Searcher
Please use the materials below to help you to prepare for learning the searcher skills as well as reviewing after the lessons. Saturday Nov 24. 2018 Searcher Certification with WHGSAR
Option 1 With participation and at least one year in WHGSAR, 12 months after joining, you may take the Searcher Qualification Course. This will include some pre-course work, a day of classroom and field learning and assessments as well as a written test. Option 2 With participation in regular training you may challenge for the Searcher Qualification. Please see SARVAC documents. Option 3 Complete an HSAR Field Asessment and then complete: Navigation, Woodslore and Searcher with HSAR. Searcher Core Competencies
Links to Websites and Documents
NSGSAR Training website with Presentations. Map and Compass Link from Silva Navigation School. The new SARVAC standards for SAR is available below.
Searcher Training
WHGSAR Modules Core Competencies WHGSAR
Additional Competencies
Re-certification
Modules from NSGSAR For descriptions of each as outlined by NSGSAR.
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Searcher Pack and Equipment
The first list is the minimum SAR pack for searcher qualification. The second document is a more comprehensive list and all searchers are expected to work towards having the full second list as far their budget and fitness allow.
Searcher Review and Practice Questions and Answers
The following study aids are meant to be helpful, but not definitive since SAR operations and knowledge is deeper than just multiple choice questions and answers. Questions for Human Factors
Questions for Survival and First Aid
Survival Self Quiz and Information
Here is a link to a site provided by the Nova Scotian government about survival which includes a quiz and some educational material. GPS, Navigation and Map Skills
Practice Map and Compass questions.
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Searcher Course Modules for SARVAC and NSGSAR Integrated - DRAFT
Module Title
Content, session format, and confirmation of learning.
Map and Compass: Introduction to Maps as NSGSAR
Map and Compass: In the field as NSGSAR
Safety and SAR
Searching
Survival and SAR
Human Factors and First Aid
Communications
GPS (Optional)
Module Title
Content, session format, and confirmation of learning.
Map and Compass: Introduction to Maps as NSGSAR
- Introduction to maps, topographical maps, scale, map grids, UTM grid, distance, contours, orientation, features and legend. One to two 30 to 60 minute sessions in the classroom. Quiz.
Map and Compass: In the field as NSGSAR
- Plot a bearing on a map, declination, follow a bearing in the field, distance (pacing), take and follow a bearing in the field (solo and team) and the optional topic of triangulation. One to two 30 to 60 minute sessions in the field and classroom. Quiz and in the field activities.
Safety and SAR
- Basic safety for SAR in terms of gear, travel, conditions, and use of equipment. One self-study unit. Quiz or log of learning.
Searching
- Organizing a search and search strategy, search tactics and techniques, preparing for a search. Quiz.
Survival and SAR
- Hypothermia, simple first aid, shelter building and survival skills. One to two 30 to 60 minute sessions in the field. Quiz and in the field activities.
Human Factors and First Aid
Communications
- Radio introduction and use. One 30 to 60 minute session with radios. Participation.
GPS (Optional)
- Setting up a GPS for a search, inputing waypoints, following a track, following a back track, and use in the field. Participation and in the field activities.