Search and Rescue
Coordinator
SAR-C 101
State Search and Rescue Coordinators Council
2012
All Rights Reserved
Introduction
This presentation has been developed by the State Search
and Rescue Coordinators Council to assist those persons
in the position of Search and Rescue Coordinator
It is general in nature and is not meant to cover every
aspect of the position, as each jurisdiction establishes the
requirements and guidance for this position within their
jurisdiction
It is the responsibility of the Search and Rescue
Coordinator to fully understand the requirements and
laws under which their position performs
Goal
To provide the Search and Rescue Coordinator a
historical perspective of the position so as to understand
the nature of work provided by the position
To understand the position as it relates to the Federal,
State, County, and local jurisdiction roles in search and
rescue
To provide a recommended course of education and
experience sufficient to provide foundation for operating
as a Search and Rescue Coordinator
At
the conclusion of this training, the student will:
Objective
Understand the general role and responsibility of the
Search and Rescue Coordinator
Be familiar with the foundational Federal, State, and
Local plans regarding search and rescue in the
context of their position
Be familiar with the recommendations as put forth by
the State Search and Rescue Coordinators Council
(SSARCC) for training and experience sufficient for
the position of Search and Rescue Coordinator
Definitions
Search and Rescue Coordinator (SARC)
The position within an agency or organization tasked
with the development, maintenance, and
management of a search and rescue program
State Search and Rescue Coordinator (SSARC)
That position held within state government and
under law, that is responsible for the management of
the state search and rescue response capability
What is the Role of the SARC ?
The SARC may:
Coordinate the delivery of SAR resources to a
jurisdiction
Coordinate training in Search and Rescue
Develop and maintain a certification process for search
and rescue resources.
Instruct Search and rescue related courses
Provide technical expertise regarding SAR issues
Be a point of contact for Federal assistance
What is the Role of the SARC ?
The SARC may:
maintain statistical data on search and rescue relative
to their agency or jurisdiction
promote search and rescue issues within their
jurisdiction
Disseminate information relevant to all SAR resources
within their jurisdiction
Search and Rescue
Coordinator
SAR-C 101
Laws, Guidance, and Best Practices
related to SAR and the SARC
What Law Governs the SARC
Federal
Search and Rescue on Federal Land may come under
the control of a specific Federal Agency
NPS, BLM, NFS, FBI
Concurrent vs Exclusive Jurisdiction
Concurrent - Shared Jurisdiction w/ Local, State
Exclusive - Under control of one agency
What Law Governs the SARC
State
Every State has within Statute, guidance pertaining
to search and rescue activities related to the state.
•
•
NRS 414.200 Coordinator of Search and Rescue: Appointment. The Chief, with
the advice of the Board, shall appoint an employee of the Division of Emergency
Management of the Department of Public Safety as Coordinator of Search and
Rescue.
(Added to NRS by 1983, 1353; A 1993, 1615; 1999, 1249; 2001, 2608)
What Law Governs the SARC
State / County / Local Jurisdiction Law
Every State has within Statute, guidance pertaining
to search and rescue activities related to the County
Jurisdiction or political subdivision.
•
•
NRS 248.092 Searches and rescues. The sheriff is responsible for searches and
rescues within his or her county.
(Added to NRS by 1983, 1354)
Guidance
International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and
Rescue Manual (IAMSAR Manual)
National Search and Rescue Plan (NSP)
National Search Supplement (NSS)
Land Search and Rescue Addendum (LSARA)
NPS Search and Rescue Program
National Association for Search and Rescue
Mountain Rescue Association
others...
Best Practices
National SAR incidents and outcomes
Litigation within the SAR Community
NASAR, MRA, NPS, procedures
Implementation of the After Action Report (AAR) and
Improvement Plan (IP) process
Accreditation and Review of Certifications
Other?
Search and Rescue
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SAR-C 101
Funding for SAR Programs
Funding
Federal Funding
Limited sources, HSGP funding for the development
of “Core Capability” of Mass Search and Rescue
State General Funds as provided for in Statute
Programmed funds as part of a fee such as permits or
licenses
Local Funds generated or provided for through local
government
Private Grants and donations
Funding
Budget, Base Budget and Program Budget
SARC should be aware of budget process
Budget insures funds are properly used within program
categories
Budgeting aids with program validation
Reporting requirements for fund expenditures
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SAR-C 101
Resources for Search and Rescue
Resources for Search and Rescue
Under NIMS, all resources should be “typed” as to the
kind of resource they are and to the extent of their
capability
Understanding typing aids with resource identification,
ordering, and assignment
Most jurisdiction Emergency Management Programs
have a list of existing typed resources and their contact
information.
The type of resources used in search and rescue should
be well known to the SARC.
Location of Resources for Search and Rescue
Search and Rescue Organizations within
Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue/
Non-profit SAR groups
Outdoor organizations such as NOLS, other
“experiential-based” groups
Agencies who maintain wilderness programs and/or
who manage wilderness areas.
Dog groups
Technical climbing clubs
Developing a Search and Rescue Program
Identify legal requirement
Conduct Assessment for “gaps” in coverage
Determine resource requirements
Determine if funding exists to support capabilities
Review successful programs
Developing a Search and Rescue Program
Alignment with Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Set Budget
Set meeting schedule/training
What about Certifications?
What about Credentialling”
How do I maintain enthusiasm?
Developing a Search and Rescue Program
How will the program support:
Land SAR
Water SAR
Air SAR
Urban SAR
Disaster / Catastrophic SAR
Agreements
Are you supported by agencies or entities
Established MOA’s or MOU’s
Establishing MOA’s, MOU’s
Training between organizations
SAR Missions between organization
Cost sharing issues
Mentorship
Is there a Mentorship program for SARC
Within the State
Regionally
Through SSARCC
Task Book?
Search and Rescue
Coordinator
SAR-C 101
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