This course runs for 10 days in total.

The first 6 days of training will develop a baseline level of competency in Volunteer Ground Search and Rescue. Each Basic Level training session is anticipated to have 4 days in class (theory) and 2 days on land (practical), one of which an elder will be providing instruction in Inuit Traditional Knowledge in the local area. Students will be expected to provide their own equipment, clothing, food etc. for the practical session.

The second part/last 4 days of the course will cover the coordinator's duties, including administration, that are associated with Ground Search and Rescue. 

Participants may register for the Basic Level training only or may choose to go on to the Coordinator Level training. 

Teaching Blocks

The training for Basic includes topics such as:

A. PROGRAM

Human Rights Sensitivity

Jurisdictions and Responsibilities

Financial and Administrative Information

Legal Rights and Obligations

Workers Compensation status

Ethical Issues

Personal and Psychological Issues

B. GENERAL OPERATIONAL

Skills Overview

Standards of Training

Personal Safety

Preparation and callout

Traveling

Personal Maintenance

Survival

Importance of record keeping

C. NAVIGATION

Maps

Compass / GPS

D. TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Awareness of Radio Operations

Satellite and Cell Phones

Awareness of roles

E. SEARCH

Overview of Search Theory and incident management

Notification

Assembling/checking in

Assignments

Demobilization

Confinement/containment of area

Attraction

Sound sweeps

Visual sweeps

Tracking

Night searching

Shoreline searching

Evidence/crimescene awareness

Evidence handling

Record keeping - chain of evidence

Handling of deceased

F. LOST PERSON BEHAVIOUR

Overview of Lost Person Behaviour

The training for Coordinator includes topics such as:

A. PROGRAM

Advanced Responsibilities in leadership areas.

Experience in Search leadership.

B. GENERAL OPERATIONAL

Knowledge/recognition of responsibilities involved

Preplanning Site Management (Establishment of Command Post and Logistics)

Record-Keeping (Tracking People and Equipment)

Managing the Search Function

Planning

Execution

Demobilization (specific)

Nunavut vs. Urban or Wilderness Search: similarities and differences