volunteer manual of policies & procedures

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PLACER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SEARCH AND RESCUE

VOLUNTEER MANUAL OF

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Updated 07/31/2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

STATEMENT OF CONDITIONS……………………………………………………………………………………3 Regarding Voluntary Service General Provisions Application and Background Investigation Procedure Attendance and Leave of Absence Requirements

SAR VOLUNTEER TEAMS…..………….………………………………………………………………………….7 Communications Team Dog Team Four Wheel Drive Team Ground Team Motorcycle Team Mountain Rescue Team Mounted Team Incident Command Support Group Seasonal Units Snowmobile Unit Snow Cat Unit ANATOMY OF A SAR MISSION……………………………………………………………………………………8

SAR TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION……………………………………………………………………………….9 Map and Compass Man Tracking Rough Terrain Rescue Wilderness Survival Basic Fundamentals Wilderness First Aid CPR/AED

REQUIREMENTS FOR SEARCHING……………………………………………………………………………..11

GUIDELINES FOR THE GROUND SEARCHER…………………..…….…..………………………………..12 Ground Searcher Typing

SEARCH & RESCUE UNIFORM………………………………………………..………………………………….13

PERSONAL SAR EQUIPMENT……………………………………………….…...................................14 The 24/72 Hour Pack

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STATEMENT OF CONDITIONS Regarding Voluntary Service

The County Sheriff is responsible for the protection of life and property pursuant to Government Code Sec. 26614 within the unincorporated areas of the County. It is, therefore, the Sheriff’s duty to:

1. Search for lost persons; 2. Evacuate or rescue ill or injured persons from areas inaccessible by conventional

means and services; 3. Remove remains of deceased persons from areas inaccessible by conventional

means; 4. Perform all duties as deemed necessary to successfully complete a required PCSO

search and rescue mission.

To discharge this duty, Placer County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (PCSO SAR) has been organized, with the patrol Lieutenant in charge of operations as the administrative head, and a Sergeant(s) and/or Deputies as Search and Rescue Coordinators.

The nucleus of the team is a group of volunteer members who have been trained for such service.

It is important that a clear understanding of the conditions and procedures be explained to all who are considering membership with the PCSO SAR. These conditions and procedures include, but are not limited to the following list:

1. You may not be a Search and Rescue volunteer for another county while you are a Search and Rescue volunteer member in Placer County. This restriction is necessary due to insurance, liability and operational issues.

2. No payment will be rendered for your services and you are required to provide

your own personal equipment. Only in rare instances will the PCSO be responsible for loss or damage to your equipment. Meals will be furnished whenever possible while engaged in actual missions. However, all volunteers are should be prepared to provide for their own food and water.

3. While on an authorized search and rescue mission, team training or community outreach program, you will be covered by the State of California Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Whether or not the PCSO will be civilly liable for your actions while on authorized search and rescue missions, team trainings and/or community outreach programs will depend on individual circumstances.

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4. Volunteer members are required to have in their possession a current valid PCSO Identification Card and current valid Disaster Service Worker’s (DSW) Identification Card while on PCSO property, using PCSO vehicles and while on PCSO search and rescue missions, team trainings and community outreach programs.

5. The success of a search and rescue mission is directly related to a maximum effort offered by each volunteer member representing his/her team. Individual recognition, however, should not be the goal of any volunteer member. Full cooperation, along with positive and encouraging attitude is vital whenever engaged in any search and rescue activity.

6. No volunteer member will converse or submit to an interview with members of the media at any time, unless prior approval by the PCSO SAR Incident Commander or by a designee of the PCSO has been given. If questioned by any representative of the media or family members of the subject of our search and rescue mission, volunteer members will refer the individual to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer (PIO). Should the media take candid photographs of a search scene, volunteer members will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.

7. You will work as assigned, at the direction of the PCSO SAR Coordinator, or any other person designated as your supervisor.

8. You will be expected to serve on an assigned search and rescue mission until it is completed, or your services are no longer required.

9. Time-off arrangements with your employer for PCSO SAR activities must be made by you. The PCSO will not make such arrangements, nor intercede on your behalf if your employer disapproves of your time-off requests.

10. You will conform to PCSO Standards of Personal Conduct while on an assignment and will in no way use your affiliation with PCSO SAR for your own personal benefit.

11. You will not have peace officer powers, nor be permitted to carry firearms while on search and rescue missions, trainings, community outreach programs and any other time while in uniform or while on PCSO property during your services as a volunteer member of PCSO SAR.

12. No member or other person(s) pressed into service for PCSO, under the appropriate process, shall coerce another or be coerced by another, to attempt any feat or perform any task for which he/she is not qualified, by virtue of skill or training. Each person shall be the final judge as to their ability and the capability of their equipment. No person shall attempt a task that entails an unacceptable measure of risk. This shall be defined as any feat of danger that fails to provide a

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margin of safety through a back-up system capable of aborting the attempt and retrieving the participants.

13. No search and rescue signage, except the small circular SAR window decal, will be displayed on any vehicle unless on official business, search and rescue deployment or search and rescue training.

The foregoing conditions are not intended to discourage those who wish to offer assistance. Rather, they are stated as objectively as possible, so that the volunteer member will fully understand the situation and its potential disadvantages, and to protect both himself/herself and the PCSO.

General Provisions

The PCSO shall have the responsibility and the authority for the development of overall plans, policies and standards to assure that effective levels of search and rescue services are maintained in the County. The PCSO shall establish the course of study and field training deemed appropriate for the qualification and certification in all categories of PCSO SAR.

The PCSO shall have the authority to suspend, revoke or decertify any process or certification which it has issued.

Application for membership shall be made to the PCSO and all accepted applicants must be eligible to be sworn in as a volunteer member of the PCSO SAR, “without peace officer powers”, and to be registered as a Disaster Service Worker under the appropriate laws, rules and regulations.

Application and Background Investigation Procedure

Any PCSO SAR volunteer member receiving an inquiry regarding volunteer membership should determine the area of expertise for which the applicant is interested and refer him/her to the SAR Office Coordinator.

The Team Leader or other team official will inform the applicant about the team’s rules and roll in search and rescue and the general mission of PCSO SAR.

If the applicant expresses continued interest, the applicant will be invited to

attend three team meetings.

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Upon the completion of the third meeting, the applicant will be given an application.

The applicant shall complete the application and mail the completed application

(original only) to the SAR Office Coordinator.

The PCSO will conduct a background check (DMV and criminal history Live Scan) and either approve or reject the application. The SAR Office Coordinator will notify the Team Leader of the PCSO’s action.

