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PCSAR Guiding Documents

Standing Order #15 - Trainee Training Program

Issue Date:

PURPOSE

It is the purpose of this document to establish a standardized training program for all training members of PCSAR personnel—new training members—that incorporates state and nationally recognized curricula where available, internally developed protocols, industry best practices, and current technology relevant to search and rescue operations. This integrated approach ensures ongoing operational readiness, safety compliance, and consistent performance across all deployment scenarios.

SCOPE/POLICY

This Standing Order defines training requirements for onboarding. New Personnel are expected to attend and complete the classes and associated skills check sheets outlined below prior to being eligible for voting member status as referenced in Standing Order #3.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Training Officer and the Executive Committee are responsible for implementing this standing order.

PROCEDURE

All new members shall complete the following foundational training to be considered qualified for PCSAR field response duties.

  1. Basic Required Training

    1. Organizational Literacy

      Introduces all members to PCSAR’s core governance and operational protocols.

      Training topics include: PCSAR Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Orders 

    2. Wilderness Field Operations

      Prepares members for effective participation in wilderness search missions for lost or missing persons. Emphasis is placed on operational readiness, safety, and strategic coordination. Core topics may include: personal field readiness, clue awareness, terrain evaluation and navigation, search strategy and techniques, incorporating various searcher resources including search dogs, ATVs, & drones.

      Reference Curriculum: NASAR FUNSAR – Fundamentals of Search and Rescue

    3. Basic Team Safety

      Introduces essential safety practices for all PCSAR members including: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Scene Awareness, “Right to Stop” Authority, Fatigue & Cognitive Awareness, Critical Incident Stress Recognition, Post-Incident Safety Review

    4. Radio and Team Communications

      Training emphasizes efficient use of PCSAR-issued radio systems and communication protocols across operational zones. Covers simplex and repeater operations, tactical channels, digital trunking and interoperability between field teams and command posts. Reinforces verbal discipline, message brevity, and situational awareness in radio traffic.

  2. Required Training

    Required prior to participation in operational deployment with corresponding specialties.

    1. SARTopo Basics for Field Searchers

      Introduces SARTopo fundamentals with direct field relevance. Includes: Accessing mobile maps via phone/tablet, Live tracking, basic navigation and task assignment overview, Understanding icons, clues, and search grids, Map etiquette: version control, permissions, and comment clarity.

    2. Vehicle Extrication Training

      Structured around nationally recognized techniques and standards for safe and efficient rescue from automobiles and other vehicles.

    3. Vertical Rescue

      Instruction on high-angle and low-angle rope techniques includes patient packaging, knots, anchors, raising and lowering rigging systems, patient packaging, and terrain safety protocols. Vertical operations as outlined in Standing Order #19.

  3. Additional Training

    Required for completion of trainee program

    1. National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS Courses

      1. ICS-100 – Introduction to Incident Command System

      2. ICS-200 – Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

      3. ICS-700 – Overview of National Incident Management System

      4. ICS-800 – Introduction to National Response Framework

    2. Outdoor First Aid

      Training includes patient stabilization, evacuation readiness, and improvisation under low-resource conditions commonly encountered in SAR deployments.

    3. CPR

      Current Certification Required.

    4. D4H Orientation for Personnel

      Introduces operational use of D4H for members across roles, focusing on clarity, consistency, and accountability. This module ensures team-wide fluency in recordkeeping and enhances coordination between Admin, TL/ICs, and individual responders.

    5. Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC)

      Covers safe response driving, legal standards, situational risk evaluation, and use of PCSAR vehicles under emergent conditions.

    6. ATV Safety Course

      Covers safety operations of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). Includes Safety E-course and riding course from a certified instructor.

    7. Swift Water Rescue (Awareness)

      Focus on shore support role.  Covers scene hazards, rope rigging support, and team safety; excludes direct water entry.

    8. Winter Operations

      Focuses on the safe operation of winter-specific equipment, cold-weather medical considerations, gear selection, survival strategies, and deployment safety in sub-zero environments. Includes familiarization with PCSAR winter operations and activities, such as snowmobile searches, Interstate evacuations, and seasonal team readiness.

  4. Equivalent rescue programs

    Alternate training or certifications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the PCSAR Executive Board.

REFERENCE

Standing Order #3 - Policy for New and Returning Personnel

Standing Order #5 - Annual Training & Performance Standards

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