Trindel Insurance Fund



1338580-11430000Law Enforcement Search and Rescue Volunteer (SARV) PolicyGuidelines“The following policy guidelines provide suggestions for the recruitment, screening, placement, training and removal of Law Enforcement Search and Rescue Volunteers. The application of these guidelines will be determined by the individual needs of the Trindel Member County law enforcement organization. These guidelines are intended to provide a foundation for a comprehensive Search and Rescue Volunteer Policy to best serve the needs of the Trindel Member County and its citizens.” “The specific training requirements in these guidelines are based on the California OES Law Enforcement Branch; SAR/US&R Mutual Aid Guidelines adopted in 2005 by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Law Enforcement Branch and are specific to Type 2 – Rugged Terrain Environments. Types 1, 3 & 4 Search Environment training requirements may be found in those guidelines and may be included in each Trindel Member County Law Enforcement Search and Rescue Guidelines as needed.”General Policy Provisions:This policy applies to all authorized Search & Rescue Volunteers engaged in the following examples of County authorized Search & Rescue operations and training (the authorized operations and training will be determined by the individual Trindel Member County):Basic Search and Rescue as described in this policyOff Highway Vehicle OperationEquestrian SkillsGround Search SkillsTracker SkillsTraffic Control SkillsThis policy applies to the following requirements:SARV Application and ScreeningSARV Background checksSARV Physical RequirementsSARV Participation RequirementsSARV Training RequirementsSARV Insurance CoverageAll provisions of this policy are to be adhered to. Definitions:Authorized Search and Rescue Volunteer (SARV) -An unpaid citizen Search and Rescue Volunteer in good standing with this policy.Code of Safe Practices -List of safe workplace practices specific to the task assigned to the S.A.R.V.Volunteer Search & Rescue Coordinator -Department staff member responsible for the selection, training and assignment of Search & Rescue VolunteersInjury & Illness Preventative ProgramOverall IIPP that applies to all county employees and volunteers regardless of department or job assignment.LPS - County Loss Preventative Specialist County Designated Safety Officer“Call Up” – An emergency search and rescue event requiring SARV participation.SARV Application & Screening Process -All potential Search & Rescue Volunteers must complete the County SARV application. These forms are available through the County Web-site, Sheriff’s Office or Human Resources Dept. (See Appendix A)Completed applications will be submitted to the County’s Human Resources department for review and then forwarded to the SARV Coordinator for screening and interview.The following will be scheduled for applicants selected by the SARV Coordinator:Background check at level deemed appropriate by County Sheriff and Human Resources Drug & Alcohol test consistent with county post offer pre placement policy.Physical Screening consistent with SARV task assignmentAfter successful completion of the background check, drug/alcohol test and physical screening the applicant will:Read and sign the Search and Rescue Volunteer Service Agreement (See Appendix B).Read and sign the Search and Rescue Volunteer Service Statement (See Appendix C).The applicant will be accepted into the County Search and Rescue Volunteer program. SARV Participation Requirements:Attendance and successful completion of all training required by the SARV Coordinator is mandatory.Failure to attend and complete required training will result in removal from the SARV Program at the discretion of the County Sheriff and/ or SARV Coordinator.Volunteers will respond to all call-ups by the County Sheriff and / or SARV Coordinator. Failure to respond will result in removal from the SARV Program at the discretion of the County Sheriff and / or SARV Coordinator.A SARV may be granted a leave of absence from the program at the discretion of the County SARV Coordinator and / or Sheriff.VSARs will comply with existing County Sheriff’s training and Code of Safe Practices when participating in any and all assigned search and rescue activities.Termination of Search & Rescue Volunteer:The removal of a SARV from the program is at the sole description of the County Sheriff or designee.Use of privately owned vehicles for official County Search and Rescue Volunteer activity:Use of private vehicles must be authorized by County Sheriff and/or the SARV Coordinator. Any