SARAware™

SEARCH & RESCUE AWARENESS COURSE (SARAware™)

SARAware™  is a 16-20 hour course designed to prepare responders to function on SAR Incidents, as support members of the Incident Management Team, or as a foundation for SAR field responders.  In the traditional classroom setting the course can be taught as a weekend class or as a two-day class during the week. Generally, volunteers prefer the weekend schedule; while (agency) paid members usually prefer the work week schedule.  Classroom portions are currently available in traditional classroom settings and very soon as interactive online courses.   This class prepares the student to challenge the AERIE SARResponder™ 3 Certification.  Since these foundational concepts are not presented in higher level and specialty course, SARResponder™ 3 Certification is a pre-requisite course for the SARResponder™ course, as well as AERIE’s SAR Management level courses. The SARResponder™ 3 Certification is also required for candidates seeking AERIE Canine Ground Search™ Certification.

PRE-REQUISITES (Documentation must be submitted prior to class)

FEMA Courses:          IS-100.b, (may be taken online)

Medical Courses:        Adult & Child CPR, Basic First Aid

Physical Fitness:         None

ICS Experience:          None

SAR Experience:         None

Gear/Equipment:       Course package includes baseplate compass, distance ruler and plastic grid reader

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Explain the History and Background of Inland SAR in the United States
• Define and Explain the Major Components of a SAR Incident
• Understand and Provide for Responder and Searcher Safety during a SAR Incident
• Describe the Differences of Urban Environment vs. Rural/Wilderness SAR
• Describe the Components of ICS and its Use During a SAR Incident
• Describe the Role of Agency Administrators in SAR: Prior, During, and Post Incident
• Describe the Legal Philosophies Applicable to SAR Incidents and Responders
• Describes Various SAR Resources and their Appropriate Use in a SAR Incident
• Understand Basic Search Management Theory in Strategy and Planning
• Describe Differences and Application of Passive and Active Search Tactics
• Understand the Application of Lost Person Behavior in a SAR Incident
• Understand and demonstrate the Use of Topographic Maps Including: Grid Systems to Plot Coordinates; Compass Use to plot Tracks and Routes; Measurement of Straight Line and Road Distances; and Resection to Plot or Confirm Position
• Understand and Describe SAR Technology including Management Software; Mapping and GUI Software; GPS; UAVs; and Radio Protocols, Guidelines, and Procedures in a SAR Incident