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PCSAR Guiding Documents

Standing Order #14 - Special Resource

Issue Date:

PURPOSE

It is the purpose to set policy and procedure for the creation and acceptance of "Special Resource" Team and Individual members to the PCSAR team.

SCOPE/POLICY

In accordance with the Articles and Bylaws of the Pennington County Search and Rescue Team, PCSAR may determine there is a need for special resources not readily available on or to PCSAR and/or the regional search and rescue community. PCSAR may establish and accept membership of special resource teams that will serve as a source of expertise not adequately provided by current team practices or within the surrounding community. The purpose of "Special Resource" is to provide a means for interested parties in the community to participate in an organized and controlled manner in various types of emergency response to further enhance the response capability of PCSAR.

RESPONSIBILITY

It shall be the responsibility of the Executive Board to see that the Standing Order is implemented and any questions answered. It is also the responsibility of the Executive Board to provide leadership, oversight, and control of any special resources accepted to PCSAR.

PROCEDURE

  1. Establishment of a “Special Resource Team”

    If it is determined there exists a special skill set or resource requirement that PCSAR is not able to provide within the current structure, a Special Resource Team may be formed. A current PCSAR team member will be assigned by the Executive Board to be responsible for oversight of the special resource team and that individual shall monitor and report the progress of the development of the resource.

    1. Training Requirements: The Executive Board shall establish, in writing as a Standing Order, the training requirements for the membership of each special resource team. Training requirements may be unique and specific to each type of special resource. Training and qualification standards for each specialty will attempt to equal or exceed the highest identifiable national standard possible. The special resource team members shall meet and conduct the training required to achieve competency in the skills required for the special resource team.

    2. Special Resource Team: Completion of an annual skills check shall be a prerequisite to continue as members of a special resource team.

  2. Application

    Any person may apply for Special Resource membership. Applicants will identify their unique skills and capabilities to provide a currently needed special skill, how the team will benefit, and how the applicant intends to use the special skills for team benefit.

    1. The Executive Board will review applications and will grant or deny membership. If membership is granted, the Special Resource member is expected to document contributions to PCSAR via SAR log, training roster, etc.

    2. On an annual basis, the Executive Board will review the performance of Special Resource members to ensure PCSAR has benefited from the member's special skills or has a reasonable expectation to benefit from continued participation of the member.

    3. Upon review, the Executive Board may continue the Special Resource membership or deny it. If the membership is denied, the member will be placed on probation for six months during which time he/she must comply with training and membership standards or forfeit all membership status.

  3. Response of Special Resource Team

    The special resource team shall have an established method of call out. Typically it will be a telephone-based call out and will not entail hot responses. Special resources will be notified of the request for their assistance by the team member/officer in charge and shall not self-dispatch to a response.

REFERENCE

Application for Special Resource Status found in D4H under Intelligence / Documents / Team Document

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