SAR Team – Graham County Search and Rescue

A wilderness search and rescue (SAR) team is a specialized group of first responders trained to locate, assist, and evacuate individuals who are lost, injured, or in distress in remote, rugged, or natural environments. These teams play a crucial role in emergency management, often operating in areas inaccessible by conventional vehicles and under conditions that demand advanced survival and rescue skills.

All members of Graham County Search and Rescue are on the “SAR Team” and have the role of “Squad Member”

Wilderness SAR teams typically consist of a diverse mix of volunteers: emergency medical technicians (EMTs), experienced hikers, climbers, and outdoor survival experts. Many team members have backgrounds in fire services, law enforcement, or military service, bringing specialized skills such as navigation, rope rescue, and first aid.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Search Specialists: Use mapping, tracking, and navigation techniques to locate missing persons.

• Rescue Technicians: Perform technical rescues in difficult terrain, such as cliffs, rivers, and dense forests.

• Incident Commanders: Coordinate search strategies and manage communication between field teams and command centers.

• Logistics and Support Staff: Ensure teams have the necessary supplies, equipment, and transportation.

SAR Team Members undergo basic training in wilderness navigation, survival, first aid, and communication. If a member chooses, they can pursue more advanced training to be on additional teams within the squad.

Remember, the primary mission of a wilderness SAR team is to save lives by responding rapidly and effectively to emergencies in wild and remote areas. These teams operate with a strong sense of teamwork, resilience, and commitment to public safety. They often collaborate with local authorities, park services, and community organizations during search and rescue operations.

Roles for SAR Team

Squad Member

Among the various roles within a SAR team, the Squad Member plays a foundational part in ensuring the effectiveness, safety, and success of missions. This role defines the primary skills needed to be useful during a SAR mission. All members of the squad will achieve this level of knowledge and skill and use this base to acquire additional skills necessary in more advanced roles.

Successfully acquiring these skills will allow the squad members to join the more advanced Search Team, Rescue Team, Command Post Team, and/or Support Team. It is encouraged that a squad member joins as many of these teams as possible.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Radio Communications

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Radio Operations	Operations	Demonstrate the proper use of radios
	Frequencies	Know the proper frequency to select and the location of their repeater towers

Cellular Phone Communication

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Cellular Phone Operations	Backup to Radio	Know when to use cell phones as a backup to radios
	Text vs Call	Describe when to text and when to call
	Who to Call/Text	Know who to call or text while on a mission.
Cellular Phone Messaging	Contact List	Show your SAR contact list
	Message Content	Demonstrate the proper message content of a text message

Message Content and Clarity

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Common Terminology and Plain language	Proper Language	Be able to properly report using proper terminology.
Standardized Message Formats	Message Formats	Describe the standard message formats used by Graham County SAR
Phonetic Alphabet and Numeric Clarity	Phonetic Alphabet	Know the two phonetic alphabets

Basic Life Support

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Initial Assessment	Approach and Scene Evaluation	Before reaching the subject, rescuers should observe the surrounding environment to identify hazards, such as unstable terrain, extreme weather, or dangerous wildlife. Always approach the subject calmly and announce your presence to avoid startling them. Once close, assess the subject’s location for any immediate threats.
	Primary Survey	Know and be able to use the ABCDE approach to identify life-threatening conditions.
	Secondary Survey	Be able to perform a head-to-toe examination to look for signs of trauma, fractures, or medical conditions.
	Psychological Assessment	Be able to assess the subject’s mental and emotional state. Look for signs of shock, panic, or disorientation. Provide reassurance and comfort to help stabilize their psychological condition.
	Communication	Be able to effectively communicate the subject’s condition to trained medical personnel.
Airway and Ventilation	Recognize Airway Emergencies	Be able to recognize when a subject has a compromise airway.
	Head Tilt/Chin Lift	Be able to properly perform the Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift Maneuver
	Jaw-Thrust	Demonstrate capability to properly perform the Jaw-Thrust Maneuver
	Clearing Airway Obstructions	Show how to clear airway obstructions
CPR	Basic CPR	Demonstrate how to perform basic CPR.
	AED Use	Show ability to use Automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Bloodborne Pathogens	Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Demonstrate knowledge of PPE and how it is used. Ensure that PPE is properly fitted and intact.
	Proper Hygiene Practices and Disposal	Show how to clean up after an incident by maintaining good hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing gloves and before eating or drinking. Properly dispose of PPE after use.
	Incident Reporting and Follow-Up	Know how to document and report exposure incidents. Describe how to follow up on a posable exposure.
Stop the Bleed	Apply Direct Pressure	Show how to apply direct pressure to a wound.
	Pack the Wound	Demonstrate packing a wound with gauze or a hemostatic agent.
	Tourniquet Use	Know when a tourniquet is needed and how to properly apply it.
	Pressure Dressings	Show how to apply pressure dressing to maintain wound care.
Envenomation	Venomous Species	Be able to identify venomous wildlife differentiating between poisonous and non-poisonous species.
	Bite Treatment	SAR team members must be equipped with knowledge and strategies to address envenomation effectively.
	Preventative Measures	Use preventative measures to reduce the risk of envenomation during SAR operations.

