Douglas County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue

STANDARD CERTIFICATION FOR TEAM LEADER

October 11, 2001

Purpose

 The Team Leader Standards are designed to define the minimum knowledge and performance skills needed by an individual to perform as a basic TEAM LEADER during search and rescue operations.

 The SAR Team Leader should be able to perform these functions under all conditions.

Qualifications

 Physically capable of full participation in all search and rescue operations normally expected of the rescue member. (Level B per the proficiency standards)

 Be mentally capable of performing the functions of the team leader position.

 A desire to lead (this must come from within). It must be strong enough that the Team Leader will not be discouraged by hard work or by errors.

 Must be generally available to respond to tone outs.

 Able to communicate well with others.

 Able to act responsibly.

 Must be levelheaded.

 Must be self-motivated.

 Must have a desire to motivate others.

 Able to follow directions from those higher in the chain of command, and must understand the assignment.

 Able to handle high stress situations

 Ability to understand the capabilities of others in the team and to use those capabilities in a manner that best serves the mission objectives.

Equipment Requirements

Must possess the equipment as outlined in Attachment I, "Team Leader Equipment List".

Certification Procedures

 Recommended Experience

 The candidate should have at least one hundred (100) hours of documented time spent on actual missions.

 The candidate should have one hundred (100) hours of land-based SAR training.

 The candidate should have a minimum of two (2) years of active rescue membership with the DCSAR organization.

 Required Letter of Recommendation

 A signed letter of recommendation must accompany the aforementioned documentation from a current Operations Leader of DCSAR.

 Prerequisites

 Certification as a P.O.S.T. Mantracker.

 Training at the operations level for search, rope rescue, water rescue

 Completion of ICS 100 or higher training course on the ICS incident management system.

 Familiarity with Douglas County, its roads, areas, terrain and weather conditions.

 Working knowledge and demonstrated skill with map and compass and navigation.

 Must demonstrate an understanding of:

1. DCSAR operations policies and procedures;
2. DCSAR’s interaction with other agencies;
3. DCSAR’s search methods, tactics, and operations;
4. DCSAR radio use, function, and equipment operation;
5. DCSO scene preservation skills;
6. Operations level aircraft operations;
7. Wildland fire ICS, safety, and operations;
8. Search dog operations and tactics;
9. ELT operations;
10. Avalanche search and rescue, and use of equipment;
11. Command post operations.

 The candidate must pass a practical skill evaluation overseen by an Operations Leader (OL). The OL will give a written pass/fail evaluation. This evaluation may be from a composite of fieldwork and/or training scenarios at the OL’s discretion.

 The candidate must pass written proficiency test(s) within limits defined for each of the test categories.

 Recommended Training and Certifications

 Certification as a Search and Rescue Technician I

 Certification as a Rope Rescue Technician I/II

 Certification as a Swift Water Rescue Technician I

ATTACHMENT 1: Team Leader Equipment List

The following items are compiled to form what is referred to as a "24-hour ready pack for a SAR Team Leader." Such a pack holds those items that would allow the holder to function in a safe, effective, and efficient manner during a SAR incident as a SAR Team Leader. Some items may be carried on a belt, in pockets, or strapped to the person. This equipment should be carried on all missions in rural or wilderness areas and is considered the minimum amount. Consult a physician for recommendations about analgesics and other drugs you may carry in a SAR pack.

Personal/Crew First Aid Kit (For personal use by crew members.)

10 - Acetaminophen or aspirin tablets	2 - Pair of latex gloves
10 - Antacid tablets	4 - Roller Bandage
10 - Antihistamine, 25mg Benadryl	1 - Splinter forceps, tweezers
6 - Antiseptic ointment (tube)	1 - Scissors, multi-purpose
6 - Band-aids, various sizes	1 - Space blanket
4 - Moleskin	4 - Sterile dressings (4x4 gauze pads)
10 - Water purification tabs in a sealed container	1 - Commercially approved purification device

Personal/Crew Survival Kit

1 - Candle, long burning	1 - Plastic Ziploc bag, quart size for kit
4 - Cotton swabs, non sterile	1 - 2 quarters, for phone call
1 - Duct tape roll, 5-10 ft.	1 - Razor blade, single edge
2 - Leaf bags, large	4 - Safety pins, large
16 - Matches	2 - Towelettes
1 - Matches container, waterproof	1 - Whistle

Personal/Crew SAR Equipment

4- Bags, various sizes, Ziploc	1- Metal cap or pot
1- Bandanna, handkerchief	1- Mirror, small
1- Cap or other headgear	1- Nylon twine of small rope, 50feet
2- Carabiner, locking gate	1- Pace counter
1- Clothing, adequate for climate and environment	1- Pack, adequate to carry required equipment
1- Clothing bag, waterproof	1- Pad and pencil
1- Clothing, ester set, suitable for climate	2- Prusik cords 6MM - 8MM - 6 ft lengths
1- Compass, orienteering (Silva Ranger or equivalent)	1- Rainwear, durable
2- Extra leaf bags	1- SAR personal identification
5- Flagging tape, roll	1- Safety Rope 75ft.1 rescuer life line NFPA
1- Flashlight or lantern	1- Shelter Material, 8x10
1- Flashlight extra, extra batteries & bulb	1- socks, extra pair
1- Footwear, sturdy, adequate for climate	1- Sterno or stove
1- Grid readers ( UTM, LAT LON )	1- Sunscreen lotion
1- Gloves, leather palm	1- Tissue paper
1- ISC 214 Forms	1- Tracking stick, 42" long
1- Insect repellent	1- Watch
1- Knife, multi-purpose	2- Water container, at least liter size
1- Lip balm, with sunscreen	1- Webbing, 20ft. length of 1 in. tubular
1- Measuring device, 18 in. minimum	1- Wire, 5-10 ft. 14 ga steel

OPTIONAL Personal Support Equipment (Not required, but recommended)

1- Altimeter	1- Goggles, clear
1- Binoculars	1- Rain cover, pack
1- Foam pad	1- Sun glasses, 97% UV protection
4- Food, nonperishable	1- Trail snacks
1- Gaiters	1- Protractor