Attendance and Leave of Absence Requirements

1. Volunteer members will be expected to respond to a search callout immediately when called, regardless of time of day, unless he/she has a valid excuse.

2. Volunteer members must maintain a 50 percent attendance of his/her team’s meetings and/or training sessions unless his/her team has a higher standard, which he/she will then be expected to meet.

3. A leave of absence can only be requested by a volunteer member if: • The volunteer member has been an active member of the PCSO SAR for a

minimum of five years. • The volunteer member is in full compliance with the team’s requirements

for membership. • Approval has been granted by the SAR Office.

4. A leave of absence can only be granted for up to a 12 month period of time. 5. A volunteer member on a leave of absence is required to maintain the current

status of both their PCSO Identification Card and Disaster Service Worker (DSW) card while on the leave of absence.

6. Any volunteer member returning to active duty from an approved leave of absence (LOA) is required to retake and pass any/all SAR TECHNICIAN training classes, which required recertification during their (LOA), prior to responding to a search mission. Any volunteer member who does not return from an approved one-year LOA will be required to reapply for membership in the PCSO SAR.

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SAR TEAMS

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM- The Communications Team is responsible for maintaining radio communications during SAR operations. They also provide communications during major disasters, and any incident requiring on-site radio or telephone communications.

DOG TEAM- The Dog Team consists of highly trained dog “teams” consisting of a dog and

handler able and willing to meet a diversity of search and rescue needs in an effective, cooperative and timely manner. The dogs and their handlers can be certified in one or more of the following disciplines: air scent, tracking/trailing, avalanche, evidence, water, and cadaver.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TEAM- The 4WD Team utilizes individually owned four-wheel drive

vehicles. This Team provides transportation services for ground searchers and their equipment, as well as conducting searches with their vehicles. They provide hasty searches, logistics, transportation and support to the PCSO and other SAR Teams.

GROUND TEAM- The Ground Team is a foot search and rescue group. It is utilized in initial

responses as well as extended searches. The Ground Team is also engaged as a support team for the Dog Team providing extra support for the dog handlers.

MOTORCYCLE TEAM- The Motorcycle Team is a mechanized off-road group, which

includes All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). This Team specializes in searching the backcountry areas inaccessible to 4WD’s vehicles, and can do so faster than ground searchers. The motorcycle is most widely used in a hasty search of roads and trails and containment of the search area.

MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM- The Mountain Rescue Team specializes in high angle and cliff

rescue situations and assists the Dive Rescue Team with river rescues. They are members of the highly regarded Mountain Rescue Association (MRA). When their specialized skills are not needed they are also used as ground searchers.

MOUNTED TEAM- The Mounted Team searches on horseback. They can search remote

areas inaccessible to the mechanized teams. INCIDENT COMMAND SUPPORT GROUP (ICSG) - The Incident Command Support Group

(ICSG) is comprised of SARTECH volunteer members who are currently active and meeting the requirements of their “home” team and are ground search deployable. The ICSG is responsible for the Incident Command functions during a search and rescue mission. These responsibilities include, but not limited to, the establishment of the Incident Command structure, Plans, Operations, Logistics,

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and Finance under the direction of the Incident Commander, generally the PCSO SAR Coordinator who is in charge of the search.

SNOWMOBILE UNIT (SEASONAL) - The Snowmobile Unit is comprised of SARTECH

members who are currently active and meeting the SARTECH requirements of a ground searcher. The Snowmobile Unit is activated in heavy snow conditions and provides hasty search capabilities and can transport personnel and material into and out of remote areas. All volunteer members must be rated as a Type 1 Ground Searcher-Alpine according to the PCSO SAR typing standards.

SNOW CAT UNIT (SEASONAL) - The Snow Cat Unit is also comprised of SARTECH members

who are currently active and meeting the SARTECH requirements of a ground searcher. The Snow Cat Unit is activated in heavy show conditions and is used to transport personnel and material to and out of remote areas. All volunteer members must be rated as a Type 1 Ground Searcher-Alpine according to the PCSO SAR typing standards.

ANATOMY OF A SAR MISSION

The manner in which a search and rescue mission begins is almost universal throughout the world. However, beyond the initial notification, agencies can differ on the way they handle a search and rescue mission. The following explains the manner in which a typical search and rescue mission progresses in Placer County.

1. The PCSO Dispatch Center is notified of a missing, overdue or injured person.

2. Depending on the location of the incident, the PCSO SAR Coordinator responds to the area where the missing person was last seen.

3. The PCSO SAR Coordinator takes a report from the reporting party (RP), and then

makes a determination of how many and what types of SAR resources are required.

4. When the search and rescue volunteer members arrive at the Command Post (CP),

volunteer members will be assigned to check areas most likely to produce clues relative to the missing person.

5. A search plan is developed by the PCSO SAR Coordinator and ICSG. The search

teams are briefed, radios and other equipment issued and the search teams are transported to their assigned search areas.

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6. The search teams search their assigned areas and report any clues found back to the IC.

7. The ICSG prepares for incoming SAR resources and organizes the CP post to handle

those resources. 8. If successful, the missing subject is located, his/her location is accessed, his/her

condition is stabilized and transported back to the CP or hospital as needed. 9. The SAR search teams are called back to the CP for debriefing and then released

from the SAR mission. The volunteer members will be reimbursed mileage costs, if funds are available.

SAR TECHNICIAN (SARTECH) CERTIFICATION The Placer County Sheriff’s Office has developed a SAR Technician (SARTECH) Certification program to enhance the level of training provided to SAR volunteer members. Once the volunteer member has completed the required training, he/she will be issued a certificate and patch certifying them as a PCSO SAR Technician. A SARTECH is defined as an individual who has completed all of the SARTECH classes, listed below and which may be modified by the PCSO SAR as it deems necessary in the best interests of the PCSO. Following the completion of the SARTECH classes, the individual is required to be in compliance with the recertification requirements of his/her team. Both conditions must be met in order to qualify and maintain SARTECH status. Only volunteer members who have attained the SARTECH certification and maintain compliance with the SARTECH requirements of the Ground Team are permitted to function in the field on a search and rescue mission as a ground searcher. The SARTECH certification consists of successful completion of the following courses: MAP & COMPASS COURSE INCLUDES: Duration: 20 hours Compass orientation Map orientation Land navigation

GPS The Map & Compass class may be “challenged” by those volunteer members who believe that they have maintained sufficient knowledge and proficiency in the use of a map and compass since their last complete Map & Compass class. Only those individuals who have taken the complete class a minimum of two times and have taken the complete class immediately prior to the current request to “challenge” the class are permitted to

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“challenge” the class. Volunteer members are not permitted to “challenge” the class on consecutive occasions. MAN TRACKING COURSE INCLUDES: Duration: 16 hours Tracking and its uses Signcutting Becoming track aware WILDERNESS SURVIVAL COURSE INCLUDES: Duration: 30 hours Survival philosophy Shelter construction Fire building Emergency signaling Water procurement/purification Equipment and clothing

BASIC FUNDAMENTALS COURSE INCLUDES: Duration: 16 hours Critical Separation Probability of Detection Lost person behavior Searching techniques Communications Helicopter safety ROUGH TERRAIN RESCUE COURSE INCLUDES: Duration: 20 hours Ropes and knots Anchor systems Patient packaging Rescue equipment Manual haul systems WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE INCLUDES: Duration: 10 hours Patient assessment Bleeding control/bandaging Splinting Environmental issues All volunteer members are required to take the Wilderness First Aid Class at least one time. For the bi-annual (every two years) recertification requirement, volunteer members are permitted to submit and request for consideration, the substitution of an equivalent for this requirement. Currently, those substitutions are limited to those volunteer members who maintain a current, valid license or certification as a Physician (MD), Physician’s Assistant (PA), Registered Nurse (RN), EMT/Paramedic (EMT-B, EMT-I

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or EMT-P), Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Wilderness First Responder. A substitution can only be granted to a volunteer member who is in full compliance at the time that the substitution is requested. CPR/AED COURSE INCLUDES: Duration: 4 hours Adult CPR AED use The PCSO SAR offers, without cost, the American Red Cross-Professional Rescuer course. Volunteer members are permitted to substitute a CPR/AED course from an outside agency as long as successful completion results in an American Red Cross-Professional Rescuer or American Heart Association-Healthcare Provider (now known as BLS Provider) certification. PCSO SAR does not reimburse any costs incurred in obtaining an outside CPR/AED certification. Volunteer members are required to recertify, according to the above guidelines, bi-annually (every two years). Each team has specific bi-annual (every two years) certification requirements in many of the SARTECH courses. Volunteer members should check with their team leader to become familiar with these recertification requirements. Failure to maintain compliance with the SARTECH recertification requirements can result in removal from the PCSO SAR automated call-out system and possible dismissal from PCSO SAR. The new SARTECH should be proud to know that they have completed one of the most intensive search and rescue training programs in the country and one that has made Placer County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue one of the most highly trained and respected agencies within the State of California.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUND SEARCHING For your own safety and the safety of your fellow search team members all SAR volunteer members are required to have the following items and certifications prior to responding to a search: a current Wilderness First Aid, or equivalent and CPR/AED certificate; a current SARTECH certification, a complete 24/72 hours pack; the proper authorized search uniform; a current Disaster Service Worker (DSW) card and a current PCSO Identification card. Any searcher, who responds to a search and rescue mission without meeting these requirements, may be asked to leave.

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GROUND SEARCHER TYPING Upon completion of the SARTECH requirements all PCSO volunteer members are “typed” as Type 2 ground searchers. These volunteer members are qualified to participate in Type 2, 3 or 4 ground searches and may respond to search activations accordingly. Those volunteer members who wish to be “typed” as a Type 1 ground searcher and participate in Type 1 ground searches must be in possession of or have access to the following equipment:

• Climbing helmet • Gloves • Climbing/sport harness

In addition, individuals must pass the PCSO SAR approved Type 1 Ground Searcher Physical Fitness Test. Interested volunteer members should contact the SAR Office and requested to be added to the roster for the next Type 1 Physical Fitness Test. Once we have received a sufficient number of volunteer members interested in being tested, the SAR Office will establish a testing date and obtain qualified proctors to administer the test. The SAR office will be solely responsible for arranging future Type 1 Ground Searcher testing. Each Type 1 Ground Searcher is required to requalify every two years.

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Placer County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Uniform SHIRTS: The required color is blaze orange. Long or short sleeve styles are entirely

optional depending on the preference of the individual member; however, there are certain advantages to having long sleeves (such as protection from poison oak, mosquitoes, abrasions from brush, cold weather, etc.) Sleeves can be rolled up in summer.

PANTS: The authorized pant to wear is olive drab green in color. No shorts. PATCHES: All patches will be provided by the SAR Office. PCSO SAR shoulder patches,

which contain the unit designation, are to be centered on each sleeve 1 inch below the shoulder seam. If you wish to wear the American flag patch, it will be placed on the left shoulder 1 inch below the shoulder seam in place of the PCSO SAR shoulder patch. The round Search and Rescue patch or SARTECH patch will be centered immediately above the left pocket. Your name tag will be centered directly above the right pocket. Any patch designating SAR members’ advanced medical license/certification (EMR, EMT-1, EMT-P or NOLS Wilderness First Responder) can be centered 1” above your name tag. Any National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR), California Office of Emergency Services (CAL-OES) or completion of outside authorized training programs can be centered on the right pocket.

No other patches or attachments are to be displayed on the SAR uniform without

prior approval. HATS: Hats will be orange in color. They may either be the baseball type (issued by PCSO

SAR), the boonie type hat, or the beanie style cap, with the Search and Rescue patch or embroidered patch. The exception is the Mountain Rescue Team, which is authorized to wear their Mountain Rescue Association’s black baseball cap with the MRA insignia.

FOOTWEAR: Footwear which made for rough terrain is required. Tennis shoes, cross

trainers or running type shoes, sandals, flip/flops, etc. are not allowed. Proper uniform, including proper footwear, is required at all SARTECH training classes. UNIFORMS SHOULD BE KEPT NEAT, CLEAN, AND IN GOOD REPAIR!!

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PERSONAL SAR EQUIPMENT The SAR 24/72 Hour Pack

The decision regarding what equipment should be included in your 24/72 hour pack is mostly a personal one. However, some basic equipment is required if the pack is expected to meet the needs of the search and rescue volunteer member. Carrying the appropriate equipment is an essential part of the field preparedness for the volunteer member. The SAR volunteer member must be responsible for his or her own ability to provide for personal safety and comfort in the field. SAR volunteer members are expected to provide their own personal gear, clothing, and improvisational tools for use on search and rescue missions. A 24-hour pack is the absolute minimum that SAR volunteer member should carry during a search and rescue mission. The contents of the pack allow the SAR volunteer member to be self-reliant for a period of time should a bivouac become necessary. If the missing person is located, the contents can also be used by the SAR volunteer member to assist until further resources arrive. In addition, the pack and its contents can be used to maintain comfort for the SAR volunteer member so as to maximize effectiveness in the field. It is recognized that the equipment needed for a complete SAR 24/72 hour pack can be costly. Therefore, a new member is not expected to purchase all of the required items immediately upon joining a team. You are urged to take your time, as your budget allows, acquiring the proper equipment. Remember much of your first year with your team will be spent obtaining your SAR TECH certification. However, your 24-hour pack should be complete by the time you are qualified as search ready. The following 24/72 hour pack list is not all-inclusive, but it does include the items you will most likely use on a search and rescue mission. The pack itself should be of adequate size to carry the equipment listed. The recommended size is between 3000 and 3500 cubic inches, but may vary depending on the team and the season. This size pack will accommodate extra or special equipment as needed for an extended or cold weather search and rescue mission. Whether the pack is of internal or external frame is personal preference. The bottom line is comfort, as you are the one carrying the pack.

