Course Information

Course Information

A lot of information about SAR training is available. To help both the Volunteer Lay-person and Professional alike, we are providing you some information to help you understand what some of the different training levels are. There are typically 3 levels of training recognized in virtually all fields of rescue work. These help planners identify a given level of skill set and capability for each person or ‘resource’ available to them. These levels have common names: Awareness (often interchanged with ‘Introductory’), Operations (sometimes referred to as Intermediate), and Technician. What does each mean?

  • Awareness: The basic fundamental level to become aware of the primary duties, hazards, accepted safety practices, and an in-depth overview of what the subject matter is about. Rarely is a person trained at an awareness level assigned to have an independent, hands-on approach in any emergency situation. They may have some peripheral taskings to support the overall efforts, but they are supervised by persons with a higher level of training and are not primary operators or technicians ‘in the trenches’ mitigating a situation.
  • Operations: This is the front line person/operator who carries out tactics to mitigate a task or objective in a field environment. This is a highly skilled and trained individual who knows how to independently or as a team operate tools, formulate plans, and take action with calculated risks to safely execute a plan to help others in distress. A common example may be a fire fighter with full Bunker Gear containing a fire near or around a building with spilled chemicals, extricating an injured motorist from a wrecked automobile, or using a series of ropes and pulleys to lift a victim from over a steep embankment.
  • Technician: This is a front line specialist with advanced and very specific training who carries out tactics and mitigates tasks which are too advanced or too dangerous for the Operations level person. A common example is the Technician who dons a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and other specialized ‘HAZMAT suits’ and goes into a Hazardous Materials spill and actually has contact with the contaminates to clean it up, or a person who goes into a confined space using advanced rope and pulley systems to access a person in distress.

If you have an understanding of these levels of training based on Introductory/Awareness level, Operations level, and Technician level, we will try and equate NASAR’s courses to these levels. NASAR’s numbering system uses the title of ‘Technician’, but identifies the level of training by numbers as: SARTECH III = Introductory level (i.e. an in-depth overview of what the subject matter is); SARTECH II = Operations level (for the persons who are field operators who actually participate in the field operation); and SARTECH I = Technician level (for the person who has advanced and specialized skills in the subject matter, tactics, and leadership rolls). This is the best way to help you see the difference between the levels.

NOTE: Using NASAR’s training system, you do not have to start with the Introductory level training to advance to Operations. You can begin your formal/organized SAR training with FUNSAR and SARTECH II at the Operations level.

 

Educational Courses

SAR AWARENESS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS– an Overview   (Course #01)
What is SAR? Most people, including local officials, Fire and Law Enforcement in charge of local SAR events are ignorant to what SAR really is. Not because they are dumb or closed minded, but because they have never received any form of training about what SAR is.
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ISAR – Introduction to Search and Rescue (Course #02)
This is NASAR’s introductory level educational class which offers more than a basic awareness level of what SAR is. It can be conducted in a classroom setting or done on-line via a self guided study and examination. It requires no equipment or resources beyond a textbook and does not require any field work or hands on training. This is a great course for persons who know they may not be working in the field due to age, physical limitations, or other reasons of choice but who may serve in a support position through Logistics, Base Communications Radio Operator(s), or other similar functions.
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FUNSAR – Fundamentals of Search and Rescue (Course #03)
The Fundamentals of Search and Rescue (FUNSAR) course is the second, intermediate level of NASAR courses. It provides knowledge concerning the general responsibilities, skills, abilities, and the equipment needed by persons who are assigned to field operations during a SAR mission. FUNSAR is for the person who has no knowledge of SAR but a willingness to help their fellow many all the way up to the most seasoned backpacker, hunter, military, and other interested personnel. It is an A-Z of what SAR is, how it works, tools, resources, NIMS (National Incident Mgt. System), ICS (Incident Command System), and hands-on field practicals to put your skills into action.  This course prepares the candidate for the NASAR SARTECH II exam
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ADSAR – Advanced Search and Rescue (Course #32)
  

