ID
8-509-1195
Name
Mountain Search and Rescue Team Leader
Status
Published
Version
1.4
Updated
6/1/2020 2:15:38 PM
Original Release
11/07/2017
Last Major Release
06/01/2020
Resource Category
Search and Rescue
Primary Core Capability
Mass Search and Rescue Operations
Secondary Core Capability
 
Resource Kind
Personnel
Overall Function
The Mountain Search and Rescue (SAR) Team Leader directly supervises a Mountain SAR Team and provides general leadership, direct supervision, wellness, and safety of the team members
Single resource
In conjunction with a NIMS typed team
NIMS Typed Team
Mountain Search and Rescue Team
In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit
NIMS Typed Unit
 
Description Notes
Not Specified
Supporting Core Capabilities
None
Types
Type Description
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Performs search, rescue, and recovery in Alpine environments: Mountainous terrain, typically above tree line, that requires the ability to negotiate routes rated YDS class 2–5, and where any combination of altitude, extreme weather, extensive exposure to snow/ice obstacles, avalanche risk, and crevasses affect travel; in general, the alpine environment includes all mountainous terrain above 3,500 meters
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: Performs search, rescue, and recovery in Mountain environments: Tract of land characterized by steep slopes and great variations in elevation, that requires the ability to negotiate routes rated Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) class 2–4, and occasionally class 5, and where steep to vertical rock, steep forested or brush-covered terrain, talus slopes, boulder fields, and occasional snow and ice obstacles limit travel
Type 3The National Incident Management System (NIMS) Type 3 Mountain SAR Team Leader: 1. Directly supervises NIMS typed Mountain SAR Team 2. Provides general leadership, direct supervision, wellness, and safety of the team members 3. Performs search, rescue, and recovery in: a. Low Mountain environments: Tracts of land characterized by steep slopes and moderate variations in elevation that require the ability to negotiate routes rated as Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) classes 1-4 and occasionally class 5, where steep to vertical rock, steep forested or brush-covered terrain, talus slopes, boulder fields, and the possibility of occasional snow and ice obstacles limits travel, which includes city and county (urban or suburban) parks 4. Operates within the Incident Command System (ICS) in a specialized position on a Mountain SAR Team 5. Provides first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 6. Provides: a. Safety of self and team members b. Basic medical care of self, team members, and survivors c. Simple decontamination of self and team members d. Basic ground support capability for helicopter operations 7. Coordinates with ground vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft for support, transportation, and evacuation 8. 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
Components
Component Notes  
EducationNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Not Specified
Type 2Not Specified
Type 3Not Specified
TrainingOperational leadership training should be consistent with National Park Service (NPS) or United States Coast Guard (USCG) Operational Leadership training; National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service; and NWCG L-280: Followership to Leadership, or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)-Determined equivalent training.
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: 1. All training identified for the NIMS Type 1 Mountain SAR Technician 2. Operational leadership training in alpine environments that meet or exceed the requirements of ASTM F3028
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1. All training identified for the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Type 2 Mountain SAR Technician 2. Operational leadership training in mountain environments that meet or exceed the requirements of ASTM International (ASTM) F3027
Type 3Completion of the following: 1. All training identified for the NIMS Type 3 Mountain SAR Technician 2. IS-703: NIMS Resource Management 3. IS-809: Emergency Support Function (ESF) #9 – Search and Rescue 4. Operational leadership training
ExperienceNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of alpine SAR and associated hazards and procedures including day and night operations and ability to carry out same Experience Experience leading NIMS Type 1 Mountain SAR Teams in the field
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of mountain SAR and associated hazards and procedures including day and night operations and ability to carry out same Experience: Experience leading NIMS Type 2 Mountain SAR Teams in the field
Type 3Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. All knowledge, skills, and abilities for the NIMS Type 3 Mountain SAR Technician 2. Knowledge of the EMAC deployment process 3. Knowledge of low mountain SAR and associated hazards 4. Knowledge of the capabilities of canine search Experience: 1. Experience leading NIMS Type 3 Mountain SAR Teams in the field 2. Completion of Mountain SAR Team Leader Position Task Book (PTB) or equivalent AHJ documentation
Physical/Medical FitnessThe NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines Physical/Medical Fitness levels for NIMS positions.
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. 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
CurrencyProvider 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 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. Functions in this position during an operational incident, planned event, exercise, drill, or simulation at least once every three years 2. This position maintains currency for the NIMS Type 3 Mountain SAR Technician position 3. Background checks as applicable law permits or requires
Professional and Technical Licenses and CertificationsNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 3Not 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
Mountain SAR involves high-angle operations
1145
Notes
References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 508: Mountain Search and Rescue Team
FEMA, NIMS 509: Mountain Search and Rescue Technician
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 F2752-2009: Standard Guide for Training for Level I Rope Rescue (R1) Rescuer Endorsement, 2014
ASTM F2890-2012: Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel, 2012
ASTM F2954-2012: Standard Guide for Training for Level II Rope Rescue (R2) Rescuer Endorsement, 2012
ASTM F3027-2013: Standard Guide for Training of Personnel Operating in Mountainous Terrain (Mountain Endorsement), 2013
ASTM F3028-2013: Standard Guide for Training of Search and Rescue Personnel Operating in the Alpine Environment (Alpine Endorsement), 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 Interagency Aviation Committee (NIAC), Interagency Aviation Training Subcommittee, Interagency Aviation Training (IAT) Guide, 2014
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 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