SEE ATTACHED

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PLACER COUNTY SHERIFF’S SEARCH AND RESCUE 24-Hr/ 72-Hr Pack List Item Qty Item Qty UNIFORM Card, DSW (Current) 1 SUPPLEMENTAL 72-HOUR PACK Card, SAR ID (Current) 1 Shirt, Orange with Appropriate

1 COOKING AND SLEEPING

Pants, Team, OD Green 1 Cook Pot w/Lid 1 Hat (As Authorized) 1 Cup, Insulated 1 Footwear, Rough Terrain 1 Sleeping Bag 1 Parka, Snow/Rain/Wind 1 Spoon, Lexan 1 Stove, Trail w/Extra Fuel 1 24-HOUR PACK Sleeping Pad 1 Topo Map of Area 1 Bivy Sack or One-Man Tent 1 Compass 1 Food, Extra (48-Hours to 72-Hours) 1 Map Tools, Compass Card 1 Hydration System 1 WINTER 1-Quart Water Bottle 1 Clothing: Base Layer, Non-Cotton 1 Water Purification (tablets, filter or

1 Clothing: Insulating Layer, Non-Cotton 1

Insect Repellant and Sunscreen 1 Clothing: Gore-Tex Pants or Bib 1 Gloves, Leather 1 Clothing: Gore-Tex Shell Jacket, w/ Hood 1 Knife, Fixed Blade (Preferred)

1 Clothing: Gore-Tex Mittens or Gloves 1

Flashlight, Small w/Spare Bulb and

1 Clothing: Balaclava

1 Headlamp w/Spare Bulb and

1 Clothing: Heavy Duty Knit Cap 1

Flagging Tape 1 Clothing: Socks, Non-Cotton 1 Measuring Tape 1 Clothing: Boots, Winter, Waterproof 1 Tracking Stick 1 Consider Sock and Glove Liners 1 First-Aid Kit, Personal (See Page 2) 1 Food, Extra 1 Personal Medications 1

1 Goggles/Glasses, Heli-Tac 1 OPERATIONS IN SNOW Watch 1 Shovel, Snow 1 Aluminum Foil, 12” x 36” 1 Snow Shoes w/ Trekking or Ski Poles 1 Whistle 1 Goggles, Snow or Sunglasses 1 Note Booklet, Pocket Size

1 Avalanche Beacon (Supplied on Search) 1

Sunscreen/Lip Balm 1 Food, Extra 1 Ear Plugs 2 Space Blanket/Bag 1 OPTIONAL Bandana 1 First-Aid Kit, Supplemental 1 Parachute Cord, 50’ 1 GPS (Supplied on Search) 1 Leaf Bags, Large-55 Gal (3) or

1 Radio Harness 1

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Signal Mirror 1 Trekking Poles 1 Matches, Waterproof or Lighter 1 VHF Radio (Supplied on Search) 1 Fire Starters 1 Skis, w/Poles and Climbing Skins 1 Sparking Device (Metal Match or

1 Camera 1

Ground Tarp, 5’X8” 1 Wire Saw 1 Duct Tape, 10’ 1 Small Sewing Kit 1 Food, Emergency (24-Hours) 1 Small Fishing Kit 1 Personal Hygiene Items 1 Small Binoculars 1 Toilet Paper 1 Gaiters 1 Zip-Loc Bag, 1 Gal 2 Candles, Votive or Candle Lantern 1 Poison Oak Preventive/Treatment 1 Each team may add to this list to include Items specific to the team’s mission

Item Qty Item Qty

FIRST AID KIT Band Aids (Various Sizes) 1 Tick Removal Device 1 Sterile Gauze Pads, 4” x 4” 4 Latex Free Examination

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Roll, Gauze, 2” 1 Benadryl, 25mg Tablets 4 ACE Wrap, 6”. 1 Neosporin (Tube) 1 Roll, adhesive tape, 2” 1 Tylenol and Ibuprofen 8 Mole Skin 4”x8” 1 Cotton Swabs 4 Betadine Pads 4 Eye Wash (4 oz.) 1 Safety Pins 6 Irrigation Syringe 1

PLACER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

SEARCH AND RESCUE

GROUND SEARCHER TYPING GUIDELINES

October 15th, 2017

Placer County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue – Ground Searcher Typing Guidelines Page 2

SUMMARY A Ground Searcher is a SAR member capable of conducting a ground search for people, clues, and evidence in various

terrain and weather conditions. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Law Enforcement (Cal-OES)

branch designates skills that all Search and Rescue Team members ‘should’ have before going into the field on a search.

Search terrain types and recommended searcher capabilities have been outlined by Cal-OES in the following documents –

and are referenced in this document.

Cal-OES Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Plan (SAR) Annex – Search and Rescue Ground Searcher (Aug. 2003) http://www.caloes.ca.gov/LawEnforcementSite/Documents/SAR%20Ground%20Searchers%20MA%20Guideline.pdf

Cal-OES Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Plan (SAR) Annex – Search and Rescue Alpine Team (Feb. 2006) http://www.caloes.ca.gov/LawEnforcementSite/Documents/SAR%20Alpine%20Team%20MA%20Guideline.pdf

A majority of the Cal-OES guidelines are covered in the PCSO SAR Technician Curriculum. Specifically however,

Fitness and Snow/Ice Skills are not covered in the curriculum. This document specifies guidelines for typing PCSO SAR

Ground Searchers in order to ensure all members deployed have the appropriate training and experience to safely and

effectively operate in the physical environment presented during the search. Both of the Cal-OES guidelines have been

considered in creating this document as Placer County regularly searches in varying terrain, including Type-1 – Alpine.

http://www.caloes.ca.gov/LawEnforcementSite/Documents/SAR%20Ground%20Searchers%20MA%20Guideline.pdf

http://www.caloes.ca.gov/LawEnforcementSite/Documents/SAR%20Alpine%20Team%20MA%20Guideline.pdf


DEFINITIONS

GROUND SEARCHER

A Ground Searcher is defined as a SAR team member, who, on a given mission, is primarily deployed on foot – not

utilizing any specialized equipment. While utilizing a unit’s specialized equipment, each unit is responsible to define the

parameters of a member’s participation for given terrain. When no specialized equipment is employed and a searcher is

deployed as a Ground Searcher, the recommended capabilities covered in this document should take precedence.

