To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] New member requirements
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:39:11 -0500
Hi Lisa,
Our MSAR team has found that being able to identify an applicant's level
of commitment as a public safety volunteer helps us to recruit and
retain new members . Like many MSAR teams, in years past our team has
lost over 75% of applicants. A couple of years ago we modified our
application process that includes; perquisites, training milestones,
operational requirements, retention protocols and yearly standards. Most
of new applicants are those we speak to at County an Town level
Emergency Preparedness or Public Safety Fairs. If the perquisites
outlined within our welcome letter does not scare new folks away, then
we will generally receive an application packet from a person that
fulfills a commitment. Contact me off-line for more information (below
is the standard welcome letter we use).
-------------
Hello Lisa,
Thank you for expressing an interest with the TROTSAR Mounted Team Inc.
Our search & rescue mounted team has approximately 20 members and
currently conduct training exercises on a rotating basis within Northern
Virginia (near Warren County), Central Maryland (near Carroll County)
and Southern Maryland (near Charles County). We generally conduct
training on the second weekend of the month, alternating between
Saturday or Sunday, and on some occasions both days. We have two
general membership meetings per year in the summer and winter. Weather
permitting, we will have our next entry level horse and rider evaluation
(HRE testing) on March 7, 2009 at 10:00am (rain/snow date is March
14th). We only evaluate equines during our scheduled HRE and only with
those persons who have formally applied for the team in advance of
testing day. Because this is such a demanding commitment, please know
that approximately 25% of all applicants successfully become operational
members of our team. Below is some information that may help you to
decide if this is a time demanding volunteer public service commitment
that you would like to pursue:
PREREQUISITES: To be accepted into the training program, you must meet
the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old and have ownership privileges to a suitable
mount.
- Hold a valid State issued driver's license and submit to a criminal
background check.
- Have ready and easy 24/7 access to a registered tow vehicle and horse
trailer at all times.
- Commit to a minimum of 40 hours of in-service training per year and
meet yearly training standards.
- Must have regular access to email, text messaging and a cell phone.
- Must complete four online FEMA courses and hold current First Aid and
CPR cards.
- Horse and rider must have the physical ability to work under saddle
for a minimum of 6 continuous hours and without assistance tack, mount
and dismount your own horse.
- Submit a completed team application and liability waivers.
To explain these perquisites in more detail: Within the first 6 months
from submitting application forms, applicants must hold/obtain current
First Aid, CPR certification, obtain the (online) FEMA IS-100a, IS-200a,
IS 700, IS-317 (or other FEMA CERT course) certifications and pass a
written 25 question MSAR Equine Knowledge Test (80% or higher score is
needed for passing and most questions can be found within U.S. Pony Club
or 4-H Horse Club manuals). Applicants must also pass all items outlined
in the Horse and Rider Evaluation (HRE). While on horseback riding
helmets are always required when participating with team. Once these
requirements are achieved you will be promoted as a Trainee and be
issued a team ID number. Your local Red Cross Chapter can provide
information about First aid and CPR classes and information about the
four FEMA courses can be found at
<http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/crslist.asp>
Trainees seeking promotion to Operational Status must complete a
recognized 40 hour (fundamental/team member level) Search and Rescue
Course and obtain (official) NASAR SAR Tech-III Certification, or pass
the VDEM Virginia Field Team Member Course (with certificate), or pass
the SAR Tech-II Field/Written exam. Equestrians with prior SAR
credentials can transfer into our team once their training records have
been verified and they pass the HRE. Information about these courses
can be found online at <www.nasar.org <http://www.nasar.org>> and <www.vasarco.org <http://www.vasarco.org>>. Once promoted to Trainee, obtaining a minimum of 40 hours of
in-service training per year is required by each team member. Due to
standards requirements attending more than 40 hours may be needed in
order to meet yearly training requirements
Our Mounted Team has a formal (24/7) response MOU's with the Virginia
Department of Emergency Management and with the Maryland State and MD
Natural Resource Police, as well as other local jurisdictions. We a
recognized non-profit non-government organization (NGO) first responder
resource and we only respond to an incident at the request of an
Authority Having Jurisdiction over the search. Please feel free to
contact me at any time should additional questions arise. I can forward
you a team membership application, liability waiver, confidentially
agreement and MSAR written test if you are interested. Additional
questions can be emailed to Officers@trotsar.org