facto minimum national standards for SAR are found through ASTM www.astm.org
document F2209 and related standards. NASAR www.nasar.org can provide
training, testing, etc., based on the ASTM standards, or you may be able to
find another recognized source. The Fundamental SAR manual available to
purchase online is also the foundation for NASAR's version of meeting ASTM
SAR standards, resulting in NASAR SARTECH II status. If you choose to go
through NASAR, there are NASAR instructors, evaluators, etc, in GA. (Keep in
perspective these are minimum standards, with an expectation that additional
training, etc., will be required as needed for local application.) Minimum
expectation is to be equipped for the emergency overnight - often referred
to as a 24 hour SAR pack - but for MSAR you'll need to add some basic extra
gear like equine First Aid and have an idea how to use it.
Common to MSAR around the country, the mount will need to be suitable for
disposition, health, fitness, level of training, etc. The rider will need to
be able to demonstrate various knowledge, skills and abilities specific to
SAR / MSAR, including from the saddle. The horse (or mule) and rider that
can calmly handle parades / crowds / chaos and wilderness trails with some
obstacles to overcome is generally a good MSAR prospect. MSAR horsemanship
requirements are similar to basic level of mounted peace officer - you don't
want the horse leaving the county because an ambulance shows up with lights
and siren. ;)
MSAR standards in progress through ASTM will address the minimum
expectations that includes being prepared to respond nearby for mutual aid.
(For example ... if you live in a valley with a mountain 50 miles away, also
train and equip for mountain response.)
You'll also want to meet NIMS expectations, learning and using ICS and
understanding the basic escalation process as described in NIMS training.
http://www.nimsonline.com/ Much of the NIMS required training can be done
online, but the classroom environment that includes hands-on is recommended
for better actual understanding of how to apply the training.
Most in management don't really understand the value of MSAR as a resource,
or how to use the resource effectively. If you want some ammunition to hand
to the local authorities regarding the potentials for MSAR as a resource,
feel free to print and hand them copies of any of my published articles.
www.ceoates.com/msar