MOUNTED SEARCH AND RESCUE

Since 1973, the El Dorado Search and Rescue's Mounted Team has carried on a centuries-old tradition of leveraging the unique abilities of horses for search and rescue operations.

EDSAR's Mounted Team is made up of passionate horsemen and women who use their expertise and personal horses to find lost or injured individuals.

In urgent situations when time is of the essence, Mounted Teams can be deployed quickly to expedite the search in regions with limited road access. When the terrain demands it, mules may be utilized alongside or in place of horses.

Mounted Search and Rescue's unique advantages include:

• Terrain Access and Mobility: Mounted Teams can navigate steep, rocky terrain and dense underbrush, reaching areas inaccessible by foot or vehicle.

• Expanded Search Area: Mounted Teams can traverse larger search areas for longer and in a shorter amount of time.

• Increased Visibility: Mounted Teams can see over obstacles that might hinder ground-based searchers. The elevated perspective can make it easier to spot clues, footprints, clothing, or ground disturbance.

• Sensory Abilities: Horses have keen senses of smell and hearing, which can aid in locating lost or injured individuals.

• Endurance: Horses can carry substantial loads over long distances, especially in challenging terrain. This is particularly important in extended search and rescue operations, making it possible to transport essential equipment, supplies, and even injured individuals.

Entry requirements to be on EDSAR's Mounted Team include:

• Owning a horse which is available at all times and must have a safe form of horse transport.

• Having advanced horsemanship skills and be able to control the horse in challenging terrain and difficult conditions.

• Knowing how to administer first aid to their horses.

• Demonstrating their skills and passing tests to ensure they are safe and capable of performing the tasks required of them.

Volunteers will receive training that includes:

• Ground Search Skills: The same training as EDSAR's Ground Searchers, including navigate land navigation using GPS, map and compass, man-tracking, and crime scene investigation.

• Mounted Search and Rescue Techniques: Search and rescue principles and techniques conducted safely on a horse.

• First Aid and CPR: Essential skills for providing immediate medical care to injured individuals.