Search and Rescue

There are two basic categories of membership in TCSAR, operational and associate. The primary type is Operational. Operational members are the core of TCSAR. These are the first people called on for a rescue incident. All operational members are trained in various types of technical rescues. New operational members are recruited on an as-needed basis. The period between recruitment calls is about 2-3 years. The last call was Spring 2002. Applicants submit résumés of outdoor, medical, rescue, and other pertinent experience. The applications are screened and a short list is created for personal interviews. Based on applications and interviews, a group of provisional members is selected.
Provisional members attend both special introductory training and regular operational training. They are considered as Associates during incidents. After a one year period, each provisional member`s suitability for the team is evaluated and the new operational members are selected.

The second category of member is Associate. Most associate members have a particular interest that could be useful on specific rescues, such as snowmobiling or caving. Associates typically do not have the interest to have the broad training base of an operational member. Associates complete some basic training and then are eligible to participate in rescues that fit their skills and abilities. Associates will be assigned lesser roles than operational members. Associate membership is open to anyone with useful skills and abilities. Contact TCSAR for an application.

There is actually a third class of Associate that is only open to former operational members.

Associate Membership Requirements
All TCSAR Associate Members are required to meet the following requirements:
-Desire to help those in need
-Team Player
-Experienced outdoor recreationist in a specific area, i.e. snowmobiling or caving
-Physically fit
-Willing to respond when called, 24/7
-Legal U.S. Resident

All associates receive the following training:
-Outdoor Survival
-First Aid
-Blood Borne Pathogens

Associates need to provide their own equipment as is appropriate for their specific activity of interest.

Operational Membership Requirements
In addition to meeting all associate requirements, operational members are required to meet the following additional requirements:
-Outdoor recreationist in a variety of areas
-Physically fit. A statement from your physician stating that you can perform strenuous physical exercise. Fitness level should be similar to wildland firefighters, able to carry a 45 lb pack 3 miles in 46 minutes.
-Ready to respond 24/7. TCSAR recognizes that no one can respond to a callout at any second of any day, no excuses. We expect members to have a home and work environment that is conducive to responding to most call outs.

Operational Attendance Requirements
Training
Mandatory monthly training is scheduled on the night of the second Wednesday of each month and all day the following Saturday. Currently, members must attend 2/3 of trainings. This will soon be changed to "Members unable to make a training must make it up within one year."

Additional training opportunities exist beyond the mandatory training, so allow for additional time commitments.

Call outs
There are no requirements for attendance at call outs due to their unpredictable nature. We average 2 call outs per month, but we may go 2 months with out one then have 4 in one day. Call outs can last from a few hours to several days. Chronic absence from call outs will result in a review by the Membership Committee and disciplinary action or expulsion if necessary.

Unscheduled support
Additional time (4 to 12 hours a month and up) is required from members at their convenience to do support projects to keep the team operational. Projects vary from snow shoveling the equipment trailer to maintaining this website.

Basic Training
Provisional members must complete the following training during their one year probationary period, in addition to mandatory operational requirements:
-Basic Technical Rope Rescue
-Outdoor Survival
-Navigation for SAR
-First Aid/CPR
-Blood Borne Pathogens
-Members are required to receive a free Hepatitis B vaccination series or sign a waiver declining it.
-Incident Command System

Required Personal Equipment
Operational members are required to provide their own personal gear as follows:
-Outdoor survival gear – 10 essentials plus. Members need to be able to travel any where in Teton County in any weather any time of year without outside support for a minimum of 24 hours.
-High Angle Gear:
-- Climbing Helmet
-- Full Body Harness or approved equal
-- Gloves
-- Knife
-- Eye Protection
-- Sturdy Footwear
-- 3 locking carabiners
-- Rescue 8 descender

"Optional" Equipment
The following equipment is REQUIRED for participation in a particular discipline. It’s ownership is optional as a requirement for TCSAR membership. TCSAR can provide a limited quantity of optional equipment, but members active in any particular discipline typically own their own equipment to maximize preparedness.

High Angle
Pick off strap or approved equal
Ascenders. Must work on 3/8" to 1/2" (9.5 to 12.7 mm) static line.
Artificial Protection

Navigation
Altimeter
GPS

Medical
PPE/BSI. TCSAR will provide BSI equipment to any member that needs it.

Avalanche
Probe Pole. Convertible ski poles are discouraged
Shovel. Plastic shovels are strongly discouraged
Transceiver - 457 kHz. IMPORTANT - Spread the word: As of Winter 00/01, TCSAR does NOT have the ability to locate the older 2.275 kHz transceivers. Be sure your transceiver broadcasts at 457 kHz.
Skis or snowshoes

Cave
See High Angle
Wetsuit or Waders
Coveralls
Crampons

Equine
Stock, tack, trailer, etc.

Snowmobile
Snowmobile
Avalanche Equipment, including snowshoes

Skiing
Telemark or Randonee
Climbing Skins and kick wax
Poles
Avalanche Equipment

Swiftwater
Wet or Dry Suit
PFD
Helmet
Throw Bag

Small Watercraft
Swiftwater Gear

K-9
TCSAR relies on Wyoming K-9 Search and Rescue. Contact Amanda at (307) 543-2915 for information.