Advanced Search and Rescue (ADSAR) is a NASAR course designed to educate the experienced field searcher in preparation for working as a crew leader on a search. This course expands on the knowledge and skills taught in the intermediate level FUNSAR course. Beginning with expanded management concepts, crew tactics, crew and SAR dog tactics, crew safety skills and continuing through stress management, the course focuses on the added responsibility of a crew leader and how this relates to the crewmembers, search managers, and the outcome of the search.  This course prepares the candidate for the NASAR SARTECH I / Crewleader examination.
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SARIA – Search & Rescue Initial Actions (Course #38)      
The Search And Rescue Intial Actions course, (a.k.a. SARIA), is a one day stand alone course that is designed and perfect for any law enforcement, Fire Officer, EMS, EMA personnel, and professionally trained SAR team personnel that are first boots on the ground at a given call-out for a missing person; Urban or Wilderness.  It teaches the first arriving unit what the very first steps they should to take are.  Why, when, and how.  It teaches/enables them to hit the ground with knowledge and tools for how to start and sustain a SAR incident from the first couple of minutes to a couple of hours, …or until more trained personnel can assist or be given command.  It teaches how to use and set up a map, any map available, and the Lost Person Behavior book (text used for course) to prep a map, set up containment, and how to prioritize use of resources as they become available.  Also to know what resources to request/order…in the first few minutes of an event with the goal of preventing it from growing into a multi-operational period campaign event.  This is the course that we feel is a MUST HAVE for first responders.  Our Instructors have used this information ourselves with success.  We have many testimonies from EMA’s, Law Enforcement, and SAR teams across several states who have used this information with success and now urge other professionals to do the same.  Seasoned veteran SAR experts have agreed if they never step foot into a wilderness to search again but are able to teach this course to others, they WILL still save lives!  

MLPI – Managing the Lost Person Incident (Course #33)      
 

The Managing the Lost Person Incident course is designed to teach the essential knowledge and skills necessary to perform as the initial response Incident Commander on a lost person incident with the primary focus on the Search element of SAR. The course prepares the student for the management responsibilities and leadership skills required during SAR missions. The course explains the tasks and procedures needed to effectively manage SAR operations from the initial response through the expansion phases of the search to the final demobilization of all resources. This is the first true management course of the NASAR series of SAR courses. The ISAR, FUNSAR, and ADSAR courses focus on the individual and crew responsibilities as well as techniques and tactics at the crew level, whereas, the MLPI course explains and describes in detail the overall objectives, strategies, and tactics needed for a successful outcome of SAR missions. With further incident management training and field experience; the person with this training can perform as the Incident Commander on prolonged and more complex searches.
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ATL – Advanced Team Leadership for Search and Rescue (Course #04)
This is an advanced course, with multiple prerequisites.  This course is developed to advance knowledgeable, trained searchers and search managers to the next level. It is designed to teach leadership principals and critical thinking and decision making skills. It offers SAR leadership the ability to see both the micro and macro aspects of an operation and to determine the best and safest way to use their team and assets in a safe, ‘round-trip-ticket’, effective SAR situation where every resource returns from the mission safely.
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Rope Awareness for Wilderness SAR (Course #05)
This is an awareness level course for persons who are going to be doing SAR work. It teaches the student about the use of rescue ropes, equipment, knots, and other basic level information to prepare for the Basic Rope Rescue Readiness course for Wilderness SAR.
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Basic Rope Rescue Readiness course for Wilderness SAR (Course #06)
This provides the student with hands on training in SAR knots, anchor systems, improvised harnesses, mechanical advantages, hardware, software, belay techniques, packaging a patient for transport in a litter, ascending a rope, and other techniques to effect a litter evacuation, hoist, or hazardous terrain crossings sequences.
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Fundamentals of Mantracking   (Course #08)
The NASAR Tracking Fundamentals (TRACKING) course is a Step-By-Step course. Establishing a field searcher’s clue and track awareness with the student being certified as a SARTECH TRACK AWARE resource upon completion. The course provides information regarding the general responsibilities, skills, abilities, and the equipment needed by persons who wish to be assigned as a Tracker to field operations during a SAR mission. 

