Application Process
1) Meet the basic requirements:
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have a valid CA drivers license
• Must live in Alameda County or a contiguous county
2) ** The class orientations occur in the fall of each year - starting in November. Please email us at info@alcosarinc.org to get on our interest list for future information regarding dates and time for the orientations.
All prospective applicants must attend one of the orientation meetings to receive an application to join. These will be accepted starting on January 1st and close on January 31st. The application will only be available to prospective members who attend an orientation meeting. This is a one hour overview of the team and all the dates trainees will be required to attend February through June.
3) Complete the Application and the Personal Information Page (January)
4) Pass a basic physical agility test (testing dates and information will be provided during application process) (February)
5) Pass an oral interview (March) Successful Candidates will be notified of their acceptance to the Basic Academy in April
6) Pass a preliminary background check
7) Begin Basic Training Class (May)
8) Complete a thorough background check (October- upon completion of the Basic Academy class)
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Medical Certification Requirement:
Complete within 1 year of acceptance on the team (if you do not already possess this)
(1) CPR for Healthcare Provider
and (2) Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) NHTSA Certified, Advanced First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder*
* Wilderness First Responder classes MUST also provide a First Responder certificate.
ALCO SAR also accepts advanced medical certifications such as EMT, Paramedic and other professional medical licenses based upon type. Contact us for further information regarding professional license acceptance.
ALCO SAR offers CPR classes in September and January and an Advanced First Aid Class in starting in January following the completion of the SAR Basic Academy for all new members in of need medical certifications that meet the unit requirements.
Sources for Medical Training
Classes are offered by many organizations, but here are a few options.
• American Red Cross 800-520-5433
• Las Positas College in Livermore
If you have questions if a particular class meets our unit requirements, please email us at info@alcosarinc.org
Note: If you take a class that meets in May thru September, be sure the class is NOT on Thursday nights or Saturdays, since that is when the Basic Training Academy will be in progress.
To receive more information about joining ALCO SAR, please contact the Deputy SAR Coordinator at (925) 803-7800 or email us at INFO@alcosarinc.org