This is a work in progress! If you have any questions, comments, criticisms, or would like to contribute please contact Robin Sexton by email: robin.hunts.rocks@gmail.com.
Participation by the SAR community in developing this document is greatly appreciated.
1 Communications
Effective communication is vital to safe, coordinated wilderness search and rescue (SAR). In southeastern Arizona’s deserts and basin-and-range mountains, remote terrain and unpredictable conditions require every team member to understand and use the available communication methods.
1.1 Radio Communications
In vast, rugged, or isolated areas where cellular networks are unreliable or absent, radio systems become the essential means for rescuers to coordinate their efforts, request medical or logistical assistance, and report on situational changes or mission status. Rapid, reliable communication can mean the difference between life and death for those lost or injured in the wilderness.
1.1.1 Radio Operations
SAR members are expected to be able to properly operate a radio and to know the squad's reporting procedures.
1.1.2 Relay Communications
The unpredictable and often rugged terrain, ranging from dense forests and steep mountains to deep valleys, can severely limit direct radio or line-of-sight contact between team members. Under such challenging conditions, traditional communication devices may lose signal or become unreliable. SAR teams frequently employ relay communications as one of the methods used to overcome these obstacles. This involves using intermediate personnel or technological equipment to pass messages between rescuers positioned too far apart to communicate directly.
1.1.3 Communications Leadership
Radio communications leadership in wilderness search and rescue is the disciplined management of people, equipment, procedures, and information so that field teams, command staff, aviation resources, medical responders, and partner agencies can coordinate safely. In remote terrain, radio may be the only dependable link between searchers and incident leadership. The communications leader must therefore build a system that is simple enough for tired field teams to use, resilient enough to survive terrain and weather problems, and structured enough to support the Incident Command System.
1.2 Cellular Phone Communication
Cellular phones can be a valuable tool in SAR operations, but their effectiveness depends on proper procedures and an understanding of their limitations.
1.2.1 Cellular Phone Operations
Effective use of cell phones in remote areas requires specific strategies due to coverage limitations and environmental challenges.
1.2.2 Cellular Phone Messaging
When using cell phones during a wilderness search and rescue mission, use text messaging first unless the situation is urgent or life-threatening. Text messages often go through in weak service areas when voice calls fail, and they use less battery power.
1.3 Message Content and Clarity
Clarity and precision in messaging are crucial, as team members often work in challenging terrain, under stressful conditions, and with limited resources. Messages should always contain the most vital information, including the precise location (such as GPS coordinates or recognizable landmarks), the status and condition of those missing or injured, prevailing environmental conditions like weather or visibility, and any immediate hazards such as wildlife, unstable terrain, or fire risks. The use of simple, direct language helps all team members quickly grasp the situation, avoiding confusion that could arise from technical jargon or ambiguous terms.
1.3.1 Common Terminology and Plain language
Using clear, simple, and consistent terminology allows search and rescue teams to work together smoothly, avoid misunderstandings, and focus on bringing everyone home safely.
1.3.2 Standardized Message Formats
Using consistent message formats reduces confusion, ensures critical information is transmitted efficiently, and enhances team coordination during high-stress situations.
1.3.3 Phonetic Alphabet and Numeric Clarity
In wilderness search and rescue operations, clear and precise communication is critical, especially when relaying information over radios or in noisy environments. There are two common phonics alphabets widely used to spell out words and avoid confusion. The NATO phonetic alphabet is used by military personnel, and the Law Enforcement Phonetic Alphabet is used by police and emergency services. Sense personnel communicating in a SAR operation can come from a mixed background (law enforcement, emergency services, military, and ex-military) it is desirable to be conversant in both systems.2 Health & Wellbeing
Wilderness search and rescue teams operate in challenging and unpredictable environments, requiring a strong focus on health and wellbeing
2.1 Basic Life Support
Basic Life Support (BLS) forms the foundation of emergency care provided during search and rescue operations. In the challenging environments where search and rescue (SAR) teams operate, be it mountains, collapsed buildings, remote wilderness, or disaster zones, having a robust understanding of BLS is critical. BLS consists of essential interventions that support vital functions until advanced care arrives, focusing primarily on airway management, breathing, and circulation, as well as prompt action for life-threatening emergencies.
2.1.1 Initial Assessment
Search and rescue missions are critical operations that aim to locate, stabilize, and recover individuals who are lost, trapped, or injured. A key component of such missions is the initial assessment of a subject, which determines their physical condition, psychological state, and immediate needs. This assessment is pivotal in guiding the rescue team's actions and ensuring the subject's survival.
2.1.2 Airway and Ventilation
Without proper oxygenation, vital organs begin to fail within minutes, making airway management a cornerstone of emergency care. SAR teams often operate in remote or challenging locations, where environmental factors such as altitude, cold, or debris may compromise airway function. Thus, a solid understanding of this BLS principle is essential for rescuers.