private vehicle used for county search and rescue must have current California Registration.Vehicle must be in safe operating condition to be verified by SARV Coordinator.All SAR volunteers must have valid license for the vehicle being operated.Licensing requirements:All employees who are authorized county drivers shall have current California Drivers License and endorsements appropriate to the vehicle being driven on official county business.Each SARV required to operate a county or private vehicle will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull ProgramInsurance CoverageWorker’s Compensation:County has adopted a resolution extending workers' compensation coverage for all Search and Rescue Volunteers pursuant to Labor Code Section 3363.5. (See Appendix E)All SARVs will be covered by worker compensation commensurate with County insurance policy and practice. Each SARV will acknowledge of Worker’s Compensation being the sole remedy for injuries occurring during participating in official county search & rescue activities and/or training. (See Appendix D - SARV Acknowledgement of Workers’ Compensation)Auto Insurance:Automobile insurance follows the automobile. When operating a County vehicle, County insurance will be in effect. While operating a private vehicle while on County business, the volunteer’s automobile insurance will be applicable on a primary basis per the California Vehicle Code, CVC 17152Each SAR Volunteer must provide proof of current vehicle insurance coverage equal to or greater than the county’s insurance requirements for private vehicles used in search and rescue operations. Liability:SARVs are covered by the County’s general liability policy so long as the volunteer acts within the scope and course of assigned duties. SARV Training requirements:Each SAR volunteer will be trained in the tasks and skills required by the San Benito County Sheriff Department. Training will be provided by the Sheriff Department or outside providers.Volunteer training will be based on the rescue needs, conditions and environments as determined by the San Benito County Sheriff DepartmentThe Search and Rescue Volunteer will be designated and trained as a Disaster Service Worker Volunteer in accordance with the California Emergency Services Act and the California Emergency Services Agency, Search and Rescue Mutual Aid Guidelines.No SARV will be assigned to a search and rescue activity until he/she is trained and demonstrates the skills required for the safe participation in the assignment.O.H.V. Initial Training Requirements:Applicants must demonstrate the following proficiencies:Successfully complete OHV safety training course to the vehicle to be operated in search & rescue activities.Demonstrate proficiency in safe A.T.V. operation to the SARV Coordinator or designee. An Off Highway Vehicle SARV must be capable of conducting Search/Support Missions in various terrain and weather conditions. There are basic skills that all Search and Rescue Team members must have before going into the field during a search. The following pages contain two tables: Search Environment Type 2 search & rescue environment Required Competencies. Type 2 Rugged Terrain Environments Rugged Conditions, Altitude generally under 7000’, Heat, Cold concerns, Moderate to Heavy Ground Cover. CompetenciesOperational periods w/o external support Capable of field assignments up to one day. With the possibility of an overnight in the field. Medical Skills Current First Aid/CPR Radio Communications Member should be familiar with basic radio communication skills. This should include: understanding the use of Mutual Aid Radio Frequencies and basic radio etiquette. Knowledge of Basic SEMS/ICS Member should be familiar with the “Standardized Emergency Management System/ICS.” Helicopter Safety Basic Helicopter Safety. Knowledge and familiarity with Loading/ Unloading (Both Hot and Cold). Help establish landing site. Field Interview Skills Information Handling Member should be familiar with the handling of sensitive information and basic interview skills when dealing with witnesses and the public. Navigation Determine and communicate position; navigate point-to-point with GPS and map/compass; route-finding. Tracking Skills Clue and track aware. Fitness Fitness appropriate for conditions, terrain and missions. Rope Skills Basic Low Angle Skills; Assist with packaging and litter work. Crime Scene Protection Member should be familiar with basic crime scene protection, chain of evidence and documentation. OHV Code of Safe PracticesA.T.V. shall not be ridden off designated trails