Search and Rescue (SAR) is a broad term that generally describes an organization that helps those who are in need that normal emergency services are limited or unable to help because of a lack of man power, equipment or training. SAR teams work closely with local government agencies with an incident happens that they require assistance with. Generally made up of all volunteer members with some agencies having paid members. Generally SAR services are free to those who require assistance.
Types of Search and Rescue Teams
SAR teams can vary greatly in their size and specializations, often times having teams within a team who focus on specific types of SAR operations. Here is a general list of the types of SAR teams:
- Search
- Technical Rope
- K-9 Handlers
- Swift Water
- Alpine
- Urban
- Maritime
- Air
- Cave
- Avalanche
Volunteer
With the exception of some specialized members the vast majority of search and rescue teams are made up of all volunteer people from their local communities. These volunteers use their own time and resources to respond when a hiker goes missing or a natural disaster overwhelms the normal abilities of the local emergency services.
Spending their personal time on training to improve teamwork and skills these volunteers are willing to respond day or night, good or bad weather when assistance is needed.
Funding
Search and Rescue teams get their funding from a variety of sources. Being a non-profit those sources include donations from individuals from the community, local businesses and grants available from local and state funds.
Often times though individuals on a SAR team may use some team equipment but also bring much of their own personal gear.
Search and Rescue Missions
Missions can vary from call to call but universally they are generally comprised of someone who is lost or injured in circumstances that normal emergency personal can’t manage on their own. For backcountry SAR operations this is often a lost person or someone injured in difficult to access terrain. Frequently this is a result of someone not taking the 10 Essentials with them on their trip.
Urban Search and Rescue missions often are either after a natural disaster like floods, earthquakes or hurricanes and involve a large number of personal to search through hazardous circumstance to free or recover those effected.