How to become a Search and Rescue Volunteer

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Search and rescue teams, whether professional or volunteer, give of themselves to rescue others in the backcountry. When the distress call comes out, team members often place themselves in dangerous situations for the sake of others. If this adventurous and dangerous task is to your liking and you wish to volunteer with your local squad, there are some things you should do prior to heading to the squad house that reflect positively on new volunteers and recruits.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Certificate of Health from your doctor
Driver's license and proof of age
Any qualifying certifications and certificates

Step 1

Schedule an appointment with your physician for an overall physical. Tell the doctor you need a physical for a search and rescue team. Prior to going in, talk with your search and rescue squad's chief or captain and see if they have a program for free or reduced rates on physicals. Some squads offer free health screenings for their volunteers.

Step 2

Gather any former certificates or qualifications from backcountry rescue courses. If none have been taken, enroll in a Wilderness First Responder course. The WFR course is considered a search and rescue standard and a needed certification. While not required on a national level, having medical certifications may lead to bigger responsibilities being assigned to you on your local squad.

Step 3

Enroll in and complete other rescue courses. If you hope to volunteer for a search and rescue team near rivers and lakes, take a swiftwater rescue or whitewater rescue course. If you seek mountain search and rescue placement, take ropes rescue courses. While many squads offer training within their squads, coming to the table with skills shines a positive light on your commitment.

Step 4

Write up your resume with all pertinent rescue training, backcountry experience or other relevant qualifications.

Step 5

Gather all the documents together and go to your local chapter of search and rescue, often found at fire and rescue departments. Get the needed forms and meeting schedules. Fill out any forms and submit them with your identification and certifications. Attend all scheduled meetings and training. Search and rescue teams are developed over long periods of time. New members need to gradually learn how the team interacts and find their place on the team.

Tips & Warnings

Getting rescue certification and training prior to volunteering is not always necessary, but it gives you a leg up on other potential volunteers. Some squads are highly competitive in allowing potential new members on the team, volunteer or not.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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