Massasauga Search and Rescue Team

MSART's monthly team training was an introduction to tracking; following the physical signs of a person as they move through an area, including footprints, ground disturbance and clue awareness. This is a unique technique that our team members can specialize in.

The MSART K9 Team is continously searching for training venues, and the record snowfall and temps pushed us indoors today and we were able to utilize a sign manufacturing and race shop. It was a great opportunity to work in confined spaces, with a lot of distractions and unique items.

As first responders it is expected that our team is as prepared as possible for any scenario. That includes community health crises such as opioid addiction and overdose. As part of our monthy team meeting, Monroe County Department of Public Health gave a presentation on addiction, opioid overdose and recognition, as well as the use of Naloxone for overdose. We were also provided nasal devices for our first aid kits. Though we hope we will never have the need for these devices we know that we will be well versed in recognizing the need and using them appropriately.

The MSART K9 Team continues to train regularly, regardless of the weather! Thank you to John Weisberg / Berg Racing for a safe place to train during hunting season!

Skills that are rarely used but critical! MSARTs annual survival skill training focused on emergency shelter building, fire building without lighters or matches, drinking water sanitizing and safety, and patient packaging. The icing on the cake is the November date, which adds real life scenarios of cold and rain!

K9 Teams from MSART, LASAR, Hudson Mohawk and Eagle Valley were invited by Unconventional Concepts Battle Lab (former missile silo) in the ADKS to do some training reconnaissance for the feasibility of future New York Federation of Search and Rescue Teams K9 and Team trainings that would utilize the 14,000 acre property. Michael Hopmeier and John Tibbitts were amazing hosts and we can't speak highly enough about the tours, demonstrations, and hospitality that was offered to us. We look forward to a long partnership with Unconventional Concepts, Mike and John!

Massasauga SAR is proud to announce our team's new operational Airscent team Chris McAllister and K9 Clutch!
The dedication and commitment of this team will add a valuable resource to the NYS SAR community. Go Team Clutch!

Great Team training with the Academy today. Hands on training with Ropes, knots and the Sked.
Thanks to Team Technical Officer Rafi Reyes for his wealth of knowledge.

Thank you to all who organized this fantastic event!

Mock search, medical assessment, treatment of patient, hypo-wrap, and extract. Many skill were used in today's training and this allows us to do real world work in a training environment so that we can continue to ensure our skills and team work is top notch!

It is critical for a SAR volunteer to be proficient in navigation and we routinely train to keep those skills sharp. In February we were joined by the NYS DEC for a day of map and compass navigation, as well as GPS review.

More Pics from last weekend.