Our Training Standards

Our search and rescue training standards are essential to ensure that our volunteers are well-equipped and well-prepared to handle various search and rescue situations. These standards outline the necessary knowledge, skills, and training requirements that our volunteers must possess to provide effective and safe search and rescue services. 

There are several search and rescue training standards that our volunteers must follow, including:

1. National Incident Management System (NIMS): This standard provides a consistent framework for emergency responders to manage and coordinate emergency responses. NIMS outlines the roles and responsibilities of emergency responders and establishes a common language and communication protocols for search and rescue operations.

2. Technical Rescue Standard: This standard defines the minimum training requirements for technical rescue operations, including rope rescue, swiftwater rescue, trench rescue, and structural collapse rescue. Technical rescue teams must possess specialized knowledge and skills to safely and effectively perform these types of rescues.

3. Wilderness Search and Rescue Standard: This standard outlines the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting search and rescue operations in remote or wilderness areas. This standard includes training in navigation, survival, and outdoor rescue techniques.

4. Incident Command System (ICS): ICS provides a standardized approach to incident management, including search and rescue operations. ICS establishes clear lines of communication and authority, ensures the safety of responders, and facilitates effective incident management.

5. First Aid and CPR Training: Emergency responders must be trained in first aid and CPR to provide immediate medical assistance to victims of search and rescue operations. Basic life support training is also necessary to manage severe injuries or medical emergencies.

6. Helicopter Rescue Training: Emergency responders involved in helicopter rescue operations must receive specialized training in helicopter safety, communication, and rescue techniques.

Adherence to search and rescue training standards ensures that our volunteers have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively and safely perform their duties. Adherence to these standards is critical to the success of every search and rescue operation. 

To ensure that our emergency response team (ERT) program is effective and meets national standards, we use Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed ERT training standards that outline the minimum requirements for program content and delivery. These standards are designed to ensure that ERT programs provide consistent, high-quality training.

Our ERT training standards cover a wide range of topics, including:

1. Program management: The standards outline the roles and responsibilities of program managers, and provide guidance on how to develop and implement a successful ERT program.

2. Training content: The standards specify the minimum training content for ERT programs, including disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, search and rescue, and team organization.

3. Training delivery: The standards outline the recommended methods for delivering ERT training, including classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and simulations.

4. Instructor qualifications: The standards require that ERT instructors have a minimum level of training and experience and that they complete a train-the-trainer program before they can teach ERT courses.

5. Evaluation: The standards require that ERT programs be evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that they are meeting the training standards and providing effective training to participants.

By following these standards, our ERT program can ensure that its training is effective and meets the needs of the community. In addition to the national training standards, we have developed our own standards and guidelines for the ERT program that meets or exceeds national standards.

Disasters can strike at any time, leaving communities devastated and in need of assistance. Disaster response and relief teams are trained to provide aid to those affected by natural or man-made disasters. In order to ensure an efficient and effective response, disaster response and relief teams must adhere to rigorous training standards. In this section, we will cover the disaster response and relief training standards for saw teams, tarp teams, muck-out teams, scout teams, and incident management teams.

1. Saw Teams: Saw teams are responsible for cutting and removing debris from the affected property. These teams must be trained to safely operate chainsaws and other cutting tools, as well as to identify potential hazards and risks in the area. The following training standards must be met:

• Saw operators must receive formal training in the safe operation of chainsaws and cutting tools.
• Saw operators must be trained in proper safety equipment and personal protective gear, including hearing and eye protection, hard hats, and gloves.
• Saw teams must receive training in identifying and mitigating potential hazards, such as downed power lines or unstable structures.
• Saw teams must be trained in the proper disposal of debris and waste.

2. Tarp Teams: Tarp teams are responsible for tarping damaged roofs and boarding up broken windows. These teams must be trained to work safely at heights and to handle and install tarps and other materials. The following training standards must be met:

• Tarp teams must be trained in the safe use of ladders and other equipment for working at heights.
• Tarp teams must be trained in the proper installation of tarps and other materials to ensure they are secure and effective.
• Tarp teams must be trained in identifying and mitigating potential hazards, such as weakened roof structures or electrical hazards.

