Where does the money come from for all this?

There is some funding from the Ventura County Sheriff's department. This goes towards the team's significant expenses for equipment such as ropes, rescue hardware, stretchers, medical and trauma treatment equipment, and so forth. This is insufficient to cover expenses. The team also receives donations from charitable foundations, grateful individuals and families. Fundraising and grant applications require significant effort and account for a major portion of the team's funds for purchasing vehicles and other equipment.

Do you get paid?

No. Everybody is a volunteer, providing their own time for training, team administration, and searches. In addition everyone provides the required personal equipment. We are regularly asked about employment or career opportunities. Because everybody is a volunteer, the normal concepts of employment or career do not apply.

What about dogs?

Currently VCSAR has a certified dog team. The dog teams are trained extensively in search operations as well as Area, Trailing and Cadaver location.

What other organizations does VCSAR work with?

We work with a variety of other EMS agencies. On any call, we can be working closely with Ventura County Fire, Forest Service, other SAR teams, and CHP. This close interaction with other emergency services requires that every team member be highly trained and that we work in a very professional manner.

Are there other teams?

Yes, Each County in the state has their own team. In larger, more diverse counties like Ventura , there are 7 search and rescue teams which include, Fillmore, Ojai, and East Valley Mountain Teams, Underwater/Dive Team, Posse Team, Medical Team, and the Dog Team. Counties such as Los Angeles County, there are several teams. Take a look at the Links page for information on other teams.

What kind of skills and equipment do I need?

Due to the large variety of mountain and wilderness situations the team can be exposed to, it is simply difficult to provide "from the ground up" training in all of these. The objective of team training is to enhance existing skills, not teach novice ones. Potential team member should have outdoor experience in activities such as hiking, climbing, mountaineering, back country skiing, and navigation. Experience working in a variety of environments is very desirable since we can be working in 100+ degree weather or in the snow. No one joins the team with a full set of skills, but if you have never hiked a trail, VCSAR is not for you.

A related subject is equipment. It's assumed that aspiring team members are already experienced "outdoors-type" people. As such, they are likely to own the appropriate outdoor equipment, such as backpacks, boots, clothing, and so forth. Team members must be able to travel through a mountain environment in any weather for extended periods of time, and thus need the personal equipment required to do this. Specialized equipment is provided by the team; however, the vast majority of equipment required is normal outdoor gear and must purchased by the applicant. Those starting with nothing can spend several hundred dollars on gear. It is recommended that applicants wait to purchase gear until equipment is discussed in the academy.

Can you tell me more about the time commitment?

This point cannot be emphasized enough. The team will consume a very large proportion of your once-free time. Team members are expected to attend a minimum of 70% of the trainings and 50% of the call-outs. While everyone is a volunteer, VCSAR is looking for people who are willing to give more than the minimum. Many calls occur outside of work hours, but your employer must be able to tolerate you suddenly leaving. People who travel often and are not available when required, generally cannot commit to the team.

An Invitation

If you enjoy the outdoors, learning new skills, and working as part of a team, then you are an excellent candidate for VCSAR. Search and rescue is extremely demanding, requiring highly trained and physically fit members. If, after reading all of the above, spending a few days thinking about it, discussing it with your loved ones, you're still interested, think some more! If you're still interested after all that, learn how to join the team.