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

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 2 Agenda MSAR benefits Operational expectations Panel discussion/Q & A session

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 3 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 4 On Roads Off Roads

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 5 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 6 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 7 MSAR Mounts at a Public Event

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 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)

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 9 Tracking Status 1 Find Inspecting a Trail Head

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 10 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 11 Approaching a High Visibility Area

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 12 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 13 Victim Evacuation During a Functional Exercise

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 14 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 15 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. ( National SAR Channel)

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 16 Training

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 17 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 Ongoing Yearly Training

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 18 Land Navigation Training

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 19 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 20 Communications Planning Briefings DeploymentDebriefings Common Operational Picture

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 21 Resources & Guides Mounted Search and Rescue Guide (written by Kathy Roberts) Virginia Department of Emergency Management Equine Standards ( National Association of Search & Rescue ( FEMA Emergency Management Institute, online ICS, NIMS and CERT Courses (

TROTSAR Mounted TEAM 22 Questions TROTSAR Mounted Team - Serving FEMA Region III -