Basic Training Program
For entry into SAR’s (Search and Rescue Unit) training program, an applicant must complete the following items:
? A set of application forms (attached)
? An interview with Trainee Coordinator
? A Physical Agility Hike
SAR applicants must be at least 18 years of age and in good physical and mental condition. Persons under the required age are invited to inquire about the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Explorer Post #830. An applicant completing these items will be considered to be a Trainee Member of the SAR, qualified to attend training sessions and regular evening meetings. He/She should provide himself/herself with the basic field equipment (see attached list of recommended equipment). Trainee uniforms will be issued once the above items have been completed by your Trainee Coordinator. These requirements will be simplified for Level II and higher members of Explorer Post 830 upon recommendation by the Post 830 advisor that they have been satisfied with the SAR candidate’s participation in the Explorer Post 830 Program.
SAR Basic Training Program
Full membership in the SAR requires the following:
? Completion of the SAR basic training program (see attached list of training classes)
? A successful background check. (The requirement for this is basically that the applicant has no criminal record and that he/she shows evidence of responsibility).
? Qualification for the County drivers license. (A reasonable clean driving record and displayed ability to safely operate county vehicles).
? Participation in an SAR Basic Training Weekend.
? A positive re-evaluation at the end of the training process.
The basic training elements are as follows:
1. Sheriff’s Office Orientation (classroom session)
* Legal responsibility for Search and Rescue (SAR)
* Sheriff’s Office (S.O.) organization
* Law Enforcement aspects of SAR
2. American Red Cross Standard First Aid (classroom session)
(All SAR members need to re-certify every 3 years in First Aid to remain active in the field)
3. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (classroom session)
(annual re-certification in CPR is required of all SAR members every year to remain active in the field).
4. Personal Wilderness Techniques and Equipment
* Map and Compass
* Rescue Pack Equipment
* Hypothermia/Hyperthermia
* Field Training (nighttime search challenge)
5. Basic Search Techniques
* Clue Awareness
* Hasty trail Search
* Grid Search
* Use of Topographical maps
6. Basic Rescue
* Rope Orientation
* Stokes Liter
- Patient Care and Handling
- Loading and Transportation
7. Mobilization Procedures
* Sheriff’s Emergency/Command Center Operations
* Vehicle Orientation
- Identification and Function of all ESB Operated Vehicles
* Hall of Justice Orientation
The basic training program consists of a series of classroom and field elements, including one weekend, overnight session at which the elements 4-6 will be covered.
SAR basic training weekends are schedule twice a year, however, trainees and qualified SAR members serving as instructors may arrange special sessions at any time so long as they are coordinated with the SAR staff and follow an approved plan.
Each basic trainee will be provided with a training record form (attached) containing spaces for instructor certification on each of the required elements. When completed, the form will be reviewed by Trainee Coordinator/Staff Members and a Level II Interview will be made to bring you to the next level within the unit.
Regular SAR members are authorized to wear a uniform, provided by themselves, with San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office (S.O.) shoulder patches, provided by the County. They are issued a San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office badge and photo I.D. card and are considered qualified to participate in SAR operations, generally with supervision or as part of a team containing more experience personnel.
Trainees are required to wear a uniform as well during trainings and all meetings. Standard uniform consists of:
* Blue shirt (paid for by trainee at $10.00)
* Blue Jacket (Issued by Sheriff’s Office/Trainee Coordinator)
* Blue Helmet (Issued by Sheriff’s Office/Trainee Coordinator)
* Hiking Boots
* Navy Blue pants (if your able to get them) if not, long pants at all times. (no shorts, sweats are not allowed at any time).
* Backpack or Book pack with recommended equipment
Once an SAR Trainee has become a regular member, the following membership requirements must be maintained:
? Members are expected to participate in 12 events each year (including meetings)
? Current CPR and First Aid Certification
? Members are required to wear the SAR dress uniform whenever attending monthly SAR meetings. SAR dress uniform defined:
* Long sleeved CHP style uniform shirt with metallic hardware (in the winter) short sleeve same style shirt for summer.
* Black T-Shirt
* Black clip on tie (in the winter)
* Navy Blue BDU’s
* Black Sheriff style belt
* Black 8 or 10 inch boots
* Orange Issued Sheriff’s Jacket/Yellow Helmet (for in the field)
? Overnight must be done every other year
? Drivers Training must be done every other year
? Map & Compass every other year
? Ropes Training every other year
? Physical Hike every year
? Two Bike Sunday’s every year
Log of Mission and Training hours as a Trainee and Regular SAR Member
Record of your training and mission hours is necessary because:
* Your personnel record that shows how much you contributed
* These records serve to show that you have kept up your training in case of liability claims
* S.O. reports these hours to OES
* These records assist SAR in getting support from the County.
This page last updated 04/08/2010