3. Muck-Out Teams: Muck-out teams are responsible for cleaning up water damage, including removing damaged materials and disinfecting affected areas. These teams must be trained to handle hazardous materials and to use protective gear to avoid exposure to toxins and contaminants. The following training standards must be met:

• Muck-out teams must be trained in the proper use of personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, and protective clothing.
• Muck-out teams must be trained in the proper disposal of hazardous materials, including contaminated water and damaged materials.
• Muck-out teams must be trained in the safe use of cleaning and disinfecting agents.

4. Scout Teams: Scout teams are responsible for surveying the damage and making assessments. These teams must be trained to identify potential hazards and risks and to accurately report their findings to incident management teams. The following training standards must be met:

• Scout teams must be trained in identifying and mitigating potential hazards, such as downed power lines or unstable structures.
• Scout teams must be trained in conducting damage assessments and reporting their findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Scout teams must be trained in communication protocols to ensure their findings are relayed to incident management teams in a timely manner.

5. Incident Management Teams: Incident management teams are responsible for orchestrating operations and coordinating response efforts across all response teams. These teams must be trained in effective communication and leadership, as well as in the use of incident management software and protocols. The following training standards must be met:

• Incident management teams must receive formal training in the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Incident management teams must be trained in effective communication and leadership to ensure response efforts are coordinated and efficient.
• Incident management teams must be trained in the use of incident management software and protocols to manage response efforts effectively.

In conclusion, disaster response and relief teams play a critical role in providing aid to those affected by natural or man-made disasters. To ensure the safety

Evidence search is an essential component of any criminal investigation. Our volunteers are adequately trained to identify and preserve evidence to ensure it is admissible in court. To achieve this, there are several training standards that must be met.

First and foremost, our evidence search training covers the basics of crime scene investigation, including the preservation of evidence. This includes identifying different types of evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA samples, and trace evidence, and how to preserve them without damaging or contaminating them. 

Next, our training covers the legal requirements for evidence preservation. Volunteers must understand the rules of evidence and be able to articulate the reasons for preserving specific types of evidence. This includes understanding the chain of custody, and the process by which evidence is tracked and documented from the time it is collected until it is presented in court.

Our evidence search training also includes practical exercises to reinforce the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. These exercises may include simulated crime scenes where volunteers must identify and preserve evidence or scenarios where volunteers must testify about the evidence they found in court.

To ensure that evidence search training meets the necessary standards, we ensure that the trainers and instructors have the necessary expertise and experience and are well-versed in the latest techniques and technologies for evidence recognition and preservation, and have experience working in the field.

Finally, ongoing training and education is provided to volunteers to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest best practices and techniques. In summary, our evidence search training standards cover the basics of crime scene investigation, legal requirements, practical exercises, expert instructors, and ongoing education. These standards ensure that volunteers are well-equipped to identify and preserve evidence that is admissible in court, leading to successful criminal prosecutions.

Rescue 101 SAR uses the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Wildland Fire Qualification System (WFQS) as a standardized training and qualification system for our wildland firefighters. This system is designed to ensure that firefighters have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs safely and effectively.

The NWCG WFQS is outlined in the NWCG Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, also known as PMS 310-1. This guide outlines the minimum training and experience requirements for all positions within the wildland firefighting community, from entry-level firefighter to incident commander.

The training standards within the NWCG WFQS are divided into three categories: core, position-specific, and position performance. Core training covers basic firefighting skills that are required for all positions. Position-specific training covers the skills and knowledge required for a specific position, such as engine operator or hand crew member. Position performance training is the on-the-job training and experience required to demonstrate competency in a specific position.

To become qualified under the NWCG WFQS, firefighters must complete the required core training and position-specific training for their desired position. They must also demonstrate competency through position performance training and evaluation.

The NWCG WFQS also includes a system for tracking firefighter qualifications, known as the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS). IQCS is an online database that allows firefighters to track their training and experience, and for agencies to track the qualifications of their personnel.

The NWCG WFQS is an important tool for ensuring that wildland firefighters are trained to a consistent and high standard. It allows agencies to assess the skills and knowledge of their personnel, and for firefighters to track their own progress and career development. By adhering to the standards set out in the NWCG WFQS, the wildland firefighting community can continue to provide a safe and effective response to wildland fires and other natural disasters.