Search and Rescue Teams

[Mtn_Nomad]

I've started attending my local SAR meetings with intentions of joining once I've been through the minimum. I was just curious how many guys do this type of work and could give me some solid advice for a newbie. Thinks to take into consideration, gear tips, etc. Thanks

 

[K9kodi]

I train the regional cadavar recovery team. Lemme tell you about an odd bunch, in the best way.

Either way, if yiur going to go fema, if that’s a possibility it’s time consuming and they have a list of requirements.

If you’re joining a local group, they will likely have their own pre requisites and requirements.

 

[ProRoad]

I thank you in advance!

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

I train the regional cadavar recovery team. Lemme tell you about an odd bunch, in the best way.

Either way, if yiur going to go fema, if that’s a possibility it’s time consuming and they have a list of requirements.

If you’re joining a local group, they will likely have their own pre requisites and requirements.

I'll be joining my local group. I'm sure they will give me a list of requirements but I like to get a head start when possible

 

[AZDC]

The SAR local to me requires pretty much every weekend in September/October for training new people who want to join the team. It seems great but i do think the time commitment is a lot and may be a non starter for a hunter. They have a probation period which I assume is to see if your commitment is more than just verbal. With that being said the training seems top notch and don’t know where you can learn those skills anywhere else for most likely free.

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

The one local SAR to me requires pretty dedicates much every weekend in September/October for training new people joining the team. It seems great but i do think the time commitment is a lot and may be a non starter for a hunter. They have a probation period which I assume is to see if your commitment is more than just verbal. With that being said the training seems top notch and don’t know where you can learn those skills anywhere else for most likely free

Noted. One of my hunting buddies is a Lt. They seem to be pretty lenient as its a pretty small group and community

 

[AZDC]

Noted. One of my hunting buddies is a Lt. They seem to be pretty lenient as its a pretty small group and community

Oh definitely! It probably differs by region and area. I think the one me is pretty active by me in the non-hunting time frames since we get a ton of heat related rescues and sadly recoveries in the summer. I think they do a couple of rescues every weekend so they probably dedicate training in the cooler months.

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

Oh definitely! It probably differs by region and area. I think the one me is pretty active since we get a ton of heat related rescues and sadly recoveries in the summer. I think they do a couple of rescues every weekend so they dedicate training in the cooler months.

Makes total sense. For the size of our town/county, we stay pretty busy. Several State Parks with hiking trails, gorges, waterfalls, etc. Couple that with alot of inexperienced recreators and its a busy tourist season

 

[AZDC]

Makes total sense. For the size of our town/county, we stay pretty busy. Several State Parks with hiking trails, gorges, waterfalls, etc. Couple that with alot of inexperienced recreators and its a busy tourist season

That makes sense! I hope it works out for you OP! I just figured I’d share what kinda swayed me from pursuing further at-least at the moment.

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

That makes sense! I hope it works out for you OP! I just figured I’d share what kinda swayed me from pursuing further at-least at the moment.

Greatly appreciated and something to keep in mind going forward

 

[AZDC]

Greatly appreciated and something to keep in mind going forward

Just re-read first post and I misinterpreted! Sounds like you were seeking more info about prepping to be a rescuer not about making the decision! Apologies! Good luck!

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

Just re-read first post and I misinterpreted! Sounds like you were seeking more info about prepping to be a rescuer not about making the decision! Apologies! Good luck!

No need for apologies. It's definitely a good thing to consider going into it!

 

[Caseknife]

I joined Explorer Search and Rescue at age 12 in Central Washington. Stayed active until college. Our training gave me many, many useful skills for use in the outdoors. Kittitas County ESAR was well known in the State and we got called statewide for searches, may have been because of the extensive training we received, don't know for sure. Went on many searches in the Washington Cascades and quite a few body recoveries. Missed all the evidence searches related to Ted Bundy, a couple of my sisters were in on those.

I don't know what the requirements are now to be on a team, but in the 70's it was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. At least go to the orientation meeting and see if it is something that you want to do. Can't point to anything you can do to prepare.

 

[Dave0317]

Your group will be your best resource for the specifics. I’m not SAR but I have worked alongside some guys a few times and had some informal classes on it.

But some general things to do or consider.

Learn to navigate comfortably in all conditions.

Get familiar with SARTopo/CALTopo. Especially Range rings, and free from shapes, sharing maps via QR code, PDF etc, and creating and sharing tracks. This is essential on the planning/management side and may be one of the biggest factors in success I’ve seen in some our local searches.

Download the lost person behavior app. This will help you narrow down how large of a search area to start with based on the persons age, mental status, injuries, etc. Remember they may not be thinking logically. Something went wrong in order for you to be called out. So don’t make any assumptions about how they “should” have followed a terrain feature or stayed on better terrain or whatever.

