Mounted Search Rescue MSAR SEARCH RESCUE MOUNTED TEAM

Mounted Search & Rescue (MSAR) SEARCH & RESCUE MOUNTED TEAM TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www. trotsar. org The original version of this presentation was a joint effort between the CSAR & TROTSAR Mounted Teams of Virginia 1

Agenda • MSAR benefits • Operational expectations • Panel discussion/Q & A session TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www. trotsar. org 2

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 3

On Roads Off Roads TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www. trotsar. org 4

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 5

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 6

MSAR Mounts at a Public Event TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www. trotsar. org 7

• 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 8

Status 1 Find Inspecting a Trail Head TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www. trotsar. org Tracking 9

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 10

Approaching a High Visibility Area TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www. trotsar. org 11

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 12

Victim Evacuation During a Functional Exercise TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www. trotsar. org 13

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 14

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 15

Training TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www. trotsar. org 16

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 17

Land Navigation Training TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www. trotsar. org 18

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 TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www. trotsar. org MSAR Base Camp 19

Planning Communications Deployment Common Operational Picture Debriefings Briefings TROTSAR Mounted TEAM www. trotsar. org 20

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 21

Questions TROTSAR Mounted TEAM TROTSAR Mounted Team - Serving FEMA Region III - www. trotsar. org 22