To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Heat Index criteria for training/active searches
Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:02:10 -0700 (PDT)
In extreme cold, we have had medical checks of searchers every twenty minutes. It would have been good to have a vet check of the horses too. The same protocol could be used in heat and humidity. If green grass is not available for grazing, it would be a good ideal to have some tube electrolytes in your vet med kit.
Lois
LaSalle County, IL Sheriff's MSAR
From: IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN <ilichten1@verizon.net> To: 'Mounted search and rescue' <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org> Sent: Friday, August 31, 2012 5:41 PM Subject: Re: [MSAR] Heat Index criteria for training/active searches
There are many articles in The Horse
concerning how to detect heat stress. Based on the original findings
after the summer Olympics in
Atlanta we do the following:
1. Determine a critical number for the
horse, generally starting at 150 but can be higher or lower depending on horse.
2. Add the temperature (F) and % humidity
together. Example: 80 F plus 80% equals 160.
3. Based on history with the horse
determine if the risk outweighs the benefit if the number is higher than the
horse’s critical number
4. Cancel training if too high
5. Stop activity if there is any distress
6. Stop activity if skin temperature reaches
or exceeds 107 in saddle pad area
7. Check recovery times after activity
against previous history (R&P, core temperature)
8. Constantly be observing for any effects
of dehydration, or loss of coordination.
9. Properly hydrate both horse and rider,
allow grazing on fresh grass which is fairly wet inside, avoid dry forage,
really cold water.
The risk factors and the benefits must be
weighed both by command and the rider. We have often worked at night
after the temperature has dropped to a more reasonable
number or convection currents start
moving the air, which is also better for scent detection.
Breed is not as significant as you may
think and sometimes bigger horses work longer simply because of their surface
area and the time it takes for them heat up.
WHEN IN DOUBT CONSULT YOUR VET (we did).
Irv Lichtenstein
SE PA SAR
From:
msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Tracy Cartwright Sent: Friday, August 31, 2012 6:17
PM To: msar distro list Subject: [MSAR] Heat Index
criteria for training/active searches
I have a question for the group.
I am part of the North GA MSAR team and one of the things that has come up in
the last month is when to make the call not to train/not to activate due to
heat/humidity.
Would anyone be willing to share what criteria have you used for your team?