2025 SAR Summit

This summit offers valuable insights, networking opportunities, and training sessions to enhance your skills as a searcher.

Info: This class is based on the book Lost Person Behavior by Robert Koester. It discusses how people act when they get lost and how to use the book to help find them. It also describes Reflex Tasking, a method to get searchers into the field quickly to look for a missing person. The last half of the class looks at different subject types, such as those with autism or dementia. It discusses their typical behaviors when they are missing and the best way to search for them. This class is a must-have for all searchers. It will be extremely helpful if you are taking the Search Planning class on Saturday. Every attendee must have their own copy of the book. If you do not have it, there will be copies available for purchase at the class. The cost is $35 – cash only. There is a $10 charge for maps used in class, payable with registration.

Info: Try your hand at searching when the big light is gone. It’s a totally different environment in the dark. We will present a missing subject scenario and set up a mock search area with clues in the woods. Bring three light sources and eye protection. The area will probably have thorns or briars so bring gloves and wear heavy clothing or chaps plus boots. A hiking stick will be helpful and whatever gear you need for a wilderness search.

Info: "Resilience to Rescue" will discuss strategies to manage the stressors of serving others. Most training programs will cover the skills to perform search and rescue- the goal of this presentation is to discuss the emotional toll that responders face and how to manage those feelings in a healthy manner. How do you maintain boundaries between home, work, and your volunteer service? How can you prepare yourself to be resilient in the face of the terrible things to which you may be exposed? Brian will offer strategies and tactics to prevent the need to rescue yourself based on his 35-year career as a first responder so you can "Be Prepared" to serve others for years to come.

Info: A crew leader is a very important position on a search & rescue team. Not only do you need to know all about the art of search but also how to deal with people. As a crew leader you are a motivator, as well as a leader. You will learn some techniques of searching a segment, as well as some correction techniques when things seem to go wrong.

Info: Searching in a cornfield is a totally different experience than looking for someone in the woods or a city. Your usual search tactics don’t work. This is a difficult and potentially dangerous environment. Learn about the potential hazards and how to prepare for them. Discover what techniques work, and don’t work, in a cornfield. Participants will receive a detasseling hat they can use for cornfield searches.

Info: If an ambulance cannot get to your subject, then your team may have to transport the subject to the ambulance. You will discover how challenging it can be to transport a subject by litter. Learn how to correctly “package” the subject so that they are comfortable and to prevent further injury during transport. You will learn how to wrap the subject into the litter and the best techniques for carrying it.

Info: This course will teach you how to safely maneuver ground searches with water rescue & recovery.
Techniques for how to organize and conduct searches along the banks of lakes and swift water will be discussed. How to safely work with dive teams and learn what to do and what not to do to make the search successful. Equipment will be discussed and practical exercises will be practiced outside. Dress according to the weather. Plan to have fun and learn some important skills.

Info: This course will discuss how to move objects with a rope or straps while searching for evidence or someone lost. Learn how to safely move objects to ensure a thorough search. It consists of basic knot tying and uses. Attendees will learn safe moving techniques using straps.

Info: This class is designed for those in the command post figuring out where to send search teams. It starts with a quick overview of Reflex Tasking, a method to get searchers into the field quickly. