View Position Qualification

8-509-1191

Name

Land Search and Rescue Strike Team/Task Force Leader

Status

Published

Version

1.3

Updated

5/22/2020 11:09:47 AM

Original Release

11/07/2017

Last Major Release

05/22/2020

NQS Position

Resource Category

Search and Rescue

Primary Core Capability

Mass Search and Rescue Operations

Secondary Core Capability

Resource Kind

Personnel

Overall Function

The Land Search and Rescue (SAR) Strike Team/Task Force Leader provides general leadership and direct supervision within a Land SAR Task Force

Single resource

In conjunction with a NIMS typed team

NIMS Typed Team

Land Search and Rescue Team

In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit

NIMS Typed Unit

Description Notes

Not Specified

Supporting Core Capabilities
None

Types
Type 1	The National Incident Management System (NIMS) Land SAR Strike Team/Task Force Leader: 1. Operates within the Incident Command System (ICS), in a specialized position in conjunction with Land SAR Teams 2. Provides general leadership, direct supervision, wellness, and safety of the Strike Team/Task Force members and other single resources in: a. Wilderness environments: Areas beyond a trailhead or eyesight distance of a backcountry two—wheel drive (2WD) road (approximately 200 feet) OR anywhere compromised local infrastructure experiences wilderness-type conditions, such as remoteness from public infrastructure support services; poor to no medical services or potable water; or compromised public safety buildings or communications systems b. Weather conditions including snow flurries and slippery ice surfaces c. Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) classes 1-3 terrain 3. Oversees: a. Safety of self and team members b. Medical care of self, team members, and survivors c. Simple decontamination of self and team members d. Basic ground support capability for helicopter operations 4. Implements assigned portion of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) 5. Manages resources within assigned Strike Team/Task Force 6. Reports on the progress of operations and status of resources within the Strike Team/Task Force 7. Evaluates the need for and requests additional resources 8. Coordinates with ground vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft for support, transportation, and evacuation 9. Operates in environments with and without infrastructure, including those affected by disasters and terrorism; with compromised access to roadways, utilities, and transportation; and with limited availability of shelter, food, and water

Type 1

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) Land SAR Strike Team/Task Force Leader: 1. Operates within the Incident Command System (ICS), in a specialized position in conjunction with Land SAR Teams 2. Provides general leadership, direct supervision, wellness, and safety of the Strike Team/Task Force members and other single resources in: a. Wilderness environments: Areas beyond a trailhead or eyesight distance of a backcountry two—wheel drive (2WD) road (approximately 200 feet) OR anywhere compromised local infrastructure experiences wilderness-type conditions, such as remoteness from public infrastructure support services; poor to no medical services or potable water; or compromised public safety buildings or communications systems b. Weather conditions including snow flurries and slippery ice surfaces c. Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) classes 1-3 terrain 3. Oversees: a. Safety of self and team members b. Medical care of self, team members, and survivors c. Simple decontamination of self and team members d. Basic ground support capability for helicopter operations 4. Implements assigned portion of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) 5. Manages resources within assigned Strike Team/Task Force 6. Reports on the progress of operations and status of resources within the Strike Team/Task Force 7. Evaluates the need for and requests additional resources 8. Coordinates with ground vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft for support, transportation, and evacuation 9. Operates in environments with and without infrastructure, including those affected by disasters and terrorism; with compromised access to roadways, utilities, and transportation; and with limited availability of shelter, food, and water

Education

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Not Specified

Training

Land search management and planning training should be consistent with the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR): Managing the Lost Person Incident (MLPI), NPS Search Management, U.S. Coast Guard: Inland SAR Planning Course or AHJ-determined equivalent training.

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Completion of the following: 1. All training identified for the NIMS Strike Team/Task Force Leader 2. All training identified for the NIMS Type 1 Land SAR Team Leader 3. Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)-provided search management and planning course 4. Training that meets or exceeds the requirements of ASTM International (ASTM) 3024

Experience

Not Specified

Type 1

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Ability to provide oversight and supervision within a respective area to ensure the team accomplishes established objectives for assigned area 2. Ability to oversee inspection and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, devices, and equipment specific to this position 3. Knowledge of operations, tactics, strategy, and safety considerations specific to the exercise, planned event, or incident 4. Knowledge of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) deployment process 5. Knowledge of land SAR and associated hazards 6. Knowledge of the capabilities of canine search for land and wilderness environments 7. Understanding of SAR procedures in the land environment during day and night operations Experience: 1. Completion of Position Task Book (PTB) for the NIMS Type 1 Land SAR Strike Team/Task Force Leader, NIMS Type 1 Land SAR Team Leader, and NIMS Type 1 Land SAR Technician positions, or equivalent AHJ documentation for each position 2. Demonstrating multiple casualty and multiple asset scene management and dynamic assessment of risk 3. Identifying hazards, including potential operating environments 4. AHJ-determined incident management experience

Physical/Medical Fitness

The NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines Physical / Medical Fitness levels for NIMS positions.

Type 1

1. Arduous 2. Meets minimum physical fitness standards, in accordance with the AHJ’s Job Related Physical Ability Test (JRPAT) 3. Maintains AHJ-determined medical fitness suitable for the environment and job requirements 4. Maintains immunizations in accordance with the US Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control’s recommended adult immunization schedule for the United States of America

Currency

Provider must carry out and use any background checks as applicable law specifies. This may include a background check completed within past 12 months; sex-offender registry check; and a local, state, and a local, state, and national criminal history.

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	1. Functions in this position during an operational incident, planned event, exercise, drill, or simulation once every three years or as the AHJ determines 2. Background checks as applicable law permits or requires 3. This position maintains currency for the NIMS Type 1 Land SAR Team Leader and NIMS Type 1 Land SAR Technician positions

Professional and Technical Licenses and Certifications

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Not Specified

Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation, and meals, prior to deployment

1129

Notes

References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 508: Land Search and Rescue Team
FEMA, NIMS 509: Land Search and Rescue Team Leader
FEMA, NIMS 509: Land and Search Rescue Technician
FEMA, NIMS 509: Strike Team/Task Force Leader
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS), November 2017
ASTM International (ASTM) F2209-2014: Standard Guide for Training of Level I Land Search Team Member, 2014
ASTM F2751-2009: Standard Guide for Training of Support Level Land Rescue Team Member (LRT-Support) Member, 2009
ASTM F2890-2012: Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel, 2012
ASTM F3024-2013: Standard Guide for Training of a Land Search and Rescue (SAR) Strike Team/Task Force Leader, 2013
ASTM WK45629: Training of Non-Wilderness Land Search Team Member
Mountain Rescue Association (MRA), Policy 105.1: National Compliancy Guideline, 2006
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006: Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications, 2013
National Park Service (NPS) RM-59: National Park Service, Search and Rescue Reference Manual, 2011
Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), Classifications for Terrain
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.120: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, latest edition adopted
OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.1030: Bloodborne Pathogens, latest edition adopted