Looking for Info on Search & Rescue

[bmccasland]

mtbdarby - if you can handle stressed people, bad weather, and lousy long hours, then SAR can be quite interesting. Amazing how many searches start on sunday afternoon. I worked for the Forest Service in a recreation area and just when we'd think about going home on sunday, someone would call about son/daughter/friend not coming back from their hike/climb/dirt bike ride. Usually wasn't dull. Although the SWAT team on a search at night in their black camo gear was an interesting twist.

[mimitabby]

Dar
my son wanted to be a part of SAR but could not because he was a student and the schedule was too unpredictable. Having a small child would make a job like that (if you could find one that paid) rather difficult. You'd need 24 hour day care because you can't stop a search at 5pm because you have to go home. Maybe you should train to be an EMT?
or you could start training dogs for SAR?

[mtbdarby]

Tygab, thanks for the info - I had already checked out those sites. I just let my first responder cert lapse because I never used it but they're always looking for emt's around here.


Cathy - the dog link looks cool, I'll check that out as well.

Beth - I'm single so the weekends and hours don't bother me. I desparately need to find something I am passionate about for a career for it to be satisfying for me.

Mimi - I am obviously aware I have a young son I can't just disappear on. That's why I'm researching this now, because I know I'd need training and perhaps even a different degree or experience to get there if I choose this route. Emergency management is now a 4 year degree! But I also strongly feel this is a growing field and I have the talent to handle these situations. What I'm lacking are the specific skills. And once his dad and l live near each other again it won't be a problem making sure he's being taken care of.

Anyone with any info on the emergency management part of it?

[xeney]

Mtdarby, my sister does SAR and is now a dog trainer. I will PM you with her website info.

[Irulan]

you might start by volunteering. Most SAR folks around here are volunteers, not paid.