in environmentally sensitive areas unless required by the operational situation or officer safety concerns.Department vehicles will not be ridden or driven at a speed or in a manner so that control of the vehicle is lost.Passengers will not be allowed on the A.T.V.’s except in the event of an emergency evacuation. The A.T.V.’s will not tow or push other vehicles except in emergencies.A.T.V.’s should not be driven through water deep enough to wet any portion of the vehicle other than the tires. SARVs working in the O.H.V. environment generally will be in remote areas operating on unpaved roadways in rugged terrain. SARVs shall operate departmental and/or privately owned equipment within the limitation of the equipment design and within their own personal limitations. O.H.V. Personal Protective EquipmentAll SARVs shall wear the following PPE when operating any O.H.V.:DOT approved helmet Shall be worn at all times when operating a County or privately owned O.H.V. during search and rescue activities.Helmet will be inspected and approved by SARV Coordinator before use.O.H.V. / Motorcycle eye protection.Gloves. & over the ankle boots.Full length trousersLong sleeve shirtsMounted Search and Rescue Training RequirementsA Mounted SARV member must be capable of conducting Search/Support Missions in various terrain and weather conditions. There are basic skills that all Search and Rescue Team members must have before going into the field during a search. The following pages contain two tables: Search Environment Type 2 search & rescue environment Recommended Capabilities and Skills. Type 2 Search & Rescue EnvironmentRugged Conditions, Altitude under 7000’, Heat, Cold concerns, Moderate to Heavy Ground petenciesOperational assignments w/o external support*note: time is listed in hours not a 12 hr. ops period4 hr. average without breaks. High elevation may require horse given time to acclimate.Medical SkillsCurrent First Aid/CPRRadioCommunicationsDemonstrate basic radio communication skills. To include:Understanding the use of Mutual Aid Radio Frequencies and basic radio etiquette.Knowledge of BasicSEMS/ICSDemonstrate familiarity with the “Standardized Emergency ManagementSystem/ICS.”Helicopter SafetyDemonstrate basic helicopter safety, Hot & Cold loading procedures and establishment of rescue land sites.NavigationDetermine and communicate position; navigate point-to-point with GPS and map/compass; route-finding.Tracking SkillsClue and track aware.FitnessFitness appropriate for conditions, terrain and missions.Rope SkillsBasic Low Angle Skills; Assist with packaging and litter work.Crime SceneProtectionMember should be familiar with basic crime scene protection, chain of evidence and documentation.TransportationSuitable tow vehicle & horse trailer combination to be maintained in good working order.Horse/RiderAnnual successful completion of basic skills, see below **Rider – Search SkillsHave ability to modify traditional ground search techniques to mounted search environmentRider – knowledge to administer first aid to horseRecognize animal distress & either provide emergency treatment or summon appropriate assistance.Ground Searcher Competency Requirements:The SARV Ground Searcher must be capable of conducting Search/Support Missions in various terrain and weather conditions. There are basic skills that all Search and Rescue Team members must have before going into the field during a search. The following pages contain two tables: 1) Search Environment Type 2 search & rescue environment 2) Required CompetenciesType 2Rugged Terrain EnvironmentsRugged Conditions, Altitude under 7000’, Heat, Cold concerns, Moderate to Heavy Ground petenciesOperational periods w/o external supportCapable of field assignments up to one day. With the possibility of an overnight in the field.Medical SkillsCurrent First Aid/CPRRadio CommunicationsMember should be familiar with basic radio communication skills. This should include: understanding the use of Mutual Aid Radio Frequencies and basic radio etiquette.Knowledge of Basic SEMS/ICS Member should be familiar with the “Standardized Emergency Management System/ICS.”Helicopter SafetyBasic Helicopter Safety. Knowledge and familiarity with Loading/ Unloading (Both Hot and Cold). Help establish landing site.Field Interview Skills Information HandlingMember should be familiar with the handling of sensitive information and basic interview skills when dealing with witnesses and the public.NavigationDetermine and communicate position; navigate point-to-point with GPS and map/compass; route-finding.Tracking SkillsClue and track