3 Questions to Ask Yourself First
1
Do I love helping people?
Our members donate an average of 100 volunteer hours each year helping strangers. For some, it’s many, many more. That might sound like a lot, but the time goes quickly when your passion has a purpose.
2
Am I prepared to work hard?
Search & Rescue missions often require many rigorous hours spent in arduous conditions, and in some units, you do it all with a rescue pack on your back. The work is not easy, but that might be exactly why it’s so satisfying.
3
Can I respond to unplanned missions?
The call for help can go out at any time. We need people who can answer the call. While mission response is always voluntary, our members typically find the time to respond to at least eight missions per year.
The Application Process
King County Search and Rescue volunteers belong to nine separate, specialized units. To find out more about the units and/or start the application process, scroll down to the unit descriptions with links to unit websites. All prospective volunteers must complete the following as part of the application process.
Shared Application Requirements
Emergency Worker Application
All new King County Search and Rescue applicants must complete a Washington State Emergency Worker application that includes a criminal background check.
CPR & First Aid Certification
All King County Search and Rescue members must maintain certifications in CPR and First Aid. Some units require these certifications as a part of their application process.
Online Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) Training
All new members must complete online training modules in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS).
Which Search and Rescue Unit is Right for You?
Each of King County Search and Rescue’s nine specialized units has its own admissions process, training requirements and timelines. Review the unit summaries below. Click the unit title or photo to go to a unit’s website. Contact the unit for more information or to start their application process.
Missions Types:
Wilderness searches and rescues, urban missing person searches, police evidence searches, recoveries, safety education.
Typical Mission Work:
Rigorous fieldwork including carrying a 20-40lb rescue pack up mountain trails.
Core Requirements:
Completion of 170-hour Basic Training course (about 6 months).
When to Apply:
May-July. Basic Training starts in August.
Missions Types:
Wilderness searches and rescues, urban missing person searches, police evidence searches, recoveries, disaster response, safety education.
Typical Mission Work:
Transporting ground searchers and subjects in your personal 4×4 vehicle. Managing traffic and logistics at a field command post.
Core Requirements:
Valid Washington State driver’s license and insurance. Attend a team meeting. The ability to complete core competency training within one year.
When to Apply:
Anytime. Applications are reviewed monthly.
Missions Types:
Wilderness searches, rescues, recoveries and rope rescue.
Typical Mission Work:
Rigorous field work including carrying a 20-40 lb rescue pack in steep, mountainous terrain sometimes over snow, rock and ice. Committing to year round training is also required.
Core Requirements:
Three years of experience in both technical rock, glacier and winter backcountry. Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and sound risk management skills.
When to Apply:
December through January. Interviews will be held in March. Checkout SMR’s website to learn more and start the application process!
Missions Types:
Wilderness searches and rescues, urban missing person searches, police evidence searches, recoveries, disaster response, large events, safety education.
Typical Mission Work:
Administrative work in field command centers including incident management, planning, logistics, mapping, and communications.
Core Requirements:
Valid driver’s license and insurance. Ability to complete required training within one year. Ability to obtain an FCC amateur radio license within two years.
When to Apply: Anytime.
Missions Types:
Wilderness and urban searches, water searches, police evidence searches, recoveries, disaster response, public demonstrations and safety education.
Typical Mission Work:
Dog handling and team support (navigation and communications). Substantial regular dog training and re-certification with 3-5 unit training events per month.
Core Requirements:
After completing the unit interview process, handlers and support complete all core King County SAR competencies. Airscent and Trailing handlers train weekly for 18-36 months before taking certification tests and deploying on missions.
When to Apply:
KCSD solicits applications for membership annually. Details on new member information sessions will be posted on the KCSD website and social media pages.
Missions Types:
Wilderness searches and rescues, urban missing person searches, police evidence searches, recoveries, disaster response, safety education.
Typical Mission Work:
Driving a personally-owned ATV, snowmobile, or dual sport on backcountry trails to search for subjects, transport subjects, and transport ground searchers.
Core Requirements:
Valid Washington State driver’s license and insurance. Completion of the ATV online E-Course. Completion of unit specified training. An ATV, Snowmobile, or Dual-Sport that meets unit requirements.
When to Apply: Anytime.
Missions Types:
Wilderness searches and rescues, police evidence searches, safety education.
Typical Mission Work:
Rugged horseback trail riding to search for subjects and transport gear.
Core Requirements:
Good trail riding experience. Complete Field Training Course (includes 3 overnights). Access to a trained, field-safe horse. Self-sufficient with rider and horse transportation. Pass qualification test.
When to Apply:
Applications are accepted throughout the year. New member training begins in January.
Missions Types:
Wilderness searches and rescues, avalanche rescues, urban missing person searches, police evidence searches, recoveries.
Typical Mission Work:
Backcounty travel in snow with a 20-40lb rescue pack.
Core Requirements:
Current member of the National Ski Patrol.
When to Apply: Anytime.
Mission Type:
Wilderness searches and rescues, urban missing person searches, and police evidence searches.
Typical Mission Work:
Visual tracking of subjects in the wilderness and urban settings.
Core Requirements:
Become a prospective member. Attend initial training sessions and demonstrate an interest in becoming an associate member.
When to Apply: Anytime.
Volunteer Interest Form
Submit this form if you’d like to receive updates and announcements from King County Search and Rescue.
