Advanced Search and Rescue Course

Advanced Search and Rescue Course / SARTech I Examination 

Course Dates: 5-8 Dec 2024

Location: Krislund Camp & Conference Center, Madisonburg PA

Time:     6 Dec 24:    6:00 pm - 1:00 am ET

               7 Dec 24:  10:00 am - 6:00 pm ET

               8 Dec 24:    9:00 am - 6:00 pm ET

​Cost: $350.00 per person

Course Description:

The Advanced Search and Rescue Training course is an intensive 40-hour program designed to equip participants with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to conduct efficient and effective search and rescue operations in diverse environments and scenarios. Building upon the foundation of basic search and rescue training, this course delves deeper into advanced techniques, strategies, and equipment utilized in complex rescue situations. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on practical exercises, and simulated scenarios, participants will gain the expertise required to navigate challenging terrains, locate missing individuals, provide medical stabilization, and execute successful extractions. Emphasis will be placed on teamwork, communication, leadership, and decision-making skills essential for managing high-pressure situations encountered during search and rescue missions. This course will boast pre-course material that must be completed prior to arrival at the course. The online pre-course component will open 30 days prior to the course start date.  

BE ADVISED: A majority of this course will take place in the elements. Come prepared to spend several hours at a time in the elements. 

Course Objectives:

• Develop Advanced Navigation Skills: Participants will enhance their navigation proficiency by mastering advanced techniques such as GPS/GIS applications, map reading, and compass navigation. They will learn to navigate challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions effectively. 

• Learn Advanced Search Techniques: Participants will explore advanced search methodologies, including grid, line, and hasty search methods. They will understand the integration of technology and specialized resources such as K9 units and drones to optimize search operations.

• Apply Principles of Medical Stabilization: Participants will be confronted with some in-depth knowledge evaluations of wilderness first aid principles, patient assessment, and triage in remote and challenging environments. They will learn to apply improvised medical techniques to stabilize patients until professional medical assistance arrives.

• Familiarize with Advanced Rescue Equipment: Participants will be introduced to advanced rescue equipment used in various scenarios, including rope rescue systems, and be exposed to the principle of medically directed rescue. The participants will learn proper usage and maintenance procedures for each equipment type.

• Enhance Teamwork and Leadership Skills: Participants will engage in team-based exercises and simulations to foster effective communication, collaboration, and leadership under stressful conditions. They will learn to function within an incident command structure and make critical decisions to ensure the safety and success of rescue operations. Students will also learn to manage time while on full scale search assignments. 

Who Should Attend: 

• Experienced search and rescue technicians that are looking to upgrade their skill level. 

• Field Team Members looking to challenge known skills.

Course Prerequisites: 

• Completion of a Basic SAR Course (FUNSAR or equivalent) 

• Be a currently qualified Field Team Member or SARTech II

• Hold a current Wilderness First Aid & Professional CPR Card

• Minimum age of 18 years

• Adequate physical fitness to participate in strenuous outdoor activities

Required Equipment: 

• A complete packing list will be sent with the course letter.

NASAR SARTECH I EXAMINATION

The SARTECH I exam is offered during this course for a nominal additional fee. Candidates wishing to test will need to be SARTech II certified prior to testing. The Advanced SAR text book NOT included in course tuition. A valid Wilderness First Aid card will be required to complete the testing portion of this program.

Testing will take place on 8 December 2024.

Student Materials / Daily Required Packing List: 

1. Backpack: Hiking style preferred. Approximately 20-30L in size.
2. Water Container: Suggested (2) 1L bottles.
3. Note Taking Materials: Notebook, pens, pencils.
4. PPE: Clear eye protection, leather gloves, orange & ANSI Level 2 Reflective traffic vest. (You will be inspected upon arrival for these items.)
5. Sunscreen.
6. Orienteering or Lensatic Compass.
7. Navigation Tools: Ruler w/mm Measuring Capability, Protractor, UTM / USNG 1:24,000 scale gride tool. 
8. Snacks for the day: Trail mixes, granola bars, protein bars, etc. (Plan for lunch in the field.)
9. Socks: 2 pair in a waterproof container such as a dry bag or sealable sandwich bag.
10. Camp chair: Weather permitting we will try to spend as much time outside as we can..
11. Warm layers: Hot one minute freezing the next!

If your team has a standard packing list for a 24-Hour Kit / Day Pack we highly suggest you bring it and ensure you have the items listed above as well.

Meals & Lodging:

• No meals are being provided as part of this course through SRTC.

• On-site lodging will be available. Twin-size bunks, showers, normal bathrooms, refrigerator, a fully equipped kitchen, potable water, and a fire pit with free wood is available at the lodge.

• Onsite Camping is $200 per person and covers lodging from day 1 of the class until the morning after. Small two person lodges may be available and would be $100 for the day. (Contact us to make that specific arrangement if you are interested.) 

• Please plan to have lunch with you at the course. Some lunches will be away from the lodge. Please plan for this. Lunches during SAR Ops are typically done in the field. 

Advanced Search and Rescue Course Policies

Registration Policy:

Payment in full is required to reserve your spot in the course / exam. Tuition is non-transferable and is payable by check, credit card, PayPal, or Money Order. Tuition covers instructor time & travel, site rental fees (as applicable), exam / course equipment, and certification fees. SRTC is not obligated to allow any student to attend a course until SRTC paperwork has been received, reviewed and approved by SRTC. A full refund will be given if we need to cancel the course for any reason.

Cancellation & Refund Policy:

If a student cancels out of a course or withdrawals from a course or exam:

1. If greater than or equal to 30 days prior to the starting date of the course, SRTC will retain a $35.00 administrative fee.
2. At 30 days or less from the starting date of the course all tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable to another course or student.
3. Participants that withdrawal at or within 30 days of the course are still responsible for cancelation fees and full course tuition payment submission.
4. A full refund will be given to each student if SRTC Cancels the course for any reason.

Late Payment Policy: 

Participants that register and choose pay via company check, personal check, or money order must submit payment in a timely manner. Payment is due no later than 10 days after your registrations is submitted. If payment is not post marked prior to this date a late fee will be assessed. Late fees will either be invoiced separately or added to any outstanding balance.

1. Initial late payment assessment fee is $25.00 for this course.
2. An additional fee of $10.00 per day will also be assessed if payment is delayed past 14 days from registration and this late fee is retroactive to the date of registration.

SRTC / NASAR Student Agreements: (Including Assumption of Risks and Agreement of Release of Indemnity)

A Sergeant Rescue course student agreement and NASAR Student Waiver will be included as part of your registration and is required for completion of registration. Before they are signed and submitted, read read them carefully as it affects your legal rights. If you are a minor, a parent or guardian must sign the document as well. Without a signed document, you cannot participate in the course. SRTC course participants, including minors, will have unsupervised free time throughout the above mentioned course / exam. Any activities during the free time are not part of the SRTC program or proctored exam, and are at the sole risk of the participant. 

Students with LDs: (Learning Disabilities)

Sergeant Rescue is committed to providing equal opportunities for all participants, including those with learning disabilities. We recognize the importance of creating an inclusive learning environment where every individual can thrive. Participants with learning disabilities are encouraged to inform the instructor about their specific needs and accommodations required to fully participate in the course. Our team will work closely with each participant to provide reasonable accommodations, such as extended time for exams, modified instructional materials, or additional support during practical exercises, ensuring that all individuals have an equitable opportunity to succeed in the Advanced Search and Rescue Training course.