SEARCH ENVIRONMENT TYPE

The following Search Environment Type definitions should be used when considering resources for SAR missions

conducted inside Placer County, and when deploying resources for mutual aid operations to other counties.

Cal-OES Search Environment Type (Ground Searcher)

Type-1 Extreme / Complex

Terrain Environments

Type-2 Rugged


Type-3 Moderate / Gentle


Type-4 Urban

Environments Extreme Conditions (including but not limited to) Altitude (generally 7000’+) or Snow, Ice, Desert, heat, heavy Ground Cover, Steep difficult terrain.

Rugged Conditions, Altitude generally under 7000’, Heat, Cold concerns, moderate to heavy Ground Cover

Gentle Rolling Terrain, Open Spaces, Maintained Trailheads, Agricultural Areas.

High Traffic, Urban Office Complexes, Man-Made Surfaces, Public Interaction and Park Trails.

Cal-OES Search Environment Type (Alpine Team) ~ 7000’+ Elevation

Type-1 Type-2 Type-3 Type-4

Winter – including Fall and Spring when winter type weather has occurred or is in progress or forecast to occur. Typically October through April. Snow will normally be soft requiring skis or snow shoes but may be rain or sun crusted or wind packed requiring crampons and ice axe. Winter Type Weather - high winds, sub-zero temperatures, persistent sub-freezing highs, excessive precipitation, water ice, alpine or glacier ice. .

Spring – including extreme late Spring and early Summer when fair weather has existed and is forecast to continue but winter weather is still possible. Snow may be frozen hard at night and in the morning requiring crampons and ice axe, turning soft later in the morning or afternoon requiring skis or snow shoes. Spring Type Weather - cool to warm afternoons usually above freezing, cool to sub-freezing nights and mornings usually in the teens or warmer, possible afternoon showers, water ice, alpine or glacier ice.

Summer – anytime there is full time consolidated, hard packed snow or ice on the ground requiring crampons, ice Axe tools and general mountaineering skills. Skis and snow shoes are not necessary. Summer Type Weather - generally fair weather, afternoon showers possible, night and morning temperatures at or above freezing, warm to hot afternoons, alpine or glacier ice.

Low Altitude Winter or Spring – anytime there is snow on the ground requiring skis or snow shoes and with an absence of ice or hard packed snow that would require crampons and ice axe tools and skills. Winter or spring like weather typical of lower altitudes, normally sub-freezing night and morning temperatures in the teens or warmer, afternoons normally above freezing, less wind and no forecasted extreme winter temperatures.

Avalanche Danger

Variable avalanche hazard from low to extreme with both human triggered and naturally triggered slides possible over a wide area. Persistent hazards due to persistent cold temperatures

Avalanche Danger

Avalanche hazard typically more stable but can be variable and extreme due to generally warmer weather, sudden changes in temperature, wind, weather and terrain features.

Avalanche Danger

Avalanche hazard, usually low to non-existent, unseasonable snow or strong winds could cause a hazard to develop, ice and rock fall are the greater danger.

Avalanche Danger

Variable avalanche hazard, usually low to moderate. Extreme hazards usually easy to avoid due to lower angled and better anchored slopes. Unusual avalanche hazards from roof tops or cut outs and clearings on and near road ways.


CAPABILITIES and SKILLS The following chart contains Cal-OES Recommended Capabilities (Ground Searcher) with the addition of PCSO SAR

Technician classes which address these skills.

Cal-OES (Ground Searcher) Recommended Capabilities and Skills PCSO SAR


Can be deployed to Environment Type 1/2/3/4 2/3/4 3/4 4

Operational Periods w/out External Support

Capable of multiple operational periods, up to 72 hour deployments.

Capable of field assignments up to one day. With the possibility of an overnight in the field.

One operational Period One Operational Period with external support

SAR Tech Wilderness Survival

Medical Skills Current First Aid/CPR Current First Aid/CPR Current First Aid/CPR Current First Aid/CPR SAR Tech Wilderness First Aid & CPR/AED

Radio Communications

Member should be familiar with basic radio communication skills. This should include: understanding the use of Mutual Aid Radio Frequencies and basic radio etiquette.




SAR Tech Basic Fundamentals

Knowledge of Basic SEMS/ICS

Member should be familiar with the “Standardized Emergency Management System/ICS.”





Helicopter Safety

Basic Helicopter Safety. Knowledge and familiarity with Loading/ Unloading (Both Hot and Cold). Help establish landing site.

Basic Helicopter Safety. Knowledge and familiarity with Loading/ Unloading (Both Hot and Cold). Help establish landing site.

Basic Helicopter Safety - Help establish landing site.

Basic Helicopter Safety - Help establish landing site.


Field Interview Skills Information Handling

Member should be familiar with the handling of sensitive information and basic interview skills when dealing with witnesses and the public





Navigation

Determine and communicate position; navigate point-to-point with GPS and map/compass; route-finding.




SAR Tech Map & Compass

Tracking Skills Clue and track aware. Clue and track aware. Clue and track aware. Clue and track aware. SAR Tech Man Tracking

Fitness Fitness appropriate for conditions, terrain and missions

Fitness appropriate for conditions, terrain and missions



PCSO SAR Ground Searcher Typing

Guidelines

Rope Skills

Basic Low Angle Skills; Assist with packaging and litter work. Basic raising and lowering skills.

Basic Low Angle Skills; Assist with packaging and litter work.

Basic knots. Assist with packaging and litter work.

Assist with packaging and litter work.

SAR Tech Rough Terrain Rescue

PCSO SAR Ground

Searcher Typing Guidelines

Crime Scene Protection

Member should be familiar with basic crime scene protection, chain of evidence and documentation.






The following chart contains Cal-OES Recommended Capabilities (Alpine Team) with the addition of PCSO SAR

Technician classes which addresses these skills.

Cal-OES (Alpine Team) Recommended Capabilities and Skills PCSO SAR


Can be deployed to Environment Type 1/2/3/4 2/3/4 3/4 4

Operational Periods w/out External Support

24 hours, any weather, with victim. Capable of field operations of 72 hours or more




SAR Tech Wilderness Survival

Medical Skills Current First Aid/CPR One team member should have a higher level medical certification.

