Search And Rescue Emergency Workers

The general qualifications for the next category of personnel, the support-qualified workers, are similar to the novice workers, as well as some additional qualifications that also vary from state to state. Again, the support-qualified personnel are required to be in excellent condition concerning mental and physical health suitable to complete the job. Their knowledge for the job must include an understanding of the skills that are equivalent to the field search and rescue personnel, but do not have to have the experience nor the physical abilities of field-qualified personnel. First aid knowledge, covering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, protection from the elements, controlling bleeding in all instances both severe and mild, how to handle immobilizing bones, and most importantly, how to protect themselves from blood borne pathogens. Perhaps the most difficult phase of this category is the knowledge of operating a helicopter. These second level emergency workers are expected to understand and know proper operating procedures for a helicopter. This is accomplished by completing a basic course that has been given approval by the emergency management division. If it becomes absolute that the operation of a helicopter is necessary, the support worker must be able to demonstrate his or her knowledge and ability to handle a helicopter, as well as complete both the intermediate and advanced courses (also approved by the emergency management division) before being allowed to complete the duty.

The final category, field search and rescue emergency workers, is a position that necessitates top mental and physical performance by the worker, due to the conditions that they may be under at times. Some of these conditions may require survival techniques, which are required, and knowledge of outdoor living at its most difficult. The first aid section covers the same requirements as the second category, those being: knowledge of protecting oneself and others from being contaminated by blood borne pathogens, the ability to control bleeding either minimal or severe, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, protecting yourself from any elements, and handling broken bones. Along with outdoor living, this category requires a definite knowledge of wilderness living, involving map reading, compass usage, and additional methods of navigating as needed. This category also requires the knowledge of operating a helicopter as well as the proper completion of the basic course followed by successful completion of the intermediate and advanced courses if the duty calls for helicopter operation. The emergency management division must approve of the helicopter courses completed for satisfactory fulfillment of the requirements. Search and rescue techniques are mandatory for this category, along with the ability to handle a crime scene by recognizing it as such, and carrying on as necessary to complete the investigation or containment of the site until additional experts arrive.

As stated before, these are merely general requirements at most, and should not be followed as rules. Each state differs according to their governing laws and needs. Research into your states requirements concerning these jobs and the different categories will give you a clearer understanding of all that is necessary to become a search and rescue emergency worker.

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