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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. Agenda. MSAR benefits Operational expectations Panel discussion/Q & A session. Benefits.
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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 TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
Agenda • MSAR benefits • Operational expectations • Panel discussion/Q & A session TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
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 TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
On Roads Off Roads TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
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 TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
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. TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
MSAR Mounts at a Public Event TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
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) TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
Status 1 Find Tracking Inspecting a Trail Head TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
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 TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
Approaching a High Visibility Area TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
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 TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
Victim Evacuation During a Functional Exercise TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
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 TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
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) TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
Training Training Training TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
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 TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
Land Navigation Training TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
Team Preparation • Develop legal protocol for response (MOU’s) 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 TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
Planning Communications Deployment Debriefings Common Operational Picture Briefings TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
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/IS/crslist.asp) TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org
Questions TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www.trotsar.org TROTSAR Mounted Team - Serving FEMA Region III - www.trotsar.org