Search & Rescue
Search & Rescue
Search and Rescue (SAR) operations bring together technical skills, physical endurance, and careful problem-solving to locate and extract individuals in distress.
What We Do
SAR operations cover a broad spectrum of emergency scenarios:
- Wilderness and backcountry search operations for missing persons
- High-angle and low-angle rope rescue from cliffs, structures, and confined spaces
- Vehicle and machinery extrication
SAR Certifications & Training
Search and rescue is a technically demanding discipline. Our SAR members pursue certifications across multiple specialty areas to maintain operational readiness.
Rope Rescue Technician — Levels 1, 2, 3
Aligned with NFPA 1006, rope rescue technician certifications cover low-angle and high-angle rescue, rigging, patient packaging, and mechanical advantage systems. Level 3 includes advanced technical operations. This is the core SAR certification for vertical environment rescues.
Swift Water Rescue — Operations and Technician
Covers surface swimming rescue, boat operations, throw bag techniques, and flood rescue. Technician-level training includes more advanced water entry and boat-based rescue in moving water environments. Aligned with NFPA 1006 Rescue Swimmer and Swift Water chapters.
Vehicle and Machinery Extrication — Technician
Covers the use of hydraulic rescue tools (Jaws of Life), cribbing, vehicle stabilization, and patient removal from wrecked or entrapped vehicles. Aligned with NFPA 1006 Vehicle Rescue chapters.
Confined Space Rescue Technician
Required for OSHA permit-required confined space rescue operations. Includes atmospheric monitoring, supplied air systems, retrieval rigging, and emergency egress. Aligned with NFPA 1006 Confined Space chapter.
Trench and Structural Collapse Rescue
Specialized training for collapse of trenches, buildings, or earthworks. Includes soil assessment, shoring, void search, and debris management. Aligned with NFPA 1006 Structural Collapse and Trench chapters.
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
A 70–80 hour medical certification designed for remote and austere environments. Covers patient assessment, improvised splinting, hypothermia management, and evacuation decision-making when definitive care is hours away. Often paired with wilderness search coordination training.
Incident Command System (ICS)
All SAR personnel are trained in ICS to enable effective coordination at multi-agency incidents. Core courses include ICS 100, 200, 300, and 400 depending on role. FEMA NIMS compliance is required for federally funded operations.
Join the SAR Team
Search and rescue is among the most technically diverse disciplines in emergency services. If you enjoy problem-solving, working outdoors, and learning technical skills, SAR may be the right fit for you. Learn more about volunteering with El Dorado Fire Rescue.
