Lake County Monthly Multi-Agency Search and Rescue Training

1303 N. Milwaukee Ave,Libertyville IL 60048

25 March, 2023

Description

Lake County Monthly Multi-Agency Search and Rescue Training. The monthly training series is developed to build on your skills as a trained searcher. We have covered the basic searcher skills in January, use of a compass and GPS in February, and this month we will cover Search Positions: Flanker and Team Leader. We will also have a Fit Test (since we did not get to cover that in last month's training). Searching is a strenuous activity and are often in remote and unfamiliar places. Ensuring the searchers are physically fit and know how to navigate to and through search segments is critical to the team's safety and success. The fit test is a 2-mile hike with your gear over trails of different composition. It is a timed hike; you must complete it within 35 minutes. The Search Position training will focus on the skills needed to perform as a flanker and team leader. The Flanker position uses many skills and the need to perform these skills during a search can tax even the most experienced searcher. We will describe the many functions of a flanker and demonstrate different methods used to accomplish the tasks. The Team Leader is an important position from the standpoint of getting the team to perform the tasks assigned by the search management team in a timely manner. The team leader needs to understand the requirements of the task, how to motivate the search team, recognize the environmental changes in regard to team safety and the ability to complete the tasks assigned, and communicate back to the search management team. There will be a classroom portion to provide a basic knowledge of what we will cover, and then move to field portions to practice what we were taught. We search like we train, and train like we search - so bring your search gear. If you have a compass - bring it, if you have a GPS - bring it. The flanking position requires some type of navigation device, and this will be a good opportunity to practice your navigation skills! This training is open to individuals who are at least 21 years old and affiliated with an Agency. CERT personnel are welcome.