Current First Aid/CPR One team member should have a higher level medical certification.



SAR Tech Wilderness First Aid & CPR/AED

Radio Communications






Knowledge of Basic SEMS/ICS






Helicopter Safety Trained in helicopter use, landing zones, protocols Trained in helicopter use,

landing zones, protocols Trained in helicopter use, landing zones, protocols

Trained in helicopter use, landing zones, protocols

SAR / CHP Joint Annual Bauman Bag

Training

Field Interview Skills Information Handling






Navigation

Ability to navigate using

GPS, altimeter, maps and

compass in zero visibility

Ability to navigate using GPS, altimeter, maps and compass in zero visibility



SAR Tech Map & Compass

Tracking Skills Proficient in Tracking Proficient in Tracking. Proficient in Tracking Proficient in Tracking SAR Tech Man Tracking

Fitness Fitness appropriate for conditions, terrain and missions





Guidelines


Cal-OES (Alpine Team) Recommended Capabilities and Skills (continued) PCSO SAR


Snow Travel Skills

Experienced, good to excellent backcountry skier while carrying 30- 40 pound pack, able to ski all snow conditions Snowshoers need to be experienced at traveling in the winter backcountry environment

Experienced, good to excellent backcountry skier while carrying 30- 40 pound pack, able to ski all snow conditions Snowshoers need to be experienced at traveling in the winter backcountry environment

Experienced and able to effectively travel over hard snow while wearing crampons with a 30-40 pound pack

Experienced and able to effectively travel with chosen mode of transportation in flat to moderate terrain on skis or snowshoes with a 30- 40 pound pack.


Guidelines

Snow Travel Gear

Skiers - Alpine Touring (Randonee) or Telemark Skis, boots and binding with climbing skins. Snow Shoes-Backcountry type snow shoes with heel elevators and enough floatation to carry the searcher with a pack in soft snow.

Skiers - Alpine Touring (Randonee) or Telemark Skis, boots and binding with climbing skins. Snow Shoes-Backcountry type snow shoes with heel elevators and enough floatation to carry the searcher with a pack in soft snow.

Crampons, ice Axe

Skiers - Backcountry/X -Country (Nordic) Skis or Alpine Touring (Randonee) or Telemark, boots, bindings and climbing skins. Snow Shoes-Any durable snow shoe with enough floatation to carry the searcher with pack in soft snow.


Guidelines

Avalanche Safety Gear

457 kHz Avalanche Transceiver, Ski/Probe Poles or Avalanche Probe poles, metal bladed alpine snow shovel.


Metal bladed alpine snow shovel.



Guidelines

Special Winter camping Skills and Equipment

Knowledge of and experience with snow shelter, emergency shelter construction, personal or team possession of and experience with setting up and fortifying 4 season mountaineering type tent(s) with snow or rock walls.





Guidelines

Mountaineering Skills

Good general mountaineering skills including ice axe self arrest and self belay, climbing with crampons, roped Travel and crevasse rescue knowledge of proper use of snow and ice anchors.




Not Addressed by

SAR Technician

Technical Gear Ice axe, crampons, snow fluke or picket, ice screw, climbing harness and PPE

Ice axe, crampons, snow fluke or picket, ice screw, climbing harness and PPE

Ice axe, crampons, snow fluke or picket, ice screw, climbing harness and PPE

Not Required Not Addressed

by SAR Technician

Technical Skills

Technical Skills equivalent to Technical Rope Rescue Type-2 team member. Technical Type-1 Recommended.




Not Addressed by

SAR Technician


The following chart contains courses and recertification requirements necessary to become and maintain a PCSO SAR

Technician status.

PCSO SAR Technician Requirements

Requirement Recertification Requirements Derived From

SAR Tech – Basic Fundamentals Initial SAR Tech Completion (No recurring requirement) Cal-OES (Ground Searcher)

SAR Tech – Map & Compass

Current SAR Tech Certification (expires every 2 years) * May optionally complete the Map & Compass Challenge Course after completing the SAR Map & Compass course at minimum twice.

Cal-OES (Ground Searcher)

SAR Tech – Man Tracking

Current SAR Tech Certification (expires every 2 years) * May optionally substitute 4 PCSO SAR Man Tracking Practices completed within a 2 year timeframe, after successfully completing the SAR Tech Man Tracking course at minimum twice.


SAR Tech – Rough Terrain Rescue

Current SAR Tech Certification (expires every 2 years) * MRT Exemption from 2-yr. requirement. Must pass initially to become SAR Technician


SAR Tech – Wilderness Survival Initial SAR Tech Completion (No recurring requirement)


SAR Tech – Wilderness First Aid

Current SAR Tech Certification (or higher) (expires every 2 years) * May optionally substitute a higher/outside medical certification after passing the PCSO SAR WFA course at minimum once.


SAR Tech - Standard CPR/AED

Current Certification (or higher) (expires every 2 years) * May optionally substitute an equivalent or higher level CPR/AED certification from a SAR approved outside vendor


Overnight Training / Night Operations

No SAR Technician Requirement – defined by each unit

Physical Fitness / Skills No SAR Technician Requirement – defined by each unit


PCSO SAR TYPE-2, TYPE-3, TYPE-4 GROUND SEARCHER

PCSO SAR members are responsible for Self-Typing (Types 2-4) using definitions shown earlier in this document:

Cal-OES Search Environment Types

Cal-OES Recommended Capabilities & Skills

PCSO SAR members may Self-Type as Type-2, Type-3, or Type-4 Ground Searchers, with a critical eye in assessing

personal fitness, skills, and knowledge. Searchers may not Self-Type as a Type-1 Searcher (requirements defined later).

All PCSO SAR Ground Searchers (Types 2-4) must maintain the certifications required to be a current SAR Technician in

order to be deployed as a Ground Searcher.

TYPE -2: Rugged Terrain Environments

PCSO SAR Type-2 Ground Searchers are qualified to search in rugged terrain and in all but severe weather conditions (as

defined in the Cal-OES Ground Searcher document) for one or more operational periods. Type-2 Ground Searchers may

deploy to snow searches in Type-2, Type-3, or Type-4 terrain environments where severe weather conditions do not exist,

and avalanche hazards do not exist. Type-2 Ground Searchers should not deploy to searches in Type-1 classified terrain

(snow or dry) when tasked as a ground searcher, but may deploy when utilizing specialized unit equipment as specified by

unit policy (4x4, Motorcycle, Mounted, etc.).

