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SCSAR Membership

What you should know

 

The prerequisites for new members-in-training are:

* A willingness to learn

* Be in reasonable physical shape

* Willingness to acquire the needed clothing and equipment and

* The ability to work as a team member

 

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Meetings are each Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  The first meeting every month is a business meeting, the rest are devoted to training, practice, and the GSAR curriculum.

If you are interested in joining arrive at one of our Wednesday meetings and we'll give you the tour.

 

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Becoming a Member

All members-in-training are required to complete the Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) course. Although the course is provided free of charge, there is a small deposit for the manual.  Members-in-training must also:

• complete an OFA Level 1 First Aid Certificate,
• complete a Transportation Endorsement (Spinal Packaging) for their Level 1 First Aid Certificate,
• do a solo overnight exercise,
• be voted in by the existing members,
• pass a criminal records check and
• attend half of the first 6 rescues they are called out on.

It takes about a year to become a certified GSAR member.

The 100 hour GSAR course is taught by volunteer certified instructors primarily at weekly meetings and some weekends. Topics covered in the GSAR modules include the following:

*SAR organization

*Search tactics and technique

*Map/compass/GPS navigation

*Survival and safety skills

*Helicopter safety

*Patient evacuation

*Rope handling

*Radio communication

*Introduction to tracking

*Avalanche Orientation

 

SCSAR is comprised of approximately 25 GSAR members with 10 Members-in-Training.