search and rescue

[chief4101]

im from doe run and we are wanting to start a wildland search and rescue team does anyone know who i can contact to get training for my guys. the university hasent been much help. thanks

[SCSESATech]

You have some options. Where in Missouri are you? What is the terrain of the area you wish to perform SAR in? If you are south of I-70 then I already know. National Association for Search and Rescue www.nasar.org has resources and great training (would be my first choice), A FEMA Task Force Team could provide some training (but Wilderness SAR isn't their specialty, unless they have members at the Ranger level); however a lot of Urban and Wilderness SAR overlap(this is my second choice). You could take a Manhunt class from law enforcement (my third choice.)
A difficultly with Wilderness SAR is you might have to cross disciples during an incident. Vertical, Trench, Confined Space, Cave SAR, Extrication, White/Swift Water, Ice. Etc can be apart of the incident. Finding your missing person is one task, accessing is another and transporting is another. Plus they may need BLS, ALS or a Specialist to keep them stable until you reach civilization. Many teams who main focus, which isn’t Wildland SAR, may be able to achieve success. The best tactics and most effective teams are the ones who specialize in Wildland SAR. There aren’t many NASAR instructors in Illinois and Missouri I hope next year I will be one.

[chief4101]

i am about 65 miles south of st. louis down by farmington. we cover 104 square miles of mostly rough woods and farms. we would like to start a team and make ourselves avable to the surrounding area. myself and 5 other took a basic class at the local acadamy and we want more, and now my entire department is wanting to get involved and the board has given us mone for equipment and training.

[Catch22]

I'm kind of surpised MUFRTI wasn't any help. I got my certification at summer fire school. I know it's costly to get them to bring you a class ($300) if it doesn't qualify for the grant for free classes, especially with the budget crunch. Maybe you talked to the wrong person?

[SCSESATech]

If you have the chance to take the MUFRTI's class, take it. Unfortunately, that training is only a condense introduction to Wilderness SAR from my observation. NASAR classes are about $60 each, but you will have to travel to attend a class. There is a city approach to search and a wilderness approach. I prefer the wilderness approach. Plus NASAR offers a class specifically for managing a lost person incident. If your aim is to specialize in this type of SAR, you will need some advance an in-depth training. NASAR home page has updates on articles of SAR operations around the world. I hope my comments or helpful and let me know how things go. I might wish to join one day. You are just on the other side of my area. I am the Jefferson County Hazmat team.