- Training: To get an idea of the training “time” you need to look at the training requirements for each level. Each requirement has a set amount of time that it should or could take to teach a subject. Sometimes it takes less time then is listed to teach a class. On a Monthly basis we hold a membership meeting / training every 1st Thursday of the month, sometimes this training is moved to the weekend or extended the night of to cover a specific topic.
- Response: Obviously work, school, family all come before an activations although many members works allow them to leave and members families are generally pretty accepting of missing a family occasion as they put themselves in the victims families place.
Q: I have no experience in emergency service type stuff. What about training? Who does it and under what authority?
A: That’s not a problem, we train you. No experience is needed! Training is always brought to the membership when possible by members of the SAR team. Some members are instructors for various training programs that benefit from the members volunteering with SAR or vice versa. When possible we always will train in house as we consider our members family. When it comes to authority for “certifications” given. Depending on the type of certification it all depends on the instructor. Our programs all meet all standard national and federal guidelines and any private organizations training requirements. IE American heart association for CPR / First aid.
Q: Does it Cost anything for training?
A: Sometimes yes, we try to keep trainings as free / cheap as possible to members. We really try to train within the group using our own resources when possible. Sometimes costs are past on to members because of outside costs. For example during the SAR operations training we charge a fee which covers expenses for the weekend including food for the class, glow sticks, flagging tape, gas for the response truck, and other “disposable” items. We do this because the instructors cannot afford to buy everything for each class. Whatever is left goes right back into the groups bank account and there is never a monetary gain. Other trainings can cost more depending on instructor’s expenses and such. We always try to keep it as low as possible.
Q: I work? I have a family?
A: So do the rest of us! Welcome you’re among friends. Family, Work, School all come before volunteering. We understand that these things are out there. We just ask you to do the best possible and to always evaluate your position / status before making any commitments.
Q: What’s the 70% commitment rule I hear about?
A: To keep members proficient in what we do, we try to require a commitment level of 70% of all of our activities. This can mean anything from trainings, activations, meetings, paging tests, radio nets. It all adds up and we use it to gauge availability / status of members.