Introduction to Search and Rescue (ISAR) is a 16-hour program of instruction designed to provide knowledge concerning the general responsibilities, skills, abilities, and the equipment needed by persons who would be participating in a search or rescue mission. The course is based around rural and wilderness environments but the material is recommended as a base of knowledge for all search and rescue (SAR) environments.

ISAR is the first course in a stepping stone approach to higher level National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) courses of training for emergency personnel. It provides a common starting point in training for the new person to SAR and in many cases, an excellent refresher course for the more experience SAR worker. This common starting point provides continuity during SAR operations and future training of all team members.

ISAR is also designed to prepare the course participant for the SARTECH III certification, according to the knowledge objectives defined in the NASAR Certification Criteria for SARTECH III.

The textbook that prepares a student to take the SARTECH III  exam is entitled Introduction to Search and Rescue. The ISAR book may be purchased through the on line bookstore on the NASAR website.  Effective 09/01/2008, the textbook needed will be the 2008 edition. Previous editions will not contain all the material tested on the SARTECH III exam.

Prerequisites:
None

Course Objectives:
SAR: What is it and how do you fit in?
Components of SAR
SAR Management System
Land Navigation and Orienteering
SAR Resources
Search Philosophy and Probability Theory
Search Tactics
Clue Consciousness
Search Operations
Lost Person Behavior
Helicopter Operations in SAR Communications

Cadre:
Instructors assigned to the Introduction to Search and Rescue course are seasoned Tactical Search and Rescue (TACSAR) certified personnel possessing verified and documented experience in search and rescue; wilderness emergency care; and wilderness rescue.

Instructor Training Jackets (ITJ) are maintained by Tactical Element and available for review.

Course Participants:
Maximum = 24

Required Text(s):

1. Introduction to Search and Rescue

Notes:
1. ISAR is a mandatory prerequisite for the Search and Rescue Technician III (SARTECH III) examination.

2. ISAR continues forward regardless the weather (w/ exception of lightning).

3. During Tactical Operations Series programs of instruction the goal is to train as close as possible to reality.  Live irritants and impact weapons are not allowed.  Unless otherwise advised, service ammunition and weapons are neither necessary nor permitted at any training site, at any time during any Tactical Element program of instruction! UTM weapon systems and ammunition will be supplied by Tactical Element only.