REQUIRED / SUGGESTED / NICE TO HAVE

EQUIPMENT FOR DCSAR ACADEMY

Starting with the second week of the academy, trainees must be equipped to work on simulated SAR missions in the backcountry in all weather conditions and during all hours of the day. The DCSAR policy and procedures document as well as the FUNSAR book outline more comprehensive list of equipment that rescue members should have in their “24-hour” pack. This list is a subset of those lists intended to outline the most important items that will be required to complete the academy.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Clothing

         Winter – good water proof / breathable pants & jacket (i.e. Gortex)

         Boots - suitable for cross country hiking (30-55 pound) loads

         Hiking pants - no blue jeans

         Socks – non-cotton, wicking, wool is good, have an extra pair

         Base layers – polypropylene, silk, polyester work well

         Hat – something to cover ears and keep you warm

Rescue pack –2000-3500 cubic inch work well for most

Knife

Whistle

Headlamp

First aid kit – suitable for your personal use (see FUNSAR appendix 6)

Gloves – leather work gloves; warmer winter gloves

Compass – suggest orienteering type with 24K UTM grid, sighting mirror can double as emergency signal

Note pad/pencil

Eye protection – sunglasses, clear safety glasses

Water carrying – 2+ liter carrying capacity, bladders work good when temps are above freezing, consider using bottles in winter

18” – 24” measuring tape

Watch

20’ 2” webbing

12’ 7/16” or 1/2" rope (for knot practice) – some may be available through the unit

Prusik – made from 6’ of 7mm or 8mm accessory cord (7mm goes with7/16” rope / 8mm goes with 1/2" rope)

Expendables

         Food – enough to get through 12 hours

         Batteries (for head lamp, flash light, GPS – unit GPS’s use AA)

         Sun screen / lip protection

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Clothing        

         Black or kaki BVU / cargo pants

         Gaiters – Gortex is good

Radio harness – consider extra pockets for GPS, cell phone, papers

Sunglasses

Ground sheet / tarp

Flashlight

Fire starter – matches, lighter, flint, tender (suggest 2 methods)

Folding saw

50’ nylon cord

Leaf bag (large)

Wire / plastic ties (8)

Expendables

         Food – enough to get through 24 hours in below freezing conditions

         Batteries (for head lamp, flash light, GPS – unit GPS’s use AA)

         Sun screen / lip protection

         Insect repellant - DEET

         Trail tape

         Toilet paper

         Tissue paper / baby wipes

         Duct tape

NICE TO HAVES

GPS – unit standard is Garmin Oregon 300

Stove – ability to make warm drink in snow

Helmet – type depends on activity – climbing, ski, ATV

Trekking stick

Goggles

Signal mirror

Carabineers (2)