MOUNTED%20TEAM

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Mounted 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
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Agenda

• MSAR benefits
• Operational expectations
• Panel discussion/Q A session

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Benefits

• 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

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On Roads
Off Roads
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Horses 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
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Equine 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.

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MSAR Mounts at a Public Event
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• 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)

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Status 1 Find
Tracking
Inspecting a Trail Head
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Response 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

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Approaching a High Visibility Area
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Additional 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

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Victim Evacuation During a Functional Exercise
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Other 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
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Equipment 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)

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Training Training Training
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Ongoing 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

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Land Navigation Training
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Team 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
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Planning
Communications
Deployment
Debriefings
Common Operational Picture
Briefings
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Resources 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)

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Questions
TROTSAR Mounted Team - Serving FEMA Region III -
www.trotsar.org