TYPE -3: Moderate/Gentle Terrain Environments

PCSO SAR Type-3 Ground Searchers are qualified to search in moderate / gentle and urban environments and in

moderate conditions for one or more operational periods. Type-3 Ground Searchers should not deploy to searches in

Type-1 or Type-2 classified terrain (snow or dry) when tasked as a ground searcher, but may deploy when utilizing

specialized unit equipment as specified by unit policy (i.e. 4x4, Motorcycle, Mounted, etc.).


PCSO SAR TYPE-1 GROUND SEARCHER (non-snow)

Designation as a PCSO SAR Type-1 Ground Searcher requires testing in to this classification and maintaining the

certification. Members who wish to be classified as a Type-1 Ground Searcher may not Self-Type. Additional physical

fitness and skills verification is necessary. Type-1 Ground Searchers are team members from any unit who have tested

into this classification and maintain their certifications.

TYPE-1: Extreme/Complex Terrain Environments

PCSO SAR Type-1 Ground Searchers are qualified to search in any terrain (non-snow) and in any weather conditions (as

defined in the Cal-OES Ground Searcher document) for extended periods. Type-1 Ground Searchers may deploy to

snow searches in Type-2, Type-3, or Type-4 terrain where severe weather conditions do not exist, and avalanche hazards

do not exist.

EQUIPMENT

PCSO SAR Type-1 Ground Searchers are expected to have basic familiarity with ropes (knots, raising/lowering systems,

equipment) – not to rappel over a cliff face, but to be able to effectively tie-in to a hand-line in a steep area. When

deployed as a Type-1 Ground Searcher, all members must have the following equipment available:

Climbing Helmet (personal – or Team issued / checkout) Climbing / Sport Harness (personal – or Team issued / checkout) Gloves (personal)

REQUIREMENTS

PCSO SAR Type-1 Ground Searcher Requirements


SAR Technician See requirements defined on page 7 Cal-OES (Ground Searcher)


Current Certification (expires every 2 years) Must participate in a Night Operations training or actual search mission every 2 years.


Type-1 Basic Rope Skills

Current Certification (expires every 2 years) Skills (may be signed-off during Rough Terrain Rescue)

Knots(Figure-8, Alpine Butterfly, Prusik) Basic Raising/Lowering Systems Familiarity Litter Packaging


Type-1 Physical Fitness (Defined Appendix A)

Current Certification (expires every 2 years)



PCSO SAR TYPE-1 SNOW SEARCHER

Designation as a PCSO SAR Type-1 Snow Searcher requires testing in to this classification and maintaining the

certification. Members who wish to be classified as a Type-1 Snow Searcher may not Self-Type. Additional physical

fitness and skills verification is necessary. Type-1 Snow Searchers are team members from any unit who have tested into

this classification and maintain their certifications.

SEARCH ENVIRONMENT TYPES

Type-1: Extreme/Complex Terrain Environments – Alpine

PCSO SAR Type-1 Snow Searchers are qualified to search in any terrain (including possible avalanche hazards) and in

any weather conditions (including sever weather conditions) for extended periods as defined in the Cal-OES Ground

Searcher and Alpine Team documents. Type-1 Snow Searchers may also deploy for Type-2, Type-3, and Type-4 terrain

environments in any weather conditions.

EQUIPMENT

When deployed as a Type-1 Snow Searcher, all members must have the following equipment available:

457 kHz Avalanche Transceiver (personal – or SAR checkout) Avalanche Probe (personal – or SAR checkout) Metal-bladed Alpine Snow Shovel (personal – or SAR checkout)

REQUIREMENTS

PCSO SAR Type-1 Snow Searcher Requirements


SAR Technician See requirements defined on page 7 Cal-OES (Ground Searcher)


Current Certification (expires every 2 years) Must participate in a Night Operations training or actual search mission every 2 years.


Type-1 Physical Fitness (Defined Appendix A)



Type-1 - Snow/Ice Skills Certification (Defined Appendix B)



Cal-OES (Alpine Team)

Placer County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue – Ground Searcher Typing Guidelines (Appendix-A: Type-1 Physical Fitness Certification) Page 11

APPENDIX-A: TYPE-1 PHYSICAL FITNESS CERTIFICATION

DESCRIPTION

The PCSO SAR Type-1 Ground Searcher Physical Fitness Certification is a 2.4 mile course located along the Loch Leven

Lakes Trail at Big Bend, utilizing cross-county skills. The certification gauges a Searcher’s ability to safely traverse a

cross-county (off-trail) course in Type-1 terrain, including dense brush navigation, small bouldering, obstacles (trees,

large rocks, etc.), at mid-level elevation while carrying a heavy load.

REQUIREMENTS

Must be completed with a 30lb. pack (not including drinking water) (Cal-OES Alpine Team Requirement).

The Searcher’s pack must weigh 30 lbs. prior to adding a hydration system (or water bottle, etc.) to the pack that

will be consumed during the course. The pack must still weigh 30lbs. at the conclusion of the certification as the

searcher exits the course.

Must be completed in a maximum of 1-hour and 30 minutes (90 minutes).

Searchers must wear a helmet while traversing off-trail (while not physically on the Loch Leven Lakes Trail)

May be completed as many times as necessary to achieve a passing time.

PROCTORS

The Type-1 Ground Searcher Physical Fitness Certification may be proctored by any member of any unit meeting the

following qualifications:

Minimum 3 years in PCSO SAR

Recognized as a qualified proctor by the unit (each unit should maintain its own list of proctors)

Currently holds a PCSO SAR Type-1 Ground Searcher designation

Any Proctor may choose to schedule a test at his/her discretion (upon SAR Office approval) – and may open it to any unit

members (internally or cross-team) choosing to participate

PRIMARY COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Primary course should be utilized when snow is not present (May/Jun – Nov/Dec). See Alternate Course Description

for a course that may be utilized (providing temporary certification) during winter months (pg. 15).


PCSO SAR Type-1 Physical Fitness (Primary Course – 2.4mi)

1. START (0714034 x 4353714)Begin at the USFS Fire Station parking lot at Big Bend. Take the dirt road across the street (which leads behind the out building) for only a short time (50-100ft) before turning into the woods to travel cross-country (via a small unmarked trail) to the base of the cliffs across the street (Checkpoint-ALPHA).

2. ALPHA (0714172 x 4353580) At Checkpoint-ALPHA, turn north (left) to follow a narrow trail and ascend to the top of the cliffs - including bouldering along some narrow ledges. At the top of the cliffs, pickup the Loch Leven Lakes Trail at Checkpoint-BRAVO.

3. BRAVO (0714293 x 4353588) At Checkpoint-BRAVO, turn south (right) to follow the Loch-Leven Lakes Trail out to the railroad tracks, passing Checkpoint-CHARLIE along the way and turning around at Checkpoint-DELTA.

