Search and rescue (SAR) is one of the most crucial and challenging jobs in the world. It involves looking for and providing aid to individuals in dangerous or desperate situations. From treacherous mountain terrain to rough waters, SAR teams are routinely exposed to difficult situations as they put their own lives at risk to help others.
In the United States, there are multiple organizations
responsible for SAR at national, state, and local levels. Most daily SAR
operations in the US are led by County Sheriffs, although some states such as
Alaska have State Highway Patrol overseeing SAR efforts. In certain areas,
local fire departments, EMS services, or non-profit agencies may also provide
SAR assistance. Members of SAR teams typically receive training in the Incident
Command System (ICS), first aid, and necessary outdoor skills for their designated
terrain and climate.
Though search and rescue teams receive important training to
help them perform their duties, there are very few full-time SAR roles or
opportunities for individuals to pursue. Most often, aspiring SAR professionals
work other, relevant full-time jobs on the side and stay on call for any
potential search and rescue situations. The most common career fields that
offer search and rescue opportunities include:
• Law enforcement
• National parks employees
• Firefighters
• Emergency organizations
• United States military
Like other first responders, SAR personnel are frequently
exposed to traumatic incidents in their line of duty. This includes
life-threatening situations, severe injuries, and the loss of colleagues and
civilians. As a result, they face a higher risk of developing Compassion Fatigue,
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
As with firefighters, SAR volunteers have higher rates of
depression, suicidal thoughts, and attempted suicide than paid career first
responders. This could be due to the heightened work-family conflict caused by
the demands of their volunteer role, limited training on mental health and
critical incidents, and potential challenges in accessing mental health care.
Over the years, the demands placed on SAR volunteers have become more
challenging as outdoor recreation grows in popularity without an equivalent increase
in volunteer-based rescue services available.
While it may seem glamorous, SAR work is far from it; there
are no set hours and teams must be prepared to spend the night in the field if
necessary. SAR teams undergo rigorous training and live their lives on-call,
ready to help others at a moment's notice.
SAR personnel are often faced with the reality that it will
take hours and sometimes days to reach those who need help. Some will be beyond
help when they are found. Those who are still treatable will have the added
insult of prolonged suffering and exposure to the elements as they are
transported to a car facility. SAR personnel are required to handle themselves
and the operation in a professional manner while dealing directly with people’s
suffering.
Unfortunately, burnout and high levels of stress among SAR
personnel are common and comparable to other first responder groups.
Research has shown that the risk of developing PTSD
increases with each traumatic event experienced by SAR personnel.
Unfortunately, SAR personnel, like other first responders
we’ve discussed, are often the last to admit they need help, as it goes against
their role as providers of support rather than recipients. Seeking help is
often stigmatized or seen as a weakness in this community, where toughness is
essential. However, it is crucial for first responders to know how and where to
find help in order to build resilience.
Support mechanisms, the removal of the stigma associated
with experiencing emotional distress, and education about good mental health
being just as important as good physical health need to be available and easily
accessible to all first responders.
*****
“If you believe change is possible, you want to change, and you are willing to do the work, you absolutely CAN get your life back.”
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