The Winter Search and Rescue (SAR) Training is a 5-Day, 40-hour classroom and field instruction course with experienced instructors. The course is designed by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Law Enforcement Branch for search and rescue coordinators in agencies that may need to conduct a search and rescue mission during severe winter conditions. The course is directed toward search and rescue coordinators, their alternates, team leaders and others having those management responsibilities.
Search and Rescue Coordinators learn vital life saving skills, including;
- How to properly manage a winter search.
- Understand the importance of the Winter Search Pre-plan.
- Identification and utilization of winter resources; discuss their functions and limitations.
- Special considerations for cold weather operations.
- Understanding cold weather medical injuries and hypothermia.
- The selection of mountain backpacks, contents, and personal clothing.
- Identify key factors in avalanche rescue.
- Utilization of aircraft in winter operations.
- Winter ground search mobility (Nordic skiing, snow shoeing, special equipment, etc.).
- Personal survival in “winter” conditions (sheltering).
Learn more winter safety tips here