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Is anybody on this Forum involved with a SAR team? I'm interested in becoming a volunteer member of Southern Arizona Rescue Association (SARA) in Tucson.

Their recruitment doesn't open again until next year, so that gives me time to physically train more (build muscle), and do some advanced preparation to get training and certifications. I'll be taking a Wilderness First-Aid class, CPR, and a handful of related Independent Study courses online.

Just wondering if there might be any additional recommendations for me to prepare before I apply next year.

I love to hike and I love to help people, so want to combine the two and do everything I can to assist in finding missing hikers and providing emergency aid to those in need.

Thanks in advance.

~ Wandering Wildcat

That's very commendable, I hope you find a program that fits your needs. I have met some of the volunteers on the SSAR (Superstiton Search and Rescue) team and I know they have a demanding training program.

Eventually you'll want to take Wilderness First Responder course. Rescue Tech is another cert you could look at, but if it were me, I'd start climbing in an indoor gym and take an outdoor climbing class as well. True, many rescues don't use ropes and hardware, but it's great fun to learn that stuff. I was involved with a SAR Explorer Post in the White Mountains years ago. Had a blast with all the trainings we did. I never actually rescued anyone, though. But I have kept my WFR current because it's handy for outdoor jobs such as river guide, backpacking guide, etc.

Volunteer to work with fundraising and the equipment trailer as these two areas within a SAR unit are often in need of willing volunteers. Doing so is a quick way to get acquainted with all members of the team and provide them the assistance they often need. Also learn the communications gear the team is using and equip yourself with the approved devices that the team is currently using and purchasing. Have fun, be careful and let us know how it goes.

One not-so-pleasant tip: A fellow I know who did a lot of S&R told me he eventually got out of it because all too often it was search and recovery, vs rescue. Something I think about often, would I be prepared for that part of it? Not so sure.

As a former MCSOMR member I would recommend that you do the following; build up your hiking stamina with a 50lb pack, you'll carry a lot of gear half the time out there, know how to use a compass and be able to read topo maps, start to become familiar with pulley systems and knots for rope systems. They will teach you all of this stuff once you are on the team, but the more you know going in the better you will be. Getting your WFA and CPR cert now is good. They will also probably put you in a class they use no matter what level medical you have so everyone gets the same training. I worked with SARA a few times, they are a great group.

Thank you so much for the incredibly helpful advice! I will definitely be applying it all toward this desire of mine. You guys are awesome

Several years ago I attended the SAR Tech I and 2 class at MCC. The class and information provided was excellent. For those who enjoy the outdoors I highly recommend the text book Fundamentals of Search and Rescue by the National Association for Search and Rescue.