Be in great physical shape and comfortable in the woods or mountains you will be living near. SAR personnel get lost occasionally while on a search and you want to ensure you are an asset and not an additional liability.

 

[Pilsner]

Make sure that you are in GREAT shape for hiking - no one appreciates having to rescue the rescue-r. Also keep in mind that the most calls come in during the exact times that you want to be out doing your own shit in the wilderness - prime hiking weekends and hunting seasons.
Good on ya for volunteering and taking it seriously though.
*tips hat*

 

[Pilsner]

Your group will be your best resource for the specifics. I’m not SAR but I have worked alongside some guys a few times and had some informal classes on it.

But some general things to do or consider.

Learn to navigate comfortably in all conditions.

Get familiar with SARTopo/CALTopo. Especially Range rings, and free from shapes, sharing maps via QR code, PDF etc, and creating and sharing tracks. This is essential on the planning/management side and may be one of the biggest factors in success I’ve seen in some our local searches.

Download the lost person behavior app. This will help you narrow down how large of a search area to start with based on the persons age, mental status, injuries, etc. Remember they may not be thinking logically. Something went wrong in order for you to be called out. So don’t make any assumptions about how they “should” have followed a terrain feature or stayed on better terrain or whatever.

Be in great physical shape and comfortable in the woods or mountains you will be living near. SAR personnel get lost occasionally while on a search and you want to ensure you are an asset and not an additional liability.

Great advice! Tell me more about this Lost Person app pls.

 

[Mtn_Nomad]

Make sure that you are in GREAT shape for hiking - no one appreciates having to rescue the rescue-r. Also keep in mind that the most calls come in during the exact times that you want to be out doing your own shit in the wilderness - prime hiking weekends and hunting seasons.
Good on ya for volunteering and taking it seriously though.
*tips hat*

Ive already began rucking and doing sandbag exercises. That's been one of my biggest concerns when considering joing. I don't want to become a liability

 

[ztc92]

I think @24valve may have some good insight here.

I’d like to join our local team where I live but it’s very informal and more about who you know. Essentially a call list and anyone who gets the call and has time will respond. My job really limits how often I can say yes so I’m not on the list as of now. Maybe in the future though!

 

[Dave0317]

Great advice! Tell me more about this Lost Person app pls.

If you search Lost Person Behavior in the App Store it should come up.

It has info based on the details in this authors books:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-J.-Koester/author/B001JPA4B0?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

The likely travel distances in the app can then be taken and used to create range rings on the SAR Topo map app, to really show the highest likelihood areas to focus on. There is more detail as well such as certain populations being likely to be drawn to water, others may be likely to circle, and others may be likely to walk a beeline quite a ways.

 

[mtnbound]

I've started attending my local SAR meetings with intentions of joining once I've been through the minimum. I was just curious how many guys do this type of work and could give me some solid advice for a newbie. Thinks to take into consideration, gear tips, etc. Thanks

Here are a few recommendations.

1. Actively participate in your team's scheduled training events. Consistent training builds proficiency, confidence, and team cohesion, all of which are critical during real-world operations.
2. Focus your equipment and training investments on the types of missions your team routinely responds to. Every region and organization has unique operational requirements. Avoid purchasing specialized equipment that does not support your team's mission profile.
3. Develop strong navigation skills. Proficiency with GPS devices, map reading, and land navigation techniques provides value on nearly every search and rescue mission and is a foundational skill for all SAR personnel.
4. Obtain medical training appropriate to your team's operational needs. While advanced certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) are valuable, many SAR members can effectively support their teams with Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training. Carry medical equipment that aligns with your training, capabilities, and expected mission requirements.
5. Understand your personal nutrition and hydration requirements. Develop a fueling strategy that works for you and supports sustained performance during extended operations. Proper nutrition and hydration can significantly impact effectiveness and safety in the field.
6. Maintain a high level of physical fitness, but train intelligently. The goal is sustainable operational readiness, not constant exhaustion. SAR personnel must be capable of performing effectively after a full workday, during adverse conditions, and on little notice.
7. Become familiar with your area of operations. Spend time exploring local terrain, trails, roads, and access points, whether on foot, by vehicle, or using other appropriate means. Local knowledge can be a significant advantage during missions.
8. Carefully evaluate your available time and commitment before pursuing specialty disciplines such as technical rescue, dive rescue, K9, tracking, off-highway vehicle (OHV) operations, drone operations, or SAR management. These specialties require substantial ongoing training and proficiency maintenance.
9. Develop resilience and adaptability. Search and rescue operations often involve challenging environments, adverse weather, fatigue, uncertainty, and discomfort. The more comfortable you become operating in difficult conditions, the more effective you will be when it matters most.