Searcher Standards & Typing
Searcher typing standards are guidelines defined by CalOES for Mutual Aide response. They are standardized so that when Mutual Aide is requested, the requesting agency knows what level of searcher skills they are getting. We strive to adhere to these as our standards, however, for in-county searches a member who has received their SAR number in considered a Type 4 and those who have completed the Academy classes are considered Type 3.
Typing is two pronged; Search Environment and Training Standards. Below you will find information for specific Teams.
ENVIRONMENT Types - CAL OES
TYPE 1 ENVIRONMENT - Extreme/Complext Terrain & Conditions -- Extreme Conditions (including but not limited to) Altitude (generally 7000’+) or Deep Snow, Ice, Desert, Heat, Heavy Ground Cover, Steep difficult terrain. Capable of multiple operational periods, up to 72 hour deployments.
TYPE 2 ENVIRONMENT - Rugged Terrain & Moderate Conditions -- Rugged Conditions, Altitude generally under 7000’, Heat, Cold concerns, Moderately Steep terrain, Moderate to Heavy Ground Cover. Capable of field assignments up to one day. Possibility of an overnight in the field.
TYPE 3 ENVIRONMENT - Moderate/Gentle Terrain & Mild Conditions -- Gently Rolling Terrain, Open Spaces, Maintained Trailheads, Agricultural Areas. Maximum of one operational Period.
TYPE 4 ENVIRONMENT - Urban Areas -- Neighborhoods, Urban Office Complexes, Man-Made Surfaces, Public Interaction and Park Trails. Maximum of one operational period, with support.
Below is a grid to visualize the requirements by Type. You will notice that most are the same across all Types:
Training & Typing Guidelines (pre-task book) - For Reference
Ground Team Field Training and Typing Guidelines
Ground Field Training and Typing Guidelines.pdfOff Highway Vehicle Field Training & Typing Guidelines
OHV Field Training and Typing.pdf