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Programs & Services  

Search and Rescue

SAR Program OverviewGround Search and Rescue CollegeSAR Course DescriptionsEquipmentNewsAffiliated SAR Organizations

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Search and Rescue Program Overview

The Search and Rescue (SAR) program is divided into two (2) major areas of responsibility: Training and Response.

SAR Response

Search and rescue is divided into 4 elements according to the conditions and environment of where or how the incident has occurred.

State SAR assets respond to these incidents at the request of the local jurisdiction. Responding SAR organizations are those who are formally recognized by VDEM through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or other agreement. Response is coordinated through the Virginia Emergency Operations Center (VEOC), which remains staffed around the clock.

In addition to SAR incidents within the Commonwealth, SAR assets are available to respond beyond Virginia in the event of a national level incident, or a direct request from another state.

SAR Training Program

The program also provides specialized search and rescue training to police, fire-rescue, EMS, emergency managers, volunteer SAR responders, and others who might have a duty to respond to a SAR emergency. Training courses are based upon performance standards recommended by the Virginia Search and Rescue Council and adopted by the agency. The agency does not charge the students for this training.

SAR Course Descriptions