Principles of search and rescue
a volunteer should know
1. Rescue work is not glamorous. It is usually only plain, hard work.
2. There are no regular hours on a search. Working hours are at any time and for as long as anything worthwhile can be accomplished.
3. It will not always be possible to return to headquarters or a restaurant at mealtime, or to a cabin at night. Each time a team goes into the field, they must be willing and physically prepared to spend the night in the field if the situation so demands. Arrive prepared to be self-sustained for 24 hours.
4. A team assigned to a search mission will work as directed by the Incident Commander in charge.
5. The most important factor in a search mission is its accomplishment, and not by whom it is accomplished.
6. The professional application of skills and techniques and practice of safety standards is mandatory in the performance of any and all search tasks.
In order to become a SAR volunteer, one must understand its definition: an unselfish giving of oneself in order to help another in need. If you are willing to sacrifice your own needs for that of another you are ready to become a SAR volunteer.
Voluntary Certifications
Field Team Leader - Performance Expectation Guidelines - PDF
Field Team Member - Performance Expectation Guidelines - PDF
Field Team Leader and Field Team Member Evaluator Standards - PDF
To become a SAR volunteer you could join an existing SAR Team in your area or start up your own SAR Team.
2. Pennsylvania Civil Air Patrol
If you desire to start your own team, the following is a list of suggestions:
1. Hold a meeting to discuss the type of service your team will render, i.e., search management, hasty search, grid search, search dogs, water rescue, cave rescue, etc.
This decision should be based upon the skills and preference of the volunteers and the needs of the area. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or Pennsylvania SAR Council can offer advice in making this decision.
2. Select a name for your team. Most teams choose a geographical name.
3. Select temporary officers: a president, a secretary, and a training officer.
4. Temporary officers should visit with the local authorities, County Emergency Management, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and discuss operating procedures; establish and maintain a good working relationship with these authorities.
5. Draft a temporary set of objectives. These should define the scope of service the unit will provide.
6. Set a meeting date and start holding meetings.
7. Draft some membership requirements. Do not make them too difficult.
8. Training officers should make out a training program based upon the services the unit has elected to provide. Training standards are available. Check with Pennsylvania SAR Council or Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. SAR courses available through Pennsylvania Fire Academy.
9. The secretary should make a call list. This list is a roster of members' names, telephone numbers, home and business, and addresses.
10. Give a copy of your call list to the local authorities that will call you for your services.
11. Make a list of needed equipment and make plans for acquiring it.
12. After your team has been in existence awhile, it will want to approve a constitution and by-laws. Formal elections should be held following the procedures in the new by-laws.
13. Other decisions to make as your team grows, whether to: incorporate, apply for income tax exemption, obtain liability and workmen's compensation insurance, design a unit emblem.
The members of the team should be prepared to work hard to establish and maintain their team.
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