SAR Training

We generally train twice monthly:

Table-top training session after the monthly membership meeting
Field training on a Saturday or Sunday during the month.

We train to enhance those skills already gained through state certification training as well as develop new skills. Our focus is on the field skills necessary to locate and rescue the lost and distressed persons. It is highly recommended that our members maintain themselves in good physical condition, be emotionally stable, and possess team player skills.

Search and Rescue by its nature, is demanding of physical strength, mental capacity and emotional fortitude. We ask that prospective members bear this in mind as actual search missions may cause physical and emotional duress, which may have long-term implications.

Certification Training

Call-Out-Qualified (COQ) – Integrate new members quickly into an active role with the group by introducing them to SAR operations, group expectations, and call-out procedures.

Search Team Member (STM) – Considered ‘basic’ training for all ground search personnel. This is a 50 hour course sponsored by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and is the standard for every SAR group in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Search Team Leader (STL) – The focus is on leadership and field management skills. This 50 hour course also provides the student with an insight to search management.

Operational Tracker (OT) – Experienced and qualified personnel who possess a current Search Team Member (STM) certification are eligible to apply for the OT certification. This is the entry level for the Tracking discipline and requires successfully completing a written test and practical exercise.

Tracking Technician (TT) – Experienced and qualified personnel who possess a current Operational Tracker (OT) certification are eligible to apply for the TT certification. This is the next level for the Tracking discipline and requires successfully completing a written test and practical exercise.

Tracking Specialist (TS) – Experienced and qualified personnel who possess a current Tracking Technician (TT) certification are eligible to apply for the TS certification. This is the highest level for the Tracking discipline and requires successfully completing a written test and practical exercise.

Management Team Member (MTM) – Experienced and qualified personnel who have completed the Search Team Member (STM) class are eligible to apply for the MTM class. This is the entry-level position for search management. The class teaches the process used in VA for mission planning and operations.

Management Team Leader (MTL) – Experienced and qualified personnel who have completed the MTM class are eligible to apply for the Management Team Leader (MTL) class. MTLs are the key search management positions such as Operations Section Chief and Plans Section Chief.

Search Mission Coordinator (SMC) – Experienced search management personnel appointed by VDEM to represent all SAR on-scene resources and lead search efforts on missions. SMC is the person who oversees all search management functions on missions and is the primary contact with VDEM.