Training
To publish an upcoming training here, send an e-mail to the Training Chair with the details.
The New Mexico Search and Rescue Council has devoted itself to the advancement of training in the various disciplines involved in the field of search and rescue (SAR). Our member teams cover a broad spectrum of specialties related to SAR, and we believe that, as an organization, it is an advantage and a responsibility to capitalize on the training expertise of the NMSARC member teams and the greater New Mexico SAR community.
In order to better assist with and promote training opportunities in our state we extend an invitation to member teams to host training events throughout the year. To encourage diverse and widespread participation in such events, member teams are encouraged to actively engage in the hosting, coordination, and facilitation of SAR training missions. While member teams would be considered as the primary hosts, the NMSARC Board is here to serve as a sponsor for statewide and regional training events.
In order for teams to host a statewide or regional training event that is sponsored by the NMSARC they must:
- Be active members of the NMSARC.
- Obtain a state Training Mission Number from the Search and Rescue Resource Officer.
- Submit a Training Request form (below), including a narrative description of the proposed training, to the NMSARC Board.
- Submit a preliminary training budget to the NMSARC Board.
Member teams can petition the NMSARC for assistance in the following:
- Event sponsorship and advertising via internet mediums such as the NMSARC website.
- Training instruction, consultation and/or guidance at any stage of the process. This may include acquiring specialized instructors for the event, establishment of an Incident Command staff for the event, evaluation of training plans, logistics, or operations, acquisition of special resources, etc.
- Financial assistance (aka: seed money) to get the event started. This would be in the form of a loan that would be repaid to the NMSARC after the event.
Proposals for NMSARC sponsored training events should be submitted to the NMSARC Board of Directors via the Training Chair for review and approval. Any questions or correspondence to this end should be directed to the Training Chair.
Proposals can be mailed to:
NMSARC
P.O. Box 3396
Albuquerque, NM 87190
or can be submitted via e-mail to: training@nmsarc.org
Offer Your Training Expertise to NMSARC Members
If you're interested in being added to NMSARC's new Training Directory as a volunteer trainer, please complete this form and email it to Board member and Training Directory Chairperson, or mail it to NMSARC, PO Box 3396, Albuquerque, NM 87190.
The information you provide will help member teams interested in training determine the extent and focus of your background. We will post the document on the NMSARC website so that member teams can locate experts in their region.
The basic goals for the project include 1) more frequent and specific trainings for member teams and 2) the bonding of our SAR community.
Winter Skills Training
This past weekend saw 25 participants converge on the Philmont Scout Ranch from throughout the state for 3 days of Winter Skills Training. The Philmont guides developed a great presentation to supplement their Kanik (Inuit word for snowflake) Winter Camping Program, and tailored the program to best meet the needs of our search and rescue volunteers.
Friday evening's presentation included information on winter clothing essentials, understanding what to do if you are caught in an avalanche, how to build a quinzee snow shelter, and many more important winter camping skills.
Even though Mother Nature was not very cooperative this weekend, the Philmont guides were able to find us some snow to practice our 
winter skills. After making the trek to 10,000 ft elevation, and setting up camp at Baldy Town (an old mining town), there was instruction on how avalanche transceivers work, winter patient packaging (burrito wrap), snow shoeing, patient packaging and transport in a Sked stretcher, basic fire building and more. With the large array of varying experiences and skills in attendance, there was also a great amount of information contributed by the participants as well. Saturday evening also saw amazing views of the sky, a star gazing presentation and plummeting temperatures. The training was also an opportunity for the participants to "show and tell" their personal winter gear, and even field test some new equipment. With nighttime temperatures dropping down into the teens, everyone was able to camp at their own comfort levels. Philmont's four season tents lent some relief from the cold temperatures, and bone chilling winds. Some participants also opted to practice their bivy skills, and braved the night in the snow.
Even with the lack of snow, the weekend was a success, allowing participants to come away from the training with new knowledge and a confidence that they can take with them on a winter search and rescue mission.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to the Philmont Scout Ranch and their guides for a unique and wonderful experience. The accommodations were great, and the exposure to the historical landmarks was much appreciated.
It was a pleasure meeting volunteers from throughout the state, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at the next training March 12th, in Las Cruces.
Mark Your Calendars!
NMSARC will be holding a land navigation training March 12th in Las Cruces, NM. This training will include compass, map and GPS aspects of navigation. There will be a classroom instruction followed by a field session. To reserve a spot for this training, please contact: Brian Hamilton, us_trident1@msn.com, (575) 642-3907
