Title: MOUNTED%20TEAM
1Mounted Search Rescue (MSAR)
SEARCH RESCUE
MOUNTED TEAM
The original version of this presentation was a
joint effort between the CSAR TROTSAR Mounted
Teams of Virginia
2Agenda
- MSAR benefits
- Operational expectations
- Panel discussion/Q A session
3Benefits
- Credentialed MSAR teams are a trusted resource
for the incident commander - Skilled Teams on Horseback cover a lot of ground
very quickly - Quick search and containment capability due to
potential travel speed - Can often reach a target destination more easily
and more quickly than on foot - Not as hindered by terrain, climate, lack of
roads, or ground cover - Provide enhanced visibility for search efforts
during day or night
4On Roads
Off Roads
5Horses Valuable Searchers
- Highly developed sense of hearing, smell and
sight. - As a prey animal conditioned to be alert to
surroundings - Able to detect clues or signs of human presence
well in advance of the rider
Equine Detects Human Presence Before Rider
6Equine Performance Expectations
- Behavior - The animal must be sociable and
controllable in situations involving crowds,
noise, traffic, other horses, dogs, or other
domestic animals and other distractions
encountered. - Quiet and well-mannered.
- Show no aggression toward people and domestic
animals. - Demonstrate the ability to transport between
search sites easily. - Stand quietly while tethered.
- Work independently of other equines, as well as
with other equines.
7MSAR Mounts at a Public Event
8- Agility Responsiveness
- Move forward smoothly in a variety of gaits.
- Back on command.
- Ford creeks and streams.
- Cross bridges.
- Negotiate obstacles normally found in urban,
rural and wilderness areas. - Successfully complete equine field test
- Includes mounted and dismounted challenges
- Must pass ALL aspects of State required MSAR
field test (for VA MD)
9Status 1 Find
Tracking
Inspecting a Trail Head
10Response Applications
- Search and rescue of people
- Assist in evacuation
- Assist with communications
- Evidence searches
- Packing equipment into roadless areas
- Credentialed NIMS/ICS responders
- Highly visible presence
11Approaching a High Visibility Area
12Additional Strategies for Use
- Passive Containment
- Trail/road blocks
- Lookouts
- Attraction
- Active Hasty Searches
- Where limited resources exist
- High Probability of Detection (on trails)
- Purposeful Wandering
- Tracking
- Victim Evacuation
13Victim Evacuation During a Functional Exercise
14Other Applications
- Parades/Demonstrations/Special Events
- Public relations educational programs
- Assist Local Animal Response Teams
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
assistance
The TROTSAR Mounted team is also affiliated with
Montgomery County Maryland CERT
15Equipment on the Rider
- Photo SAR ID Card
- Backpack/belt pack with adequate protection and
survival gear. - Basic first aid kit.
- Potable water
- VFH Hand Held Radio capable of communicating with
Public Safety Agencies. (155.160 National SAR
Channel)
16Training Training Training
17Ongoing Yearly Training
- Yearly In-Service Training (40 hours minimum)
- Search and rescue techniques
- First aid and CPR
- GPS and compass and map exercises
- Trail riding safety and weather condition
awareness - Radio communications
- Record-keeping
- NIMS ICS Compliance
18Land Navigation Training
19Team Preparation
- Develop legal protocol for response (MOUs) with
local, state or tribal governments - Keep all gear organized for fast loading
- Carry adequate supplies for several days (72
minimum) - Deploy as Self-Supporting Resource
MSAR Base Camp
20Planning
Communications
Deployment
Debriefings
Common Operational Picture
Briefings
21Resources Guides
- Mounted Search and Rescue Guide (written by Kathy
Roberts) - Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Equine Standards (www.vasarco.org) - National Association of Search Rescue
(www.nasar.org) - FEMA Emergency Management Institute, online ICS,
NIMS and CERT Courses (http//training.fema.gov/I
S/crslist.asp)
22Questions
TROTSAR Mounted Team - Serving FEMA Region III -
www.trotsar.org