2.1.3 CPR
CPR serves as a bridge, maintaining circulation and oxygenation until advanced medical care can be provided. In SAR scenarios, where the time to reach a hospital may be extended, the timely application of CPR can keep vital organs functioning, preventing irreversible damage and increasing the chances of survival.
2.1.4 Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in human blood and certain bodily fluids that can cause diseases. The primary routes of transmission include direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, contact with mucous membranes or broken skin, accidental puncture wounds from contaminated needles or sharps. Search and rescue situations often involve handling injured individuals, navigating disaster zones, and encountering contaminated debris, all of which increase the likelihood of exposure.
2.1.5 Stop the Bleed
Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death in trauma cases. Subjects suffering from severe hemorrhages can die in as little as five minutes, far less time than it typically takes for SAR teams to transport them to a hospital. Stop the Bleed training provides SAR professionals with the knowledge to identify and control bleeding effectively, enhancing survival rates dramatically.
2.1.6 Immobilizing Broken Bones
In SAR scenarios, dealing with broken bones requires swift and effective action to ensure the safety and comfort of the injured subject. Proper immobilization and preparation for transportation are critical steps to prevent further injury and stabilize the subject.
2.1.7 Envenomation
Envenomation, the process of venom being injected into the body via bites or stings by venomous creatures, poses a unique challenge in search and rescue (SAR) operations. In environments teeming with snakes, scorpions, spiders, or other venomous wildlife, the ability to quickly identify and address envenomation is critical for both rescuers and subjects.
2.1.8 Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia, a condition of abnormally high body temperature, is a critical concern in search and rescue (SAR) operations, especially when individuals are exposed to intense heat, physical exertion, or prolonged sun exposure. Efficient and timely treatment can make the difference between life and death, ensuring that survivors and SAR personnel remain safe.
2.1.9 Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the core temperature to drop below 95 F. It is a potentially life-threatening condition and a common risk in search and rescue operations, particularly in cold or wet environments. Hypothermia can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the exposure, and requires immediate recognition and appropriate intervention.
2.1.10 Altitude Related Hazards
SAR operations in high-altitude environments present a unique set of challenges and hazards. These hazardous conditions not only affect the individuals being rescued but also place significant physical and mental strain on SAR personnel. Understanding these hazards is essential for effective mission planning and the safety of all involved.
2.2 Personal Preparedness
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2.2.1 Hydration
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2.2.2 Clothing
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2.2.3 Footwear
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2.2.4 Packs
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2.2.5 Mental Health
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2.2.6 Risk Management
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2.2.7 Fitness
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2.3 Wilderness Survival
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2.3.1 Shelter
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2.3.2 Fire
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2.3.3 Water
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2.3.4 Thermoregulation
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2.3.5 Knife Care
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2.4 Hazardous Materials
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2.4.1 Encountering Types of Hazardous
Description missing!3 Land Navigation
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3.1 Map Reading
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3.1.1 Maps
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3.2 Compass
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3.2.1 Compass Skills
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3.3 GPS
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3.3.1 GPS Self-location
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3.3.2 GPS Locate Grid
Description missing!4 Legal Topics
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4.1 Legal Issues
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4.1.1 Confidentiality
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4.1.2 Illegal Activities
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4.1.3 Entering Private Property
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4.2 Crime Scenes
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4.2.1 Securing scene
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4.2.2 Preserving Clues
Description missing!5 Search
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5.1 Search Leadership
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5.1.1 Search Team Leader
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5.1.2 Situational Awareness
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5.2 Route Search
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5.2.1 Pre-Search Preparation
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5.2.2 Route Search Tactics
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5.2.3 Team Organization and Roles
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5.2.4 Communication and Documentation
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5.3 Location Search
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5.3.1 Grid Search
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5.3.2 Line Search
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5.4 Vehicle Mounted Search
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5.4.1 Vehicle Mounted Search Considerations
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5.5 Dismounted Search
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5.5.1 Dismounted Search Considerations
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5.6 Tracking
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5.6.1 Tracking Techniques
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5.6.2 Flanker Techniques
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5.6.3 Navigating and Recording
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5.6.4 Tracking Leadership
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5.7 Multiple Operational Periods Search
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5.7.1 Operational Periods
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5.7.2 Safety Concerns
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5.7.3 MOPS Logistics
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5.8 Containment
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5.8.1 Containment Tactics
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5.8.2 Containment Leadership
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5.9 Lost Person Behavior
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5.9.1 Behavioral Studies
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5.9.2 Approaching Lost Persons
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5.9.3 Alzheimer's Subject
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5.9.4 Autistic Subject
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5.10 Canines
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5.10.1 K9 Support Team Leader
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5.10.2 Working with Trailing Dogs
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5.10.3 Working with Air Scent Dogs
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5.10.4 Working with Cadaver Dogs
Description missing!6 Rescue
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6.1 Knots
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6.1.1 Essential Knots
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6.1.2 Edgeman Knots
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6.1.3 Rope Rescuer Knots
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6.2 Stretcher Transportation
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6.2.1 Patient Packaging
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6.2.2 Stokes Basket
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6.2.3 Skedco
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6.2.4 Stokes Basket Rope Rescue
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6.2.5 Skedco Rope Rescue
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6.3 Technical Rope Rescue
