Team Leader Standards – Douglas County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue
STANDARD CERTIFICATION FOR TEAM LEADER
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:
DCSAR operations policies and procedures;
DCSAR’s interaction with other agencies;
DCSAR’s search methods, tactics, and operations;
DCSAR radio use, function, and equipment operation;
DCSO scene preservation skills;
Operations level aircraft operations;
Wildland fire ICS, safety, and operations;
Search dog operations and tactics;
ELT operations;
Avalanche search and rescue, and use of equipment;
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 (4×4 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, 8×10
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