This course and text is concerned with SAR Field Skills. THis course is not directly concerned with managment and planning which are properly left to other courses. SAR skills include:

1. Skills for the individual: these are the skills needed in order to be able to perform effectively as a member of a SAR team.
2. SAR team responder skills: these include individual skills plus how to work together as a member of a SAR team. Understanding the 'Six Step Process' is desirable, as well as an appreciation of SAR managment principles and how the SAR command on control organization system functions, is an important part of being able to perform within a SAR mission.

Leadership is required at all management levels in the proces of bringing a SAR mission to a satisfactory conclusion. Mentorship will be stressed throughout this course and text due to the requirement of all SAR responders to be able to function in multiple roles at a moment's notice during a SAR mission.

During the past 40 years much effort has been expended on SAR managment and search planning. SAR field skills have been largely neglected or given relatively little attention. This text and course provide the information and skills necessary to ensure the quality of SAR field work is enhanced.

This course and materials meets and exceeds CSA standards Z1620-15 and Z1625-16.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Development of ideas and the sharing of information.
2. Define terms, principles, and best practices in search and rescue skills.
3. Identify SAR team competencies.
4. Applying the practicality of mentoring for SAR leadership.
5. Indentify individual searcher skills (how to look).
6. Identify SAR team dicision making process and tools.
7. How to develop competencies for SAR skills - benchmarks.