4. CHARLIE (0714216 x 4353335) Continue past Checkpoint-CHARLIE for now, this will be the turn-off on the way back. Continue along the Loch Leven Lakes trail until you reach Checkpoint-DELTA at the railroad tracks.

5. DELTA (0714495 x 4352877) Turn around at Checkpoint-DELTA (the railroad tracks). Return along the Loch Leven Lakes Trail back down the path just traveled until Checkpoint-CHARLIE.

6. CHARLIE (0714216 x 4353335) At Checkpoint-CHARLIE, veer north-west off of the Loch Leven Lakes trail. From this point, a cross-country descent along the cliffs will take place. There is a small dried-up drainage that provides the easiest descent.

7. ECHO (0714160 x 4353472) Checkpoint-ECHO is located at the base of the cliffs and should have you walking north along the clearing at the base of the cliffs. Follow the map until reaching Checkpoint-ALPHA (for the 2nd time).

8. ALPHA (0714172 x 4353580) At Checkpoint-ALPHA, retrace your steps from earlier to again ascend a narrow trail to the top of the cliffs (this will be the 2nd time you have ascended this cliff face) - including bouldering along some narrow ledges. DO NOT RETURN DOWN THE TRAIL TO THE USFS FIRE STATION!! At the top of the cliffs, pickup the Loch Leven Lakes Trail at Checkpoint-BRAVO.

9. BRAVO (0714293 x 4353588) At Checkpoint-BRAVO, turn north (left – the opposite direction from earlier) to follow the Loch-Leven Lakes Trail out to the trailhead, passing Checkpoint-FOXTROT and Checkpoint-GOLF along the way

10. FOXTROT (0714288 x 4353777) At Checkpoint-FOXTROT, continue along the Loch Leven Lakes Trail off of the granite slabs and into the more wooded area.

11. GOLF (0714173 x 4353878) Near Checkpoint-GOLF, the trail will split. Make sure to turn North (right) to stay on the Loch Leven Lakes Trail out to the trailhead and finish line.

12. FINISH (0714181 x 4354050)The finish line is at the Loch Leven Lakes Trailhead parking lot (up the road from the USFS Fire Station).


PCSO SAR Type-1 Physical Fitness (Primary Course


ALTERNATE COURSE DESCRIPTION

When snow is present during the winter months (Nov/Dec – May/Jun) and prevents use of the primary Type-1 Physical

Fitness Course at Big Bend, the Alternate Course may be utilized.

The Alternate Type-1 Physical Fitness Course does not gauge a searchers ability to navigate dense brush and rocky / steep

obstacles found in a Type-1 (non-snow) environment, but does provide the altitude necessary to gauge a physical fitness

level. Therefore, utilizing the alternate course will only cover the Type-1 Physical Fitness requirement for the immediate

winter season.

The Type-1 Physical Fitness (Primary Course) must be completed prior to August 1st of the next summer. If not

completed prior to the deadline, the searcher will revert to a Type-2 Ground Searcher until the certification can be

completed.

2.8 mile course Located at Donner Summit

Begin at old ASI building across the street from Donner Ski Ranch.

Follow Pacific Crest Trail as it climbs up toward Donner Peak / Mt. Judah

Ascend the large rock obstacle to the West (across the valley) from Donner Peak

Return via the same route.

Must be completed with a 30lb. pack (not including drinking water). The Searcher’s pack must weigh 30 lbs.

prior to adding a hydration system (or water bottle, etc.) to the pack that will be consumed during the course. The

pack must still weigh 30lbs. at the conclusion of the test as the searcher exits the course (Cal-OES Alpine Team

Requirement).

Must be completed in a maximum of 2 hours (120 minutes).

Must be completed using Snow-Shoes to maintain a consistent criteria across all searchers. (Searchers may

utilize Snow-Shoes, Split-Boards, XC Skis, etc. as desired on missions).

Searcher must carry a 457 kHz Avalanche Transceiver, Avalanche Probe, and metal-bladed alpine snow shovel

for the duration of the test


PCSO SAR Type-1 Physical Fitness (Alternate Course)

Placer County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue – Ground Searcher Typing Guidelines (Appendix-B: Type-1 Snow/Ice Skills Certification) Page 17

APPENDIX B – TYPE-1 SNOW / ICE SKILLS CERTIFICATION

DESCRIPTION

The Snow / Ice Skills Certification is a verification of critical skills necessary to make good decisions in Type-1

Extreme/Complex Terrain Environments generally above 7000’ elevation. The skills certification evaluates a team

member’s ability to apply the avalanche forecast when determining safe route selection. It also gauges a team member’s

ability to rescue a subject or team member using companion avalanche rescue techniques at high elevation.

EQUIPMENT (Cal-OES Alpine Team Requirement)

All Type-1 Snow & Avalanche equipment is available from PCSO SAR as needed for missions or training purposes.

457 kHz Avalanche Transceiver

Avalanche Probe

Metal-bladed alpine snow shovel

SNOW & AVALANCHE SKILLS (Cal-OES Alpine Team Requirement)

Searcher must show competency with the Avalanche Forecast provided by the Sierra Avalanche Center, snow

pack evaluation, test procedures, and how they apply to safe route selection.

Searcher must show competency in single & multiple buried beacon searches and burial rescue, including

victim/survivor procedures.

Searcher must carry a 457 kHz Avalanche Transceiver, Avalanche Probe, and metal-bladed alpine snow shovel

during all Type-1 Snow deployments.

RECERTIFICATION

This certification is valid for 2 years and must be renewed in order to deploy on Type-1 snow searches.

Alternate: A PCSO SAR approved Avalanche Level-1 or Level-2 course completed in the previous 2 year term will

satisfy the certification requirement for 2 years.

Placer County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue – Ground Searcher Typing Guidelines (Appendix-B: Type-1 Snow/Ice Skills Certification) Page 18

LOCATION

Type-1 Snow /Ice Skills Certification may be completed at any suitable location according to the Proctor’s discretion.

PROCTORS

The Type-1 Snow /Ice Skills Certification may be proctored by any member of any unit meeting the following

qualifications:

Minimum 3 years in PCSO SAR

Must have attended an Avalanche Level-1, Level-2 or Level-3 course through a PCSO SAR approved,

accredited AIARE instructor previously

Recognized as a qualified proctor by the unit (each unit should maintain its own list of proctors)

Currently holds a PCSO SAR Type-1 Snow Searcher designation

If a qualified proctor is not available within a unit, unit members may request and participate (upon approval) in another

unit’s training/testing to complete the certification.