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6.3.1 Rope Rescue Awareness
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6.3.2 Harness and PPE
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6.3.3 Vortex System
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6.3.4 Ropes
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6.3.5 Multi-Purpose Device
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6.3.6 Anchor Points
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6.3.7 Anchor Straps
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6.3.8 High Strength Tie Off
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6.3.9 Wrap-3-Pull-2 Anchors
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6.3.10 Multi-Point Anchors
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6.3.11 Dual Mains
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6.3.12 3 to 1 System
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6.3.13 5 to 1 System
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6.3.14 ASAP
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6.3.15 Petzl ID
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6.3.16 Ascenders
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6.3.17 Travel Restrict
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6.3.18 Fall Protection
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6.3.19 Set of 4s AZTEK
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6.3.20 Rescue Pickoff
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6.3.21 Prusik Minding Pulley
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6.3.22 Descend a Dual Main System
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6.3.23 Ascend a Dual Main System
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6.3.24 Rappel Fixed Rescue System
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6.3.25 Edge Protection
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6.3.26 Rock Fall Mitigation
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6.3.27 Rope Rescue Communications
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6.3.28 Rope Rescue Safety
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6.3.29 Rope Rescue Leadership
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6.4 Swift Water Rescue
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6.4.1 Swift Water Awareness
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6.4.2 Hydrology
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6.4.3 Equipment
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6.4.4 Swimming Techniques
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6.4.5 Wading
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6.4.6 Throw bag rescues
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6.4.7 Swimming rescues
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6.4.8 Crossing Techniques
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6.4.9 Snag Line
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6.4.10 Cinches
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6.4.11 Scene Management
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6.4.12 Swiftwater Awareness
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6.5 Recovery
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6.5.1 Finding Deceased Persons
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6.5.2 Field Id of Human Bones
Description missing!7 Command and Control
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7.1 Callout Procedures
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7.1.1 Investigation Phase
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7.1.2 Callout Page
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7.1.3 Callout Checklist
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7.2 Deployment
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7.2.1 Deployment Procedures
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7.3 Demobilization
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7.3.1 Demobilization Procedures
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7.4 SAR Topo
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7.4.1 Team Invite
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7.4.2 Mission Map
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7.4.3 Share locations
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7.4.4 Folders
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7.4.5 Team Track
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7.4.6 Markers
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7.4.7 Attached Photos
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7.4.8 Map Layers
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7.4.9 Map Items
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7.4.10 Download Layers
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7.4.11 Settings
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7.4.12 Map Objects
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7.4.13 SAR Objects
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7.4.14 Custom Layers
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7.4.15 Administrator
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7.5 Briefings
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7.5.1 Mission Briefing
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7.5.2 Team Briefing
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7.5.3 Team Debriefing
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7.5.4 Mission Debriefing
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7.5.5 After Action Review
An After Action Review (AAR) helps SAR teams learn from missions without assigning blame. Ideally held within 24�48 hours, it brings participants together with mission records and a neutral facilitator to compare plans with actual events, examine successes and challenges, and identify lessons. Its value comes from turning those lessons into prioritized improvements with clear owners, deadlines, and follow-up, then applying them to training and future missions.
7.6 Interaction with Outside Entities
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7.6.1 Interaction with Media
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7.6.2 Interaction with Family
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7.6.3 Untrained Volunteers
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7.6.4 Working with Other Jurisdictions
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7.7 Incident Command System
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7.7.1 ICS Command Hierarchy
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7.7.2 ICS Operations
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7.7.3 ICS Planning
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7.7.4 ICS Logistics
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7.7.5 ICS Forms
Description missing!8 Logistical Support
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8.1 Staging Area Management
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8.1.1 Establish Staging Area
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8.2 Squad Equipment
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8.2.1 Generator Operation
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8.2.2 Light Stand Operation
Description missing!9 Aviation
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9.1 Helo
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9.1.1 Helo Safety
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9.1.2 Landing Zones
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9.1.3 LZ Perimeter Control
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9.1.4 LZ Management
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9.2 UAV
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9.2.1 UAV Search
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9.2.2 Tracking Team Support
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9.2.3 Communication Relay
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9.3 Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Description missing!10 Emergency Assistance
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10.1 Traffic Control
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10.1.1 Traffic Control Techniques
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10.2 Evacuation
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10.2.1 Evacuation Planning
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10.2.2 Evacuation States
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10.2.3 Evacuation Mapping
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10.2.4 Evacuation Execution
Description missing!11 Introductory Knowledge
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11.1 Basic SAR Academy
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11.1.1 Basic SAR Day 1
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11.1.2 Basic SAR Day 2
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