Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue is a member of Lowland Search and Rescue, which in turn is a member of the governments UKSAR Operators Group – the body that governs all search and rescue operations around the UK.

As such, we align with Mountain Rescue, Cave Rescue, HM Coastguard, the RNLI and other search and rescue services of the UKSAR Operators Group. Our area covers everywhere “From Hill to High Water”

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply, but you do need to be reasonably fit to be an active searcher and also pass the initial training and assessment to the set standards required. However the group also needs administrators and fundraisers in support of ‘operational’ members, so if you feel you would prefer to help in those ways please get in touch.

Because of the nature of our activities and close working relationship with the police, all prospective members are required to complete an application form, a health questionnaire and undergo a DBS background check to comply with membership requirements. All application forms are kept strictly confidential. Providing your application is successful you will be asked to sign an undertaking of confidentiality.

No specific skills are needed to join, as we provide training recognised to a national standard. Commitment, enthusiasm and the ability to work as part of a team are more important. There are some basic minimal standards that people must attain during the initial training and assessment process and upon completion of these will become a member of the search team.

In order to become an ‘operational’ member and take part in ‘live searches’ you will need to satisfactorily complete a search technician development guide and then complete a Search Skills and Techniques Course (initial training and assessment). This course will provide you with the training and skills you need to work as a member of a search team. Further training is provided in a variety of subjects including Communications, First Aid, Team Leadership, Land Navigation (use of map and compass) and other associated subjects such as training for Water Search, Mountain Bike, Drone Search and Kayak Search. Exercises are conducted regularly to maintain team skills.

We ask that you make a minimum of 18 months commitment to the team and to become fully operational you will need to attend and pass the Licensed Search Technician training that takes place in the first few months of your association. We appreciate you will be a volunteer, but we do specify a minimum attendance to training sessions  and exercises throughout the year. This is to ensure that all members are fully trained and well practised in readiness for ‘live searches’. People’s lives may depend upon your skills. We also require that people attend a minimum of 3 fundraising events through the year.

We recommend that you have a pair of good boots with ankle support. Specific items of uniform and equipment are provided by the team and other sundry items can be purchased at favourable rates from our Quartermaster. The best advice on what you need comes from team members so speak to them before you go shopping for anything.

The running costs involved in running a SAR team are high and in order to alleviate this we ask each member to pay an annual membership fee of £25. Each member of the team costs around £300 to provide kit to and at all times the kit remains the property of CamSAR and ALL kit is to be returned when members leave. We also require applicants to undergo DBS background checks.

Whilst it is not compulsory it is recommended that you notify your employer of your involvement with CamSAR. Many employers recognise that of being part of a professional organisation brings with it many benefits.

After looking through our website and the information provided email us at interest@camsar.org to ask any further questions regarding application or joining.