On September 12, 2002, all provinces and territories agreed to adopt a
common set of criteria on which to base their standards of Ground Search and
Rescue (GSAR) training and proficiency. These criteria will provide a basis
for harmonization and certification of the skills of GSAR workers across
Canada. This will afford a greater recognition of the skills and efforts of
police agencies and GSAR volunteers across a very large and diverse country.
The National Criteria for Ground Search and Rescue are comprised of three
levels: Basic, Advanced, and Management.
These criteria represent the essential, minimal, elements required by each
(participating) province and territory to be included within the official
standards structures of any organization of ground SAR volunteers, or
training program provided to ground SAR volunteers, for each of the levels
provided herein.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association Inc. have
developed the following training standards based on the National Criteria
for Ground Search and Rescue as set forth by the National Search and Rescue
Secretariat (NSS):
Searcher I
This classification shall apply to all new members of a search team with
no previous training in GSAR.
Certification will be based on the successful completion of following:
Typical Search Protocols
Explain why a search is an emergency.
Outline how time, age and weather affect lost person survivability.
Differentiate between traditional and modern search techniques.
Explain the importance of clues in modern search situations.
Identify who is responsible for GSAR in Canada.
Outline the chain of command.
List searcher responsibilities and those of the overhead team.
Outline call-out procedures.
Outline sign-in and sign-out procedures.
Demonstrate how to prepare correctly for a rapid response.
Explain the importance of complete victim information.
Demonstrate the proper use of the Relative Urgency Rating.
Recognize how probabilities are used in planning searches.
Outline a typical search procedure.
Demonstrate the proper procedure for dealing with media and relatives.
Identify the two types of debriefings that can occur during search
operations.
Identify the importance of stabilizing a search subject before evacuation.
Outline the process of search demobilization.
Outline the process of search suspension.
Identify the proper procedures for dealing with a deceased subject.
Utilize Critical Incident Stress Debriefings when needed.
Demonstrate appropriate human rights sensitivity and ethical conduct.
Outline legal rights and obligations for searchers.
State of the degree of protection and limitations under the Workers
Compensation Act.
Searcher II
This classification shall apply to all members of a search team who have
successfully completed Searcher I and who desire to upgrade their skill
level to that of a regular searcher. Successful candidates will be trained
to work under a search manager or a senior searcher and will be capable of
carrying out the duties and responsibilities of a regular searcher with a
high degree of accuracy and confidence. The candidate will perform these
duties without endangering themselves or other members of their team.
Certification will be based on the successful completion of following
training modules:
Topographic Maps and Map Reading
Compass and Navigation
Safety in the Field
Basic Survival and First Aid
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Radio Communications
Lost Person Behaviour
Search Techniques
Searcher III
This classification shall apply to all members of a search team who have
successfully completed Searcher I and Searcher II, and who desire to upgrade
their skill level to that of an advanced searcher. Successful candidates
will gain advanced responsibilities in leadership and will be trained in
specialty search and rescue techniques. Successful candidates may be called
upon by their team, by other teams or other cooperating agencies to assist
in search and rescue activities based on their areas of specialty.
Certification will be based on the successful completion of a minimum of
eight (8) of the following specialized training courses:
WILDERNESS FIRST AID
TRACK AWARE/TRACKING I
EVIDENCE SEARCH
HIGH ANGLE RESCUE
RIG RESCUE AND RAPPEL LEVEL I
RIG RESCUE AND RAPPEL LEVEL II
RIG RESCUE AND RAPPEL LEVEL III
HIGH ANGLE RESCUE TRAINER
CONFINED SPACE RESCUE
URBAN SAR
BOAT PRO
RIVER RESCUE LEVEL I
RIVER RESCUE LEVEL II
AIR SPOTTER
ICE WATER RESCUE
TRAFFIC CONTROL AND FLAGGING
TOURATECH QV MAPPING SOFTWARE
TC OBS PLEASURE CRAFT COURTESY CHECKS
CANADIAN COAST GUARD SMALL CRAFT TRAINING
AVALANCHE RESCUE
Search Manager
This classification shall apply to all members of a
search team who have successfully completed Searcher I, II and III, and who
desire to upgrade their skill level to that of a Search Manager. Successful
candidates will gain advanced responsibilities in search leadership and will
be trained in SAR organization development, search management software, and
the planning, operational, logistical and fiscal considerations related SAR
management.
Certification will be based on the successful completion of the SEARCH
MANAGEMENT FOR THE INITIAL INCIDENT COMMANDER course developed by ERI
Canada. The following is a detailed listing of the course content:
SEARCH MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY, CRUCIALS AND CONCEPTS
COMPONENT OF AN EFFECTIVE SAR PROGRAM - DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS)
SAR MISSION OVERVIEW
FIRST NOTICE
INITIAL RESPONSE
SEARCH AREA IDENTIFICATION – PRINCIPLES OF ESTABLISHING SEARCH AREA AND POA
SEARCH TACTICS – SEARCH METHODS AND POD
EXTENDED OPERATIONS OVERVIEW
RESCUE/RECOVERY OPERATIONS
STAKEHOLDERS AND CRITICAL ALLIES
MISSION TERMINATION
POST MISSION
TABLE TOP EXERCISES