How to Join a Search and Rescue Team

Search and rescue is a voluntary organization that falls under the responsibility of the county sheriff's department.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

1. Call your county sheriff's office and inquire about search and rescue meetings. Most teams have monthly meetings and training sessions.

2. Go to a meeting and learn what rescue work is really about and whether you can handle the physical and mental aspects of it.

3. Find the person on the team who is responsible for welcoming new guests after the meeting and ask lots of questions. Let him or her know whether you're interested in joining.

4. Attend at least three meetings and one or two training sessions to make sure you and the team are compatible (some teams are fairly intense and are run like the army).

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that, while all teams have different training methods, most will expect you to get some training outside the team, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced first aid.

• There are search and rescue teams comprised of teenagers as well.

• Most parts of rescue work hold some danger, which is why members are trained and why training is ongoing year after year.

• Search and Rescue requires that you commit your time - make sure you have it available.