TRAINING
MASTER THE ART OF RESCUE
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Prior to applying to El Dorado Search and Rescue, prospective volunteers must complete the following certifications:
First Aid: This is a separate class from CPR/AED training though it might be possible to complete both in a single training session.
CPR/AED: A CPR/AED certification that includes Adult, Child, and Infant CPR, as well as AED use, is necessary. Professional Rescuer certification, such as the CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers training offered by the American Red Cross, is generally suitable.
After joining EDSAR, volunteers must maintain current First Aid and CPR/AED certifications as per El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and California Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES) guidelines.
While awaiting the completion of their background check, volunteers can begin their training by studying the Incident Command System (ICS) and completing online self study courses ICS 100, ICS 200, and ICS 700. A copy of each ICS certificate will need to be submitted to qualify as an EDSAR volunteer.
Tracking experts guide searchers to look for clues
Wilderness survival is crucial in SAR
Once a volunteer's background check is cleared and they are assigned an EDSAR Member ID number, they are eligible to begin their official EDSAR training, which is free of charge and taught by experts.
EDSAR Academy training, held twice annually over 3 weeks, offers comprehensive instruction in subjects including:
Introduction to Search and Rescue
Land Navigation, Map, and Compass Training
GPS, Radio, and Communications Training
Tracking, Field Grid Search, and Clue Awareness
Urban Search and Field Interviewing
Crime Scene Preservation
Critical Incident Stress Management
Wilderness Survival, Shelter Building, and Fire Starting
Canine, Mounted, Swift Water, and Helicopter Awareness
Ground and Specialty Teams engage in all-day monthly training exercises to continuously develop skills and learn new techniques. Dedicated EDSAR Members on multiple teams easily spend over 30 hours of their personal time training each month.
Joining EDSAR demands serious commitment. Volunteers must invest time in training, develop SAR skills, purchase personal equipment, and meet rigorous mission readiness standards.
To help EDSAR Members along in their SAR journey, each EDSAR Team has a Team Leader and Training Officer. EDSAR Members are provided with a Field Training Manual and a Position Task Book (PTB). The PTB outlines the precise tasks and skill sets required for each position within EDSAR. By standardizing training and qualification processes, the PTB ensures that individuals possess the necessary knowledge and abilities to perform their duties effectively and safely, while providing a clear pathway to progress in typing. Showing up consistently for training to learn from your fellow colleagues and building team bonds and trust are key to being successful in search and rescue.
EDSAR Members dedicate countless personal hours and funds to equip themselves for training and missions.
Your generosity will directly support specialized training from experts and critical team equipment which are costly but essential to ensure our safety and effectiveness.
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