The TRACKING course content includes focus on a cycle of five skills sets: detection, interpretation, recording, tactics, and trailing, which are needed by the SAR Tracker to support a search and rescue incident. Students are expected to have the proper equipment to perform on a tracking assignment in the environment of the course location; including during daylight and nighttime operations.

This NASAR course is designed to prepare the student to challenge the NASAR SARTECH TRACKER Examination. This test will be given at the end of the TRACKING course to determine course completion.  70% is the minimum passing grade on this written test.  The written test is the first step in the SARTECH TRACKER Examination and will not need to be repeated when the tracker chooses to participate in the evaluation.

There are 4 books that are good base knowledge resources (listed below). 

A selection of one [1] of these books, combined with the course lesson material will prepare one to pass the TRACKING written exam and this will be a first step toward a future SAR Tracker certification. Students should own at least one of these and bring book to class. 

Publications that will prepare you for passing this written test are:

  1. Fundamentals of Mantracking: The Step-By-Step Method; by “Ab” Taylor and Donald Cooper
  2. Foundations for Awareness, Signcutting, and Tracking; by Robert Speiden
  3. Tracking: A Blueprint for Learning How; by Jack Kearney
  4. NASAR Fundamentals of Search and Rescue Chapter 13 “Tracking”; by Jones and Bartlett Publishers

All are available through the NASAR Book Store.

The recommended number of hours for the TRACKING course is twenty (20) plus hours. The course is usually conducted over a long weekend starting early on Saturday but can be taught over (3) three days starting on Friday night.

Who Should Attend:

  • Those interested in becoming a SAR tracking resource within a search and rescue operation.
  • SAR personnel who would like to maintain or increase their knowledge of search and rescue tracking skills.
  • Managers of emergency response organizations who want to understand the state-of-the-art skills and knowledge needed by their SAR Trackers.

Prerequisites:

  • While not required, the NASAR FunSAR completion and a current SARTECH II certification are recommended.

Topics:

  • Review of the history of tracking in SAR
  • Nomenclature of tracking equipment and resources Skills
  • Review of Track Awareness and FUNSAR tracking information
  • SAR Tracker Responsibilities
  • Tracking Skill Sets:
    • Detection
      • Seeing more
      • Perceiving better
    • Interpretation
      • Determining the correct shoe print
      • Aging
      • Direction of travel
    • Recording
      • Sketching
      • Photographing
      • Radio Communication
    • Tactics
      • Map reading
      • Planning approaches
      • Planning sign cutting tactics
    • Trailing
      • Step-By-Step
      • Beyond S-B-S
      • Following faster
      • Signcutting
      • Reacquiring lost line of sign

After Completion:

Upon successful completion of the TRACKING course, the student should be able to:

  • Understand the relationship between inconclusive, conclusive, collaborative sign
  • Explain why Trackers can confidently exclaim that there is sign left behind by every footfall
  • Define the role of the Tracker within a SAR operation
  • Understand the responsibilities for the SAR Tracker
  • Describe the expectations of the Incident Commander upon the SAR Tracker
  • List the four skill sets needed by the SAR Tracker
  • List tracking assignments that one would expect at a ground search incident
  • Describe the key elements of the tracking stick and demonstrate the ability to use it
  • Describe advantages and disadvantages of different tracking tools
  • Demonstrate the use of personal SAR tracking equipment
  • Describe and demonstrate the controllable aspects of improving your visual cues
  • Understand how to set up an aging pit to increase aging of track knowledge
  • List the advantages to participation in “dirt time” and how it reflects on your tracking skill level
  • Describe the tracking capabilities and a Trackers function at night
  • Understand the need to sketch track and how this activity assists in our brain’s capacity to remember and perceive our subjects print pattern
  • List the information needed by the Tracker once a print is found and how to prepare this information for radio communication
  • Understand the importance of owning and maintaining a tracking log
  • Describe the primary types of tracking tactics
  • List and demonstrate at least four tracking or tactical skills needed by SAR Trackers
  • Demonstrate the practice of Step-By-Step trailing
  • Describe unique tracking techniques used for his/her environment
  • Describe the techniques and methods used for tracking tactics
  • Demonstrate the practice of effective signcutting
  • Describe the basic legal philosophy concerning searcher knowledge, training, physical abilities, equipment, discipline, and control; as it would apply to a SAR Tracker
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Examinations / Certifications

