Search and Rescue requires a commitment that far exceeds the commitments of other volunteer organizations.  You will be asked to work in physically and mentally challenging environments for extended periods of time.  You will train hard and spend long hours out in the field.  You will often be called away at all hours of the day and night.  We ask that you strongly consider the time commitment required for this type of work.  Most months, trainings and meetings will require approximately 10 hours of your time.  And while no previous search and rescue experience is required, most applicants have some hiking, backpacking or similar outdoor experience.  A typical search assignment requires us to move confidently over difficult off trail terrain while carrying a 20lb pack.

In return for your hard work, participation in our unit also comes with tremendous rewards.  Not only will you be part of a life-saving team, you will also meet dedicated and talented people along the way – people who share the same love of the outdoors and service to their community that you have. 

The following are the minimum requirements to complete the trainee process.  All classes are provided by the unit.  Those trainees that successfully pass these requirements will become full members of the SMCSAR Unit and become an integral part of the 24/7 emergency response for incidents both in San Mateo County and throughout Northern California.