Personal Preparedness

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Hydration	Daily Fluid Requirements	List the amount of fluids required under the various levels of expected activity.
	Best Practices for Staying Hydrated	Know the best methods used to stay hydrated.
	Special Considerations	Describe hydration special considerations.
Clothing	Layering System	Demonstrate the layering approach to clothing.
	Headwear and Gloves	Know and use proper headgear and gloves.
Footwear	Boots	Have the proper footwear on when called out on a mission
	Socks	Have the proper socks on when called out on a mission
Packs	Basic Pack	Display the basic contents of your pack to a coordinator for approval. Have the coordinator sign-off on your AZ SAR III task book.
	Summer Pack	Display the items in your pack that are specific to summer use. Describe why these items are present for summer use.
	Winter Pack	Display the items in your pack that are specific to winter use. Describe why these items are present for winter use.
Mental Health	Mental Health Challenges	Describe the mental health challenges facing SAR team members.
	Contributing Factors	Describe the contributing factors to mental health issues facing SAR team members.
	Signs and Symptoms	Know the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in the first responder community.
	Strategies for Supporting Mental Health	Know where to get help and the strategies used to prevent mental health concerns.
Risk Management	Risk Identification and Assessment	Be able to identify and access risks involved in a SAR operation
	Mitigation	Know mitigation strategies needed to reduce risk in a SAR environment.
OSHA Workplace Safety	OSHA Workplace Safety Class	Take an OSHA Workplace Safety Class

Wilderness Survival

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Core Wilderness Survival Skills	Navigation and Orientation	Demonstrate the use of maps, compasses, and SAR Topo to always know your location and route.
	Fire Craft	Be able to start a fire: even under the most adverse weather conditions.
	Water Procurement and Purification	Know where to find water and how to safely purify it.
	Shelter Construction	Be able to construct a shelter with what is in your pack and local materials.
Knife Care	Choosing the Right Knife	Show your knife knowledge by selecting and caring for the proper knife for you.
	Maintenance	Demonstrate how to properly sharpen and clean a knife.
	Safety	Show how to safely handle and store your knife

Map Reading

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Maps	Map Types	Know the different types of maps and their uses.
	Map Datums	Show where to find a map’s Map Datum and the importance of knowing the datum.
	Coordinate Systems	Be able to describe the different coordinate systems.
	Map Scales	Be able to find the scale of a map.
	Map Accuracy	Understand the errors a map may have and how to mitigate the inaccuracy.
	Map Reading	Be able to pick routes and location by using a map.
	Contour Lines	Understand contour lines and the impact on route planning.
	Reading Coordinates	Be able to read the coordinate of a point off of a map.

GPS

Topic	Skill	Criteria
GPS Self-location	Reading Grid	Be able to read a grid from a GPS device.
GPS Locate Grid	Navigate to Grid	Demonstrate how to locate a given grid using a GPS device.

Legal Issues

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Confidentiality	Confidential Information	List the types of information a SAR member will encounter on a mission.
	Protecting Confidentiality	Describe ways to protect confidential information.

Knots

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Essential Knots	Figure Eight on a Bight	Tie a Figure Eight on a Bight, properly dressed, and recognizable. Describe the uses, strengths, and weaknesses of this knot.
	Double Overhand bend	Tie a Double Overhand bend, properly dressed, and recognizable. Describe the uses, strengths, and weaknesses of this knot.
	Butterfly	Tie a Butterfly knot, properly dressed, and recognizable. Describe the uses, strengths, and weaknesses of this knot.
	Water knot	Tie a Water knot, properly dressed, and recognizable. Describe the uses, strengths, and weaknesses of this knot.
	Prusik hitch	Tie a Prusik hitch to a line, properly dressed, and recognizable. Describe the uses, strengths, and weaknesses of this knot.

Technical Rope Rescue

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Rope Rescue Awareness	Equipment Recognition	Be able to recognize squad rope rescue equipment, understand its general purpose, and know where the equipment is stored.
	Supporting Rope Rescue	Know how to support technical rope rescue Safley.

Swift Water Rescue

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Swift Water Awareness	Swift Water Awareness Certification	Earn a Swift Water Awareness Certificate

Callout Procedures

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Investigation Phase	Investigation Steps and Information	Understand the process that occurs before a callout is issued. Know the steps of an investigation and the type of information gathered.
Callout Page	Callout Types	Know the types of callouts and be able to list necessary steps to a callout by attending a class on this subject. Demonstrate knowledge of callout types by successfully responding to a callout by following instructions from a callout page.
Callout Checklist	Pre-Callout Preparation	Demonstrate the ability to respond to a callout by following proper procedure and being properly prepared for the mission.

Deployment

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Deployment Procedures	Select Site	Describe what a staging area function is and be able to establish one when directed.
	Establish Command Post	Be able to establish a command post when directed.

Demobilization

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Demobilization Procedures	Demobilization Process	Understand the process involved in demobilizing at the end of a mission.

