Training and Team Roles

Search Technician

Every operational member undergoes a period of training and assessment in order to qualify as a Search technician. A Search Technician forms the major part of the individual teams that are deployed during a search.

Leading Technician

As an individuals experience and knowledge expands and they meet a strict criteria set down by the Committee a Search Technician can be awarded Leading Technician status. This reflects the individuals contribution to CamSAR and the respect they have earned from their peers.

Team Leader

Teams range in size from 4 to 6 members with the Team Leader providing team leadership and group management. The Leam Leader is responsible for briefing the team and managing the health and safety and welfare of the team. They also decide on team tactics and break the search area down into manageable sectors.

Search Controller

The Search Controller co-ordinates all the resources available and provide scenario based planning of the search and divide the search area into high, medium and low probability sectors based on missing persons behaviour statistics. The search controller records all information coming back from the teams and liaise with other agencies such as police, HM Coastguard, RAF Search and Rescue etc.

First Aider

A member of the team who is highly trained and skilled Search Technician with additional first aid skills to support the other team members and the missing person if they are found injured.

MTB Unit

Additionally trained Search Technicians with the skills required to use the teams mountain bikes. This unit within the team specialise in fast route and path searches, scouting terrain and identifying search areas and boundaries.

Tracker

Specially trained Search Technicians skilled at identifying and following evidence of movement.

Non-operational members

Whilst not actively participating in searches, these members are equally vital to the Unit. They help maintain equipment, keep our vehicle on the road, carry out fundraising and recruitment activities and assist with the accounts.