Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) College 50 Hours

A GSAR offers four separate SAR courses at one training event at the same time. A GSAR will consist of: Field Team Member (FTM), Field Team Leader (FTL), Field Team Signcutting (FTS) and either Managing Land Search Operations (MLSO) or Practical Search Operations (PSO). 

Field Team Member (FTM) 50 Hours

Entry-level field training designed to introduce the field responder to standardized practices for a search and rescue response. Course content includes an overview of the state system, legal concerns, SAR operations, search strategy & tactics, personal preparedness, wilderness survival, land navigation, and basic wilderness rescue. The FTM course consists of approx. 60% classroom and 40% field instruction. Field work is held regardless of current weather conditions unless extreme conditions present personal safety concerns. Successful completion prepares the student to adequately function as a Field Team Member under the direct supervision of a trained Field Team Leader. The FTM certification is valid for a period of 3 years.

Prerequisites:

Affiliation with SAR response organization

Physical Ability and Conditioning: Search and Rescue is hard, physically demanding work. Prospective students to the field classes must be capable of ascending steep slopes (up to 60 degrees) over rough terrain, in the dark, while carrying a backpack that may weigh up to 40lbs. After several hours in the field under the previously described conditions, the student will then enter the rescue portion of the course. During the rescue SAR personnel will assist in the carry-out of a patient as part of a rotating 6-person team. The litter with patient package may weigh up to 300lbs. If you are not physically capable of such strenuous activity, please do not sign-up for this class.

View the Field Team Member Equipment List

Field Team Leader (FTL) 50 Hours

Intermediate-level training in search team management, implementation of search tactics, supervision of team performance, proper use of semi-technical rescue equipment, and evacuation management. The FTL course consists of approx. 60% classroom and 40% field instruction. Field work is held regardless of current weather conditions unless extreme conditions present personal safety concerns. Successful completion prepares the student to adequately function as a Field Team Leader under the indirect supervision of the Operations Section Chief. The FTL certification is valid for a period of 3 years.

Prerequisites:

Current certification as Field Team Member

Affiliation with SAR response organization

Physical Ability and Conditioning: Search and Rescue is hard, physically demanding work. Prospective students to the field classes must be capable of ascending steep slopes (up to 60 degrees) over rough terrain, in the dark, while carrying a backpack that may weigh up to 40lbs. After several hours in the field under the previously described conditions, the student will then enter the rescue portion of the course. During the rescue SAR personnel will assist in the carry-out of a patient as part of a rotating 6-person team. The litter with patient package may weigh up to 300lbs. If you are not physically capable of such strenuous activity, please do not sign-up for this class.

Field Team Signcutter (FTS) 50 Hours

Designed as an introductory course focused on the fundamental principles of clue awareness, the FTS course delves into the ancient art of Mantracking. Course content includes the identification and interpretation of sign, track team tactics, and the appropriate deployment of signcutting skills within the SAR environment. The FTS course consists of 40% classroom and 60% field instruction. Field work is held regardless of current weather conditions unless extreme conditions present personal safety concerns. Successful completion prepares the student to adequately function as a Field Team Signcutter under the direct supervision of a trained Field Team Leader. The FTS certification is valid for a period of 3 years.

Prerequisites:

Current certification as a Field Team Member

Affiliation with a SAR response organization

Physical Ability and Conditioning: Search and Rescue is hard, physically demanding work. Prospective students to the field classes must be capable of ascending steep slopes (up to 60 degrees) over rough terrain, in the dark, while carrying a backpack that may weigh up to 40lbs. After several hours in the field under the previously described conditions, the student will then enter the rescue portion of the course. During the rescue SAR personnel will assist in the carry-out of a patient as part of a rotating 6-person team. The litter with patient package may weigh up to 300lbs. If you are not physically capable of such strenuous activity, please do not sign-up for this class.

Management Level Training

Management level search and rescue training offered through the VDEM provides a series of in-depth studies focused on the philosophy, science and theory of managing the missing person search. These courses are intended for experienced, lead individuals who will be responsible for the planning, execution, and overall direction of a missing person search.

Managing Land Search Operations (MLSO) 40 Hours

MLSO is an advanced management-level course that presents the core of search philosophy, theory, and statistical probabilities. MLSO is designed for experienced SAR practitioners who are transitioning to management functions as well as senior law enforcement personnel who are responsible for the response and investigation of missing persons. Emergency managers and other public safety personnel who take an active role in the management of SAR incidents are also invited to participate. All course work is done in a classroom environment.

Prerequisites:

Affiliation with SAR response organization

Field Team Member (volunteer SAR groups only)

Practical Search Operations (PSO) 40 Hours

Practical, hands-on management course for search managers and management staff. PSO addresses the actual functions of managing a search operation under the Incident Command System (ICS) in a step-by-step approach. Organizing the staff, planning, operations, information management and documentation are presented in discussion and tabletop exercises. All course work is done in a classroom environment.

Prerequisites:

Affiliation with SAR response organization

Managing Land Search Operations

Incident Commander for Ground Search and Rescue (ICG) 24 Hours

ICG is an advanced management course for experienced search management personnel. It goes beyond theoretical MLSO training and prepares the student to manage complex type II (multi-agency) searches as General Staff members or as a Type III Incident Commander. Subjects include ICS, SAR operations and tactics, resource management, SAR legal documents, IC roles and responsibilities, ground aspects of aircraft searches, command staff, and plans. The course makes extensive use of map problems, practical exercises, simulations, handouts and lectures.

Prerequisites:

Affiliation with SAR response organization

Managing Land Search Operations

Practical Search Operations

Other Programs

The VDEM Search and Rescue Office provides or arranges additional training and presentations either by request, or as dictated by need.

Search and Rescue First Responder 24 Hours

This course is designed for law enforcement and emergency services personnel who are the first responders to a search and rescue incident. The intent of the course is to provide enough tools to adequately evaluate an incident and to take appropriate initial actions. The basics of search planning and tactical operations are presented. Specialized resources and their appropriate use are discussed. SAR First Responder is normally provided upon request of a local jurisdiction, well in advance.

Search Dog Workshops 20 Hours

Various workshops are offered on an infrequent basis depending upon the needs of the SAR community and available funding to support the training. Specific course information will be posted when workshops are scheduled.