SAR Topo

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Team Invite	Respond to Team Invite	Successfully load the SAR Topo app and follow the steps to join the team account.
	Login	Have SAR Topo available on your phone or tablet. Be able to login to SAR Topo team account.
Mission Map	Select Map	Successfully select the Next Mission map.
Share locations	Share Your location	Successfully share your location on the Next Mission map
	View Locations	Be able to view other’s locations on the Next Mission map
Folders	Team Folders	Understand the use of Team Folders and how to find them.
	Move Object to Folders	Be able to move old and new objects to the proper folder.
	Create Folder	Be able to create a folder.
	Declutter Map Using Folders	Show how to declutter the map by turning the display of the objects in a folder off.
Team Track	Track Awareness	Be able to identify tracks on the Mission Map. Describe why and when team tracks are recorded.
	Start Track	Demonstrate how to start recording a team track. Be able to properly fill in the fields on the Start Recording menu.
	Save Track	Know when to save a track. Show the proper method to finish and save a track.
Markers	Marker at GPS	Know how to place a marker by using the Add Marker at GPS tool.
	Add Map Item – Marker	Know how to place a marker by using the Add Map Item menu.
	Documenting Markers	Be able to fill in the label and comments boxes with the proper data. Know how to select the proper symbol Style. Place the maker into its proper Folder.
	Standardization	Use agreed upon marker styles and colors to avoid confusion. Know the meaning and uses of the standard set of marker styles.
	Attached Photos	Demonstrate how to attach a photo to a marker.
Map Layers	Base Layers	Know when and how to select Base Layers.
	Map Sheets	Demonstrate how to load an existing Map Sheet.
	Map Overlays	Show the uses of the various Map Overlays.
	Forecasts	Describe the information available from the Forecast overlays.
	Realtime Data	Know the functionality of the Realtime Data overlays.
Map Items	Find Object	Ne able to find and select an object from the Map Item menu
	Declutter	Show how to declutter the map by using the Map Item menus.
Download Layers	Know How	Know how to download layers
Settings	Display	Be aware of Display settings and be able to adjust them.
	Coordinates	Be aware of Coordinates settings and be able to adjust them.
	Compass and Heading	Be aware of Compass and Heading settings and be able to adjust them.
	GPS / Location	Be aware of GPS / Location settings and be able to adjust them.
	Network Settings	Be aware of Network settings and be able to adjust them.

Briefings

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Mission Briefing	Methodology	Describe the proper behavior at a briefing
	Purpose	Describe the purpose of the mission briefing
	Participation	Actively participate in a mission briefing
Team Briefing	Purpose	Describe the purpose of the team briefing
	Participation	Actively participate in a team briefing
Team Debriefing	Purpose	Describe the purpose of the team debriefing
	Participation	Actively participate in a team debriefing
Mission Debriefing	Purpose	Describe the purpose and processes of the mission debriefing
	Participation	Actively participate in a mission debriefing
After Action Review	Methodology	Discuss the methodology used for AARs and the purpose of an AAR
	Participation	Actively participate in an AAR

Interaction with Outside Entities

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Interaction with Media	Understanding Media Interaction	Describe your role in interfacing with media.
Interaction with Family	Understanding Interaction Family	Describe your role in interfacing with subject’s family members.

Squad Equipment

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Generator Operation	On/Off	Show how to properly operate.
	Refuel	Demonstrate how to safely refuel.
Light Stand Operation	Setup/Take Down	Demonstrate how to safely set up and take down the light stand.
Event Canopy	Setup/Take Down	Demonstrate how to safely set up and take down the canopy.

Squad Vehicles

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Squad Truck	Equipment Storage	Show the proper storage of the squad equipment in the truck.
	Lights	Know how to turn on/off lights on the truck.
Emergency Management Bus	Bus Maintenance	Demonstrate how to check the bus’s operating status.
	Bus Generator Operation	Show how to turn on/off the bus’s generator.

Helo

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Helo Safety	Boarding and Exiting	Understand rotor hazards, proper boarding and exiting procedures.
	Communication with the Pilot	Know the importance of maintaining clear communication with the pilot

Traffic Control

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Traffic Control Techniques	Hand Signals	Demonstrate the proper hand signals used for traffic control.
	Apparel	Show the appropriate clothing used while conducting traffic.
	Safety	Describe the necessary safety measures to ensure your safety while conducting traffic.

Evacuation

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Evacuation States	Ready Set Go	Describe the meaning of the three evacuation states.
Evacuation Mapping	Evacuation Style Symbols	Know the symbols used to inform the status of structures.
	Marker at GPS	Know how to generate a Marker with the proper symbol and information.
Evacuation Execution	Inform Residents	Be able to approach a resident and properly inform them of the current evacuation information.
	Safety	Show knowledge of the measures needed to be safe while in an emergency environment.

Basic SAR Academy

Topic	Skill	Criteria
Basic SAR Day 1	Complete Day 1	Successfully complete the first day of the Basic SAR Academy
Basic SAR Day 2	Complete Day 2	Complete day 1 and successfully complete the second day of the Basic SAR Academy and receive a certificate.