[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whenever a person participates in a wilderness search, he or she should be prepared to be self‐sufficient for at least 24 hours, regardless of conditions. To ensure the ability to respond to a call quickly, GSAR team members should keep a pack ready and loaded with items suitable for the weather and terrain that the SAR Group operates in. Remember, that being prepared for a task in the summer will be different than being prepared for a task in the winter.
The following list of personal equipment is recommended for all people involved in SAR and should be carried with them on any wilderness search:
Spare Clothes
- Wool or pile toque
- Wool or pile mitts
- Waterproof breathable mitts or gloves
- Wool socks
- Wind and waterproof coat and pants
- Wool or pile coat
- Some additional clothing for the subject
Equipment & Supplies
- Plastic tarp or shelter (at least 5’ x 7’)
- Water proof clothing bag (2 large orange plastic garbage bags)
- Fire starter (matches, lighter and candle, or flint and knife
- At least 1 L of water (2 L if there is no dependable water source), water
container and some way to purify the water - Pot with a lid
- 15 m Prusik cord
- Knife with cover, or locking knife that closes (two knives may be recommended ‐ one in pack (folding) and a straight blade on belt or pack harness)
- Declination adjustable compass
- Headlamp plus extra bulb and battery
- Waterproof notebook and pencil
- Map
- Toilet paper
- Personal first aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Whistle
- Watch
- Sunglasses
- Clear eye protection for searching bush
- Flagging tape and marker pen (Sharpie)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for the incident
Other Suggested Items
- Folding saw and/or axe (highly recommended)
- Altimeter
- Emergency blankets
- Scissors
- 3‐5 m light wire
- Sleeping bag
- Lightweight stove and fuel
- Pencil flares
- Flashlight with extra batteries (highly recommended)
- 2‐12 hour light sticks (highly recommended)
- Duct tape (highly recommended)
Food
- Semisweet chocolate
- Soup cubes
- Protein bars
- Hard sugar candy
- Booklet on wilderness survival
- Personal First Aid Kit
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