Joining Search & Rescue

[@Johnnymailman]

Nice job on the video. Like you say, it depends on the area (team location) on how many calls it gets. You don't have to be the A type personality to join (apply). I always use the analogy, Not all of us want to be the driver, some are comfortable being in the much needed pit crew. Up north of you, on our SAR recruitment info nights, we really stress the time commitment needed. There tends to be fit camp workers, the two weeks in and two weeks out people that want to join.

[@davidclark2075]

Like it video alot. I'm 46, certified scuba diver, healthy climber, repelling experience & venomous snakes knowledge. I'll be applying on Monday. No kids, no wife & a spartan...& A CPR cert.

[@Jess-pw1cm]

I just got my WFR and was looking for more information on ways I can use this certification. This video is very helpful! Thank you!

[@MoustacheMedic]

Thank-you for taking the time to make this video! This has really helped me with getting a better idea of what to expect when I go apply to my local SAR Volunteer Group Next year after taking this year to get my EMT cert, up my fitness / outdoor survival skills and get myself as prepared as possible so I can try and be the best I can be to help my fellow outdoor lovers.

[@robertesell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lordofhallows2664]

Have you started yet? Been thinking about doing it myself more and more I’d like to know how it’s going for you

[@sentinel7122]

Hey Robert, this was a good watch--found this after linking up with my local SAR team. I always assumed it was a type of specialization within Fire/EMT/LE, that is until I found their website while looking to get into advanced 1st aid for my own benefit. Your video answered Q's I'm holding back before the "hike"... trying to avoid embarrassing myself or seeming arrogant lol. I want to help people and am very upfront about my lack of experience/certifications. Without that medical/ops background, I was hesitant to bring up anything I might bring to the table besides my time and fitness level. Growing up as a rural farmer, I am extremely capable at operating ANY size or type of vehicle on/off road and most heavy machinery, and am a strong swimmer and adequate boat operator. I also mountain bike on a lot of remote trails with no phone service/GPS. I guess mentioning that on my post-screener written app and following interview may be good to bring up! Thanks again and stay safe.

[@robertesell]

Glad it was helpful. Congrats on the SAR team. I hope you have many years of enjoyment.

[@danlzlz8405]

Was at info session last night. Your video is helping me to make a decision towards applying, I got lots of outdoor MOJO. Thanks!

[@robertesell]

Great to hear!

[@lordofhallows2664]

Really appreciate the video I have a lot of work to do to be ready but I don’t care how long it takes I want to help and protect people

[@robertesell]

Great attitude!

[@JasmineEMTrudeau]

Thank you. I appreciate your insight into SAR. I feel you have given me a better understanding of where I stand right now and where I need to be when recruiting picks up again in late spring/early summer.

[@robertesell]

You are so welcome

[@oogrooq]

Thanks, my interview us next week.

[@rubysroom9469]

I also love helping people. Making people happy makes me feel good mentally. I know I'm going to see bad stuff, but I feel that bringing closure to families would be so rewarding. I don't know. Any advice?

[@robertesell]

That is a very good perspective. If you like helping people that energy will take you through the bad stuff. If its something you want to do, go for it!

[@rubysroom9469]

I'm 15 but looking to join. When I'm older of course- so now I'm just doing some research so I know what I'm potentially getting into

[@robertesell]

Good idea. Go for hikes, camp up high, learn some first aid, tie some knots and you will begin building the core skills you need. Good luck!

[@flyingscalpel7]

More sar vids plz. I'd like a gear review!

[@robertesell]

Thank you! I am just doing a gear review now. That seems to be what everyone wants so I am going to do a bunch more of those over the next couple months. Thanks for the suggestion. Great to hear from people and better understand what is of value.

[@maksympt1]

Very comprehensive, interesting, and informative video, thank you so much

[@robertesell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Vativ]

Great video, thank you

[@overdue8004]

Great video Rob. Going to share this to all the people who ask about joining.

[@robertesell]

Thanks Steve. Thats awesome coming from you. Much appreciated.

[@EmhanceResponderDevelopment]

Great video! Keep up the good video's!

[@WR3ND]

Yeah, there's people with a lot of talk and hype they want to sell, and then there's people who just get it and want to help, not to prove anything, but because they can and still have their heads on their shoulders. Like I tell my daughter, seemingly especially relevant these days, there's a difference between being a nice person and acting like a nice person. Anyway, thanks for the video and for what you do.

