Outdoor Skills
Purpose
The goal of this course is to develop the skills and knowledge needed for you to operate safely and comfortably, unassisted for 72 hours, in most outdoor situations in California as a SAR boots on the ground resource. A secondary goal is to introduce you to the search & rescue processes and procedures as followed in California, and the actions expected of you as a search & rescue "ground pounder" during a SAR operation.
Prerequisites
Apply to training program, following the process here
Receive acceptance into the training program from the Training Director (via email).
Pay training fees by October 1st
When & Where
Current Cal-SAR Candidates and Members: Please log in to the Member Portal for schedule and location details
Skills Emphasized
Shelter building and site selection (tarps, rope and stakes provided)
Fire building
Clothing care & selection
Food selection, storage, preparation & transport
Elements of a SAR base camp
Radio fundamentals
Basic navigation techniques
Beginning SAR techniques (hasty search and carry-out)
Personal sanitation
Minimum impact camping
Rule of 3s and survival priorities
Important Plants (Friend and Foe)