aware.FitnessFitness appropriate for conditions, terrain and missions.Rope Skills Basic Low Angle Skills; Assist with packaging and litter work. Crime Scene ProtectionMember should be familiar with basic crime scene protection, chain of evidence and documentation.Tracker Competency Requirements:The SARV Tracker must be capable of conducting Search/Support Missions in various terrain and weather conditions. There are basic skills that all Search and Rescue Trackers must have before going into the field during a search. The following pages contain two tables: 1) Search Environment Type 2 search & rescue environment 2) Required CompetenciesType 2Rugged Terrain Environments Rural, off road or trail. Not highly traveled, moderate problems, day and petenciesTracking SkillsModerately contaminated sign. Identify specific footprints. Verify sign aging, direction of travel and number of persons. Employ multiple sign cutting teams, including perimeter and double team techniques. Recognize, identify, define and describe simple ageing observed. Track one or more persons at and from a specific site. Identify prints along a sign line. Describe obvious individual sign maker characteristics... Operation Periods Two operational periods without external support. Medical SkillsCurrent First Aid / CPR Radio CommunicationsFamiliar with basic radio communications skills. Understand the use of Mutual Aid Radio Frequencies and basic radio etiquette.Knowledge of NIMS/SEMS/ ICS Current NIMS/SEMS requirementHelicopter OperationsBasic Helicopter Safety. Knowledge and familiarity with Loading/ Unloading (Both Hot and Cold). Help establish landing site.NavigationDetermine and communicate position, navigate point to point with GPS and map/compass, route finding.FitnessFitness appropriate for conditions, terrain and mission.Rope SkillsBasic rope safety, low angle rope skills. Self -evacuation.Crime Scene ProtectionFamiliar with basic crime scene protection, chain of evidence and documentation.RadioCommunicationsFamiliar with basic radio communications skills. Understand the use Of Mutual Aid Radio Frequencies and basic radio etiquette.Training Resources (Examples)Off Highway Vehicle / All Terrain Vehicle Safety TrainingATV safety training courses are offered at all SVRAs and various sites throughout California. Below is a list of the SVRA training sites:-?Clay Pit SVRA, Oroville-?Prairie City SVRA, Rancho Cordova-?Carnegie SVRA, Tracy-?Hollister Hills SVRA, Hollister-?Hungry Valley SVRA, Gorman-?Oceana Dunes SVRA, Oceana-?Ocotillo Wells SVRA, Borrego Springs-?Heber Dunes SVRA, HeberCourses are predominately scheduled on weekends. Contact?ASI?for available dates and locations Hills SVRA7800 Cienega RoadHollister CA 95023District Office: (831) 637-8186?Ranger Station: (831) 637-3874(ASI) The ATV Safety Institute ATV Safety Institute?2 Jenner, Suite 150Irvine, CA 92618-3806(949) 727-3727 Bike Safety Training (Examples)The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) A national, not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, and Yamaha This Business?HOLLISTER HILLS (DBSROC CENTRAL CAL) HYPERLINK "" Central Cal Off-road Training Centers1497 Keats Ave.Clovis, CA 936113346 N Bethel AvenueSanger,?CA?93657-9390(559) 360-1170HOLLISTER HILLS SVRA-DBSROC RUHSTORFERMIKE'S OFF ROAD & MOTOCROSS SAFETY CLASSSAN JOSE,CA95138?(408) 358-9107Mounted Search and Rescue TrainingHorseback riding instruction; Hollister, CA and Contra Costa Counties? HYPERLINK "" \t "_blank" East Bay Regional Park District Search and RescueAmador County Sheriff's Office SAR Mounted UnitButte County Sheriff's Mounted Posse (contact via?Butte County Sheriff's Communications Reserve)Contra Costa County Sheriff's Search and Rescue TeamEl Dorado County Sheriff's Office SAR Mounted Unit?(also?here)Fresno County Sheriff's Posse?and?Fresno County Sheriff's Department Mounted Horse UnitGlenn County Sheriff's PosseHumboldt County Sheriff's Mounted PosseKern CountyKern Mounted Search and Rescue?and?Kern County Sheriff's Department Glennville Search and RescueLos Angeles County?Altadena/Crescenta Valley Mounted Posse?Antelope Valley Volunteer Mounted Unit?Lomita Station Mounted Posse?Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station?United States Army Volunteer Reserve (USAVR) Mounted Cavalry Task ForceMarin County Mounted Sheriff's PosseMariposa County Sheriff's PosseMerced County Sheriff's PosseMonterey County Sheriff's Mounted Unit; also?Monterey County Sheriff's PosseNapa County Mounted Sheriff's Posse?