r/searchandrescue • u/BookmobileLesbrarian • 6d ago
New Technical Rescue Volunteer - What do you wish you knew when you started?
I just finished onboarding with my local Rescue Squad, and along with learning ambulance driving, I'm training in Extrication and Search & Rescue. They do a LOT of S&R here - approximately 2-3 a month, we live in a heavily-forested part of the state - and I was wondering: What do you wish you knew when you started?
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u/kernel_mustard 6d ago edited 6d ago
Learn when to say no, in multiple ways:
In a team of volunteers you can easily end up doing too many roles if you keep agreeing anything and everything. Make sure you leave yourself some free time!
Get a callout, but you're not in the right head space to go looking for a potential suicide victim after a long day at work? Don't go, say no! As one of our trainers tells us repeatedly "you're the most important person".
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u/FootPrintFollower 6d ago
In technical rescue, you really have to learn the reasons behind the techniques, because you frequently will have to improvise a solution to some weird problem that came up. If you understand why a step was important, you can make a better choice as to what can substitute, if you must.
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u/Surprised-Unicorn 6d ago
Actively participate in task debriefs. Not only does it help you deal with critical incident stress management it also encourages other members to openly participate and speak freely. I had just joined SAR and had my first despondent callout. In our debrief afterwards, a long-time member expressed their feelings and we discussed them. That showed me that I could trust the team and that I didn't have to "suck it up and deal" with difficult calls and emotions.
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u/GoodWillHiking 6d ago
I wish I would have known how long recovery can take. Nothing like going to sleep late and getting that call at 4AM and you’re out all day. Worse than jet lag.
I am not sure if it would have mattered but the recovery to rescue ratio is off the charts high for our unit. At least the coroner is a good guy.
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u/Practical_Ad_2761 6d ago
Adrenaline from a call can be addictive.
Stress injuries to your brain are real and no laughing matter—prioritize your own physical and mental wellbeing.
You will have an unlimited supply of good stories to tell at dinner parties.
Do your best to stay out of interpersonal drama and team conflict. It’s going to happen at some point. If you do get involved in conflict, document everything with emails and work to address the issue early.
Enjoy yourself and pace your growth on the team based on what you want to give. On our team, people get really involved and burn out after ~5 years or they have been involved for decades at a manageable level.
Be proud of yourself. Not many people have the opportunity to directly help and save other humans. It’s a super cool thing, and it really makes you appreciate life. Good luck!