SARTECH III Examination (Course #10)
The SARTECH III level of certification is the beginning level for SAR personnel. This level is recommended for any person who responds to and functions on SAR missions. This level of training does not include field practical training or experience. Persons who obtain this certification are to function within the limits of the certification described in the NASAR standards for SARTECH III.
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SARTECH II Examination (Course #11)
The SARTECH II level of certification is the intermediate level for SAR personnel. This is Operations level and is recommended for any person who functions on SAR missions as field searchers. Persons who obtain this certification are to function within the limits of the certification described on NASAR’s website at SARTECH II. In addition to the information provided on the website, the NASAR course that prepares one to challenge the SARTECH II is Fundamentals of Search and Rescue.
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SARTECH I / Crewleader (Course #12)
The SARTECH I/CREWLEADER level of certification is the advanced level for SAR personnel. The level is recommended only for persons who function on SAR missions as field searchers and who may function as Crew Leader. Persons who obtain this certification are to function within the limits of the certification described in the NASAR Certification Criteria for SARTECH I/CREWLEADER.
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Workshops

SARTECH II Evaluator Workshop   (Course #14)
Prepares the SARTECH II to become an Apprentice Evaluator for SARTECH II Exams and eventually an Evaluator to assist the Lead Evaluator.
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SARTECH I Evaluator Workshop   (Course #15)
Prepares the SARTECH I to become an Apprentice Evaluator for SARTECH I Exams and eventually an Evaluator to assist the Lead Evaluator.
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SARTECH II Lead Evaluator Workshop   (Course # 16)
Prepares the SARTECH II Evaluator to become an Apprentice Evaluator for SARTECH II Exams and eventually a Lead Evaluator.
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SARTECH I Lead Evaluator Workshop   (Course #17)
Prepares the SARTECH I Evaluator to become an Apprentice Lead Evaluator for SARTECH I Exams and eventually a Lead Evaluator.
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NASAR Instructor Workshop   (Course #18)
Prepares the ISAR / FUNSAR / ADSAR graduate to become an Apprentice Instructor for NASAR course of instruction.
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Medical Classes

Bloodborne Pathogens   (Course #21)
This program includes information that will help students understand what bloodborne pathogens are and how risks of exposure can be reduced for themselves and others. The program assists in satisfying the training requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.Certification Period: 1 year
Course fee: Contact us 
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Basic First-aid   (Course #22)
To help students develop basic first aid knowledge, skills, and the confidence to respond. The program is an excellent choice for both the community and workplace setting, and is consistent with recommendations of the 2010 National First Aid Science Advisory Board and OSHA’s best practices for first aid training programs in the workplace.Recommended Time to Complete Initial training: 2-2.5 hours
Certification Period: 3 years
Course Fee: Contact us 
(Can be taught with CPR/AED as a combination course for $75)
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Advanced First-aid   (Course #23)
Designed for the person who needs or desires more first aid training than Basic First Aid, but not to the level of Emergency Medical Response. Perfect for corporate emergency response teams, this 17-21 hour course presents many of the most common illnesses and injuries responders are likely to encounter.Certification Period: 3 years
Course fee: Contact us 
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Emergency Medical Response   (Course #24)
Designed to provide non-EMS responders including government, corporate, law enforcement, and corrections personnel with a level of training comparable to Emergency Medical Responder. This 48-hour course is consistent with national EMS curriculum requirements and educations standard, however, it is not the intent of the ASHI Emergency Medical Response program to cross the EMS scope of practice threshold. This program uses Emergency Medical Responder: First on Scene, 9th Ed. from Brady as the student textbook.Certification Period: 3 years
Course fee: Contact us
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Basic Wilderness First-aid   (Course #25)
An intensive 8- to 10-hour course for those who are involved in wilderness recreation. This course may also meet the needs of volunteers and professionals who lead groups on short trips in relatively low-risk situations.Certification Period: 3 years
Course fee: Contact us
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Wilderness First-aid   (Course #26)
This course is a 16 hour course for those who are involved in serious wilderness activities. This course is the choice of many wilderness trip leaders and guides. Wilderness environments create special situations not usually encountered in an urban or suburban environment.This comprehensive course meets the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid curriculum and guidelines.Course content includes:
   

