SAR Training

Meeting the goals of our mission statement requires AZ STaR members to invest numerous hours training to prepare for their annual certification and ultimately to provide a valuable resource to the community.

Below is a detailed list of the types of training our members receive each year to achieve and maintain operational readiness. If you would like more information on training or would like to become a volunteer please contact the AZ STaR Training Officer at: training@AZSTaR.org, or 888-307-3799 (pager).

  • Wilderness Search Techniques

    Training includes search techniques relative to searching wilderness areas with and without K-9’s. Including types of search patterns, Critical Seperation, Terrain issues, Weather issues, and temperature issues.

  • Water Search Techniques

    Techniques of water searching with and without K-9’s, including grid searching techniques, effects of water temperture, thermoclines, low head dams, searching from shore vs searching from boats. Water depth vs distance.

  • Desert Search Techniques

    Training includes specialized search techniques relative to searching in the Sonoron Desert Area of Arizona including sweep spacing, effects of terrain and temperature on scent and clues, wind analysis, and searching with K-9s in the desert.

  • Man-Tracking

    Training includes basic man-tracking techniques. How to locate and follow a trail or clues left by a person in the desert or wilderness.

  • Crime Scene Preservation

    Proper techniques on how to preserve a crime scene until it can be released to a sworn officer of the law. Including protecting evidence and clues from the effects of weather and wildlife.

  • First Aid & CPR

    All Operational members are required to have a minimum of First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer including training on AED’s (Automatic Defibrillators). Many members have more extensive medical training

  • Basic Search and Rescue

    A four day class serving as an introduction to Search and Rescue geared towards the new-searcher. It includes why we Search, Types of Search, Search Urgency, the Incident Command System, SAR Plans, Incident Action Plans, External Influences on Searches, Critiques, Navigation, Survival, Medical Emergencies relative to Searching, Low Angle Extrication, Clue Awareness, Crime Scene Preservation, Man-Tracking, SAR Dogs, SAR Resources, and Preventative SAR

  • Communications

    Training techniques include using a unified communications structure, proper radio protocols, and communications with multiple agencies

  • Advanced Search and Rescue

    In depth training geared for the Search Manager or personnel designated to deploy specialty resources.