Course Topics

Technology in SAR

Technology in SAR will include a variety of topics ranging from advancements in positioning, navigation and timing to latest developments in geospatial technologies to product development in the rescue world and much more.

Team Dynamics and Resilience

Solid teamwork is one of the more understated aspects of SAR. These classes will take a look at different aspects of what comprises a strong team dynamic including: an intro to youth members in SAR; incident support for traumatic stress; an introduction to diversity in SAR and more.

Miscellaneous

The Miscellaneous topic is for classes that don’t fall into a traditional SAR “bucket”. They will range the gamut from avalanche rescue to roundtable discussions to big wall rescue techniques to practical legal considerations in SAR.

Animal Technical Rescue

These classes will dive into a number of subjects related to animal rescue including steep angle rescue techniques in large animal rescue.

Aviation in SAR

These classes will cover a variety of subjects related to the very important role Aviation plays in today’s world of search and rescue. Classes are tentative pending National Parks approval.

Medical Issues

Medical classes, led by a number of nationally-recognized experts in their respective fields, will cover a wide variety of practical SAR-related subjects, including hands-on first responder essential skills; heat illness and associated hazards; avalanche resuscitation and much more.

Search Management

Search Management is one of the broader topics in today’s SAR world and this year’s conference will cover a wide variety of tracks related to this important subject. Examples include: family liaison; critical decision making in the field; SAR integration with fire evacuations and CalTopo best practices.

K9s in SAR

These classes include all things related to canines, including but not limited to: an overview of K9’s and types of teams; how to assign, support and flank and more.

UAVs in SAR

Drones are relatively new to the world of SAR, but are playing an increasingly critical role in the field. Classes will focus on how to best deploy and optimize drones in the field; licensing and more.

Technical Rope Rescue

One of the emphasis areas for this year’s conference, Technical Rope Rescue will feature a variety of subjects relating to technical rope rescue, including but not limited to: small team mountain movement and rescue systems; edge solutions; rescue operations on sloping terrain and much more.