Mounted Patient Extraction

Mounted Search and Rescue (MSAR) teams play a vital role in reaching and extracting injured individuals from rugged, remote terrain where vehicles and helicopters cannot safely access. In these situations, a well-trained horse and rider team can quickly navigate trails, steep slopes, and dense wilderness to reach the subject. Once the injured person is assessed and determined to be stable, MSAR personnel may assist them onto a horse for evacuation. This specialized extraction is only performed when the individual’s condition allows for safe transport without worsening their injuries.

By using horses for transport, MSAR teams can significantly reduce evacuation time and fatigue for both rescuers and victims. The horses’ calm temperament and strength allow them to carry or support a stable, injured person over long distances to safety or medical evacuation points. This capability bridges the gap between ground and air rescue, ensuring that those in need receive timely assistance even in the most inaccessible backcountry areas.