  • Preparation and Assessment
  • Preventing and Caring for Injuries
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Biological Hazards
  • Medical Emergencies

Certification Period: 2 years
Course fee: $295 (includes books & materials)

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Wilderness First Responder   (Course #27)
This course is an 80-hour course for wilderness professionals and others who want a higher level of training or require WFR certification. A wilderness first responder is trained to deal with many situations that may be encountered in the wilderness. This course focus on teaching the participant to assess a situation, assess a patient, improvise solutions using available resources to stabilize the patient and identify the best way to get the patient to definitive medical treatment. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical, including the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems, assess and monitor/trend patient vitals, package and transport a patent from isolated and extreme environments.  Certification Period: 2 years   

Prerequisite: BLS level CPR  (BERTS can combined a BLS CPR course with a WFR course with prior arrangements).   

Course fee: $350 (includes books & materials)

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Wilderness EMT Upgrade   (Course #28)
This course is a 40-hour bridge course for those who are already certified as EMTs at their local state or by the NREMT.  The course builds on EMT training and adds wilderness concepts and skills with many role-playing scenarios. This course will take the EMT off the street and put them in the middle of a remote environment where definitive medical care is more than an hour away. This course focuses on teaching the participant to assess a situation, improvise solutions using available resources to stabilize the patient and identify the best way to get the patient to definitive medical treatment. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical, including the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments.  Certification Period: 2 years
Course fee: $425 (includes books & materials)
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Community CPR/AED-Adult, Child and Infant   (Course #29)
This program provides an ideal training solution for schools, child care providers, youth sports coaches, and others required to learn how to respond to medical emergencies involving adults, children and infants.Recommended Time to Complete Initial training: Adult: 2 hours: Child and Infant: 2 hours Adult, Child, and Infant: 3 hours
Certification Period: 2 years
Course Fee: $75
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CPR – BLS (Basic Life Support)   (Course #30)
This course is designed for individuals in the healthcare or professional rescuer field that are required to have professional-level basic life support training. Students learn how to recognize a life-threatening emergency, how to provide basic life support and what to do in case of an airway obstruction or choking. This course is recommended for medical professionals, lifeguards, aerobics/fitness sports instructors and public and private safety security employees. ASHI’s CPR Pro for the Professional Rescuer has been approved for training for Emergency Medical Services personnel and is accepted by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).  Recommended time to complete Initial training: 4-5 hours
Certification period: 2 years
Course Fee: $85 (includes book and materials)
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Emergency Oxygen Administration   (Course #31)
This course is a critical step in treating a severe or life-threatening illness or injury. Serious and life-threatening medical emergencies often cause oxygen to be depleted in the body leaving the victim at risk for cardiac arrest or brain damage. This program focuses on administering emergency oxygen, rescue breathing and oxygen delivery devices.Prerequisites: BLS/CPR (with or without AED) and basic First Aid (may be taught concurrently)
Recommended Time to Complete 2-3 hours
Certification Period: 2 years (although recommended annually)
Course Fee: Contact us
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ASHI Instructor Development Course   (Course #34)
The program is intended to provide the candidate with confidence to and competence to teach, evaluate and certify future participants in ASHI programs. Candidate must be certified at or above the level that they wish to teach and must be associated with an approved ASHI Training Center.Recommended Time to Complete 16 hours
Certification Period: 2 years  Course Fee: Contact us
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