[@lukebaldwin3335]

Any tips for starting off as search and rescue I really want to do it I have ms but I'm lucky compard to others I can walk and function normally minus headaches and but I'm very athletic and active and I've always wanted to do search and rescue but never knew where to start any tips I live is south Dakota

[@robertesell]

Talk to your local SAR group and see what they are looking for. Be open to their feedback and just see what you can do to help. They will appreciate that.

[@laprepper]

I’m my county I need an emt cert first, is that common?

[@robertesell]

I don't think its that common but I would say it is extremely useful. Having the ability to administer proper first aid is important and we often have to think about the teams to ensure we have at least one person in the hasty team who has a decent level of first aid training.

[@thefisherking78]

I just started looking into SAR volunteer work and would like to keep learning more. What are some good places to engage?

[@carter6070]

Hey thanks for this video man

[@robertesell]

No problem!

[@Laratron2k]

I’m an Army Medic with 15 years of active duty. Including 2 deployments to Afghanistan and dozens of training exercises. I’m also an instructor of casualty care (advanced first aid) to basic trainees, drill sergeants and new officers. I’m considering joining SAR after I retire from the military in 5 years. What advice or insight can you provide?

[@robertesell]

Hey! Thank you for your service. I am sure any SAR team would appreciate your experience. I would recommend asking them how you can assist them. Provide your experience and just you would like to help. You will fit in well as SAR is a runs like a military structure in many ways.

[@philipjdry1234]

How do you volunteer for this? How do you find them?

[@materiagrix]

Hi Robert I am determined to work on a SAR team but I cannot afford to do it while having another job. Do you know of any SAR teams or institutions that offer paid positions that I could apply for? (I am particularly interested and more qualified for in water operations)

[@robertesell]

Unless you join the Canadian Armed Forces and become a SAR Tech, you will not get paid. SAR volunteers in Canada are unpaid. I think there pay be some paid positions in the US.

[@Li-kg3xz]

helpful video

[@Lonewolfpack]

Canada Search and rescue technician 424 squadron

[@robertesell]

So cool. We just had the Chinook come down from Comox to help us with a rescue the other day. You guys are amazing!

[@birachel477]

Thank you!!

[@ruggedrick]

Freelance Search and Rescue is more my style. I've never been big on doing things on other people's terms, and my goal is to assist people who lost a loved one, but SAR has already finished and is no longer looking. (Ex. After a month of someone missing or some such, big teams usually move on.) I want to help those people. Any advice for me?

[@robertesell]

I would recommend all the normal SAR training. I see some private contractors doing some really bad practises mostly around information disclosure and unprofessional behaviour. If you are a professional then I think you could build a good reputation and do really well in that area.

[@ruggedrick]

@@robertesell Thank you.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@robertesell could I be working in Sar and firefighting?

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@robertesell how can I do search and rescue for pay

[@barbarac9369]

Search and Rescue is a TEAM sport.

[@stag6161]

Do you know anything about the staircases?

[@robertesell]

Apparently not. What staircases?

[@Drewski96-wz7zv]

​@@robertesellThere's a story online about a park ranger finding staircases in the woods that lead to nowhere.

[@GodsRighthandman]

@@Drewski96-wz7zvthat’s just a fairy tale. a creepypasta. a story for the internet

[@Drewski96-wz7zv]

I know but it's good fun. It's fair that he ought to know it's just a creepypasta I guess.

[@Lonewolfpack]

Don’t forget about Canadian forces search and rescue technicians like myself

[@robertesell]

Oh ya good point. Thats a whole new level. :) You guys are the professionals.

[@lukasg9031]

I’m currently in highschool interested in SAR for the CAF… any tips you have that would help? I’m currently doing Biology, Chemistry and physics and lifting and calisthenics everyday.

[@Lonewolfpack]

@@lukasg9031 I recommend getting into rock climbing and perhaps getting in to an outdoor emergency medical course as well as perhaps doing a course for St. John ambulance as an MFR or a volunteering with a volunteer search and rescue agency as well as taking up outdoor activities and check out the Canadian forces fitness standard there are quite a few good videos such as the one done by truth duty valour on the Sar techor entry exam

[@HD46409]

Great video. Is there upper age limit for who get's recruited for SAR? For a frame of reference I'm in my early/mid 50s and in good shape. Thanks.

[@robertesell]

I am not aware of any upper age limit. We had people in our group in their late 70s. It only becomes an issue if their balance or fitness starts to deteriorate. Not a lot of 70 year olds who want to jump out of bed in the middle of the night and climb a mountain in the rain.