To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] riders per unit/response
Date: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:45:48 -0500
It would be useful to see what constitutes critical mass for a MSAR group.
How many members/horses does it take to be an effective emergency response?
This would probably vary with the type of organization. For instance, where
the sheriff or the EMA supplies insurance, radios, some equipment, training
the number might be different than for an all volunteer, unfunded, unit.
It might also be interesting to see how the larger units fare, percentage
turnout, number of calls, so forth.
In the late 1980's and early 1990's an informal study of dog teams found
that 10 dogs and handlers were the critical numbers for a unit. Less did not
always get 3 or more handlers and dogs on scene, more tended to create
organizational chaos and breakup of the unit.
Considering that many MSAR use a 3 rider task assignment are 9 riders a
sufficient response? Or some other number?
-----Original Message-----
From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Una Smith
Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 2:05 PM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] UNITS PER STATE?