(under Special Units)Nevada County Sheriff's SAR Mounted UnitPlacer County Sheriff's Department Mounted UnitRiverside County?Palm Springs Mounted Police Search & Rescue?Norco Mounted Posse?Temecula Valley Police PosseSacramento County Sheriff's Mounted Search and RescueSan Benito County Sheriff's Volunteer Mounted Search UnitSan Bernardino County Mounted Posse and Mounted SAR Teams, including Apple Valley Sheriff's Mounted Posse, Barstow Mounted Posse, Bear Valley Sheriff's Mounted Posse, East Valley Sheriff's Mounted Posse, Morongo Basin Mounted SAR Team, and West Valley Sheriff's Mounted Posse. Also?Chino Police Mounted Posse?and?Yucca Valley MSARSan Diego County Sheriff's Department SAR Mounted UnitMounted Search and Rescue Training (Cont.)San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department SAR Mounted UnitSan Luis Obispo County Sheriff's PosseSan Mateo County?Sheriff's Mounted Search & Rescue?Mounted Patrol?San Mateo County Parks Volunteer Horse PatrolSanta Clara County Allied Agencies Search and RescueSanta Cruz County Sheriff's PosseShasta County Sheriff's Mounted PosseSolano County Sheriff's PosseSutter County Sheriff?s Mounted PosseTuolumne County Sheriff's Search and RescueTulare County Sheriff's Posse?and?Tulare County Sheriff's Mounted PatrolYolo County Sheriff's PosseSee alsoCalifornia Mounted Officers AssociationCalifornia Governor's Office of Emergency Services?(including?MSAR kind and type tables, and horse and rider guidelines, a 155KB PDF)Adjacent: [Oregon] [Nevada] [Arizona]Appendix A Appendix B (Example)Volunteer ProgramAcknowledgement of Workers’ CompensationI hereby acknowledge that as a volunteer for San Benito County in the capacity ofSearch And Rescue Volunteer,I am not an employee of the County, but that I am covered under the County’s workers' compensation plan since the County has adopted a resolution extending workers' compensation coverage to certain volunteers in specified categories pursuant to Labor Code Section 3363.5.As a volunteer who is covered under the County’s workers' compensation plan, I expressly agree and acknowledge that workers' compensation is my exclusive remedy for any injury suffered while performing said volunteer duties, and that I cannot and will not seek to bring any other claim or actions of any type whatsoever against the County, its employees, officers, agencies, other volunteers and officials.Date:Signature:Print Name:Parent or Guardian Signature (if minor):Witness:Appendix C (Example)SEARCH AND RESCUE VOLUNTEERSERVICE STATEMENTIn performing the service specified in my volunteer job description, I acknowledge:I have attended the County’s volunteer orientation program and have been given a copy of the Volunteer Manual, which includes a volunteer handbook, my job description, policies and procedures and safety information;I have acquainted myself with what is required to perform my tasks, and represent that I have the skill and ability to perform them and know of no reason, medical or otherwise, which would prevent me from performing the tasks required;I will adhere to the safety training provided by the supervisor.I will perform my volunteer service in compliance with the standards and specifications established for my position.Volunteer’s Signature:Date:Appendix D: (Example)SEARCH & RESCUE VOLUNTEERVOLUNTEER AGREEMENTThe County gratefully accepts into its volunteer program. The ______________Department will do it’s very best to make the volunteer’s experience productive, fun and rewarding. To that end, this agreement addresses the commitments made by the County and the volunteer.The Administration Department commits to the following:To provide training and support for the volunteer so that he or she may be confident in performing their assigned duties.To provide diligent guidance, supervision and feedback on performance.To respect the skills, individual needs and dignity of the volunteer.To be receptive to comments and suggestions from the volunteer.To treat the volunteer as an equal co-worker with paid staff, jointly responsible for the completion of the County's mission. The volunteer commits to the following:To perform assigned duties to the best of his or her ability, and to inform the County if changes in his or her situation or health could interfere with the safe and timely performance of these duties.To adhere to County rules, policies and procedures, including recordkeeping and confidentiality of County and client information.To meet time and duty commitments, or to provide adequate notice so that alternative arrangements can be made.Agreed to:Volunteer:Date:Coordinator:Date:Appendix E (Example) ................
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