On September 12, 2002, all provinces and territories agreed to adopt a common set of criteria on which to base their standards of Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) training and proficiency. These criteria will provide a basis for harmonization and certification of the skills of GSAR workers across Canada. This will afford a greater recognition of the skills and efforts of police agencies and GSAR volunteers across a very large and diverse country.

The National Criteria for Ground Search and Rescue are comprised of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Management.

These criteria represent the essential, minimal, elements required by each (participating) province and territory to be included within the official standards structures of any organization of ground SAR volunteers, or training program provided to ground SAR volunteers, for each of the levels provided herein.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association Inc. have developed the following training standards based on the National Criteria for Ground Search and Rescue as set forth by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS):

• Searcher I
• Searcher II
• Searcher III
• Search Manager

Searcher I

This classification shall apply to all new members of a search team with no previous training in GSAR.

1. Typical Search Protocols
1. Explain why a search is an emergency.
2. Outline how time, age and weather affect lost person survivability.
3. Differentiate between traditional and modern search techniques.
4. Explain the importance of clues in modern search situations.
5. Identify who is responsible for GSAR in Canada.
6. Outline the chain of command.
7. List searcher responsibilities and those of the overhead team.
8. Outline call-out procedures.
9. Outline sign-in and sign-out procedures.
10. Demonstrate how to prepare correctly for a rapid response.
11. Explain the importance of complete victim information.
12. Demonstrate the proper use of the Relative Urgency Rating.
13. Recognize how probabilities are used in planning searches.
14. Outline a typical search procedure.
15. Demonstrate the proper procedure for dealing with media and relatives.
16. Identify the two types of debriefings that can occur during search operations.
17. Identify the importance of stabilizing a search subject before evacuation.
18. Outline the process of search demobilization.
19. Outline the process of search suspension.
20. Identify the proper procedures for dealing with a deceased subject.
21. Utilize Critical Incident Stress Debriefings when needed.
22. Demonstrate appropriate human rights sensitivity and ethical conduct.
23. Outline legal rights and obligations for searchers.
24. State of the degree of protection and limitations under the Workers Compensation Act.

Searcher II

This classification shall apply to all members of a search team who have successfully completed Searcher I and who desire to upgrade their skill level to that of a regular searcher. Successful candidates will be trained to work under a search manager or a senior searcher and will be capable of carrying out the duties and responsibilities of a regular searcher with a high degree of accuracy and confidence. The candidate will perform these duties without endangering themselves or other members of their team.

Certification will be based on the successful completion of following training modules:

1. Topographic Maps and Map Reading
2. Compass and Navigation
3. Safety in the Field
4. Basic Survival and First Aid
5. Global Positioning System (GPS)
6. Radio Communications
7. Lost Person Behaviour
8. Search Techniques

Searcher III

This classification shall apply to all members of a search team who have successfully completed Searcher I and Searcher II, and who desire to upgrade their skill level to that of an advanced searcher. Successful candidates will gain advanced responsibilities in leadership and will be trained in specialty search and rescue techniques. Successful candidates may be called upon by their team, by other teams or other cooperating agencies to assist in search and rescue activities based on their areas of specialty.

Certification will be based on the successful completion of a minimum of eight (8) of the following specialized training courses:

1. WILDERNESS FIRST AID
2. TRACK AWARE/TRACKING I
3. EVIDENCE SEARCH
4. HIGH ANGLE RESCUE
1. RIG RESCUE AND RAPPEL LEVEL I
2. RIG RESCUE AND RAPPEL LEVEL II
3. RIG RESCUE AND RAPPEL LEVEL III
4. HIGH ANGLE RESCUE TRAINER
5. CONFINED SPACE RESCUE
6. URBAN SAR
7. BOAT PRO
8. RIVER RESCUE LEVEL I
9. RIVER RESCUE LEVEL II
10. AIR SPOTTER
11. ICE WATER RESCUE
12. TRAFFIC CONTROL AND FLAGGING
13. TOURATECH QV MAPPING SOFTWARE
14. TC OBS PLEASURE CRAFT COURTESY CHECKS
15. CANADIAN COAST GUARD SMALL CRAFT TRAINING
16. AVALANCHE RESCUE

Search Manager

This classification shall apply to all members of a search team who have successfully completed Searcher I, II and III, and who desire to upgrade their skill level to that of a Search Manager. Successful candidates will gain advanced responsibilities in search leadership and will be trained in SAR organization development, search management software, and the planning, operational, logistical and fiscal considerations related SAR management.

Certification will be based on the successful completion of the SEARCH MANAGEMENT FOR THE INITIAL INCIDENT COMMANDER course developed by ERI Canada. The following is a detailed listing of the course content:

1. SEARCH MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY, CRUCIALS AND CONCEPTS
2. COMPONENT OF AN EFFECTIVE SAR PROGRAM - DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
3. INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS)
4. SAR MISSION OVERVIEW
5. FIRST NOTICE
6. INITIAL RESPONSE
7. SEARCH AREA IDENTIFICATION – PRINCIPLES OF ESTABLISHING SEARCH AREA AND POA
8. SEARCH TACTICS – SEARCH METHODS AND POD
9. EXTENDED OPERATIONS OVERVIEW
10. RESCUE/RECOVERY OPERATIONS
11. STAKEHOLDERS AND CRITICAL ALLIES
12. MISSION TERMINATION
13. POST MISSION
14. TABLE TOP EXERCISES