NASAR Course Offerings

Fundamentals of Search and Rescue – Intermediate level course for search and rescue field personnel

The Fundamentals of Search and Rescue (FUNSAR) course is the second, intermediate level of NASAR courses. It provides knowledge concerning the general responsibilities, skills, abilities, and the equipment needed by persons who are assigned to field operations during a SAR mission.

The FUNSAR course also provides the student with practical exercises in addition to a practice search mission where the students are required to have the proper equipment and stay out in the field during daylight and nighttime operations. The course content includes topics in three major areas: survival and support, search and rescue. This course is based around the rural and wilderness environments but the material is recommended as a basis for all SAR environments.

FUNSAR provides a common point in training for the new person to SAR and allows them to accumulate the required clothing and equipment needed for SAR operations in their community. The course also provides practical experience during simulated SAR operations and in many cases is an excellent refresher course for the more experienced SAR worker. This common starting point provides continuity during SAR operations and future training of all team members.

FUNSAR is the NASAR course designed to prepare the student to challenge the SARTECH II certification exam, according the knowledge objectives defined in the NASAR certification criterai for SARTECH II.

The newest edition of the Fundamentals of Search and Rescue textbook was released in 2005. Previous editions of the textbook will not prepare one to challenge the FUNSAR exam or the SARTECH II certification.

The recommended number of hours for the course is (47) forty-seven. The course is usually conducted over two weekends starting on Friday night but can be taught (5) five days straight.

Quote: "The FUNSAR course I took not only gave me the basic skills and understanding of doing a proper, safe search, but also gave me the confidence to take care of myself and my team members during search operations. The FUNSAR course should be a minimum requirement for anyone wanting to be part of a SAR Team." David Moskowitz, Director Arkansas Department of Health - Division of EMS & Trauma Systems

Who Should Attend

Those interested in becoming involved or have just become involved with search and rescue operations.
SAR personnel who would like to maintain or refresh their knowledge of search and rescue.
Emergency response personnel who belong to organizations who provide resources and assistance during search and rescue missions.
Managers of emergency response organizations who want to understand the state of the art skills and knowledge needed by the SAR workers.
Community members and groups (scouts, hunters, hikers, etc.) that have an interest in safety and preventative SAR operations.

Prerequisites

While not required, the Introduction to Search and Rescue/SARTECH III course is recommended as a prerequisite for FUNSAR
Although highly recommended, the FUNSAR course is not required to challenge the SARTECH II certification exam
The written exam given at the conclusion of the FUNSAR class is the written SARTECH II exam. Provided the student passes the written SARTECH II exam at the conclusion of the FUNSAR class, AND takes the SARTECH II certification exam within a year, the student is not required to retake the written exam at the time of the SARTECH II certification exam. They only are required to take and pass the six (6) SARTECH II practical stations to earn their SARTECH II certification.

Topics

Review of SAR Management System
Fitness, Basic Survival and Survival Body Management
Clothing and Personal Protection Systems for SAR
Emergency Survival Skills
Improvising Environmental Hazards and Survival First Aid SAR Ready Pack
Nomenclature of Personal Outdoor Equipment
SAR Travel Skills
Land Navigation and Orienteering
SAR Resources
Capabilities
Search Philosophy
Estimating POD
Search Tactics and Searcher Skills
Handling Evidence
Review of Clue Consciousness
SAR Crew Responsibilities
Tracking Skills
Rope and Rescue Equipment
Legal Aspects for Searchers

After Completion

Upon successful completion of the FUNSAR course, the student should be able to:

Define the components of SAR operations
List the major responsibilities for search and rescue
Describe the components of ICS and their functions
List and prioritize the necessities of life
Explain the survival situation plan (STOP) Stay, Think, Observe, Plan
List the similarities or differences and advantages or disadvantages of the different natural and synthetic materials used for SAR clothing
Describe and demonstrate the function of each of the layers of clothing
Differentiate between a 24-hour ready pack and urban ready pack
Demonstrate the use of a 24-hour ready pack
Describe advantages and disadvantages of the equipment used for SAR
Demonstrate the use of personal SAR equipment
Demonstrate traveling skills used for his/her environment
Define, describe, and identify the signs and symptoms, and describe the treatment of common medical emergencies during SAR operations
List and differentiate between at least three types of maps used in SAR
Identify, define, and demonstrate the use of the topographical maps
Define the plotting methods or grid systems and demonstrate the ability to use them to determine the coordinates for a given point
Describe the parts of the compass and demonstrate the ability to use it
Describe the navigational functions used in map and compass
Demonstrate the ability to navigate during daylight and nighttime hours
Differentiate between the two basic categories of search tactics (Passive and Active)
Describe the primary types of active search tactics
Describe the techniques and methods used for search tactics
List and demonstrate at least five of the searching or tactical skills needed by field searchers
Explain why SAR personnel search for clues not subjects
List the information needed by the searcher when alerted
Define and demonstrate the functions of the search crew positions
Define track or print, sign, and step-by-step tracking as well as demonstrate the step-by-step tracking procedures
List at least two materials used in rope and at least two types of design used in rope;as well as list at least five of the rules of rope etiquette
List the different advantages and disadvantages of materials used in carabiners
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of at least two types of stretchers or litters
List at least five common radio procedures and guidelines
Describe the basic legal philosophy concerning searcher knowledge, training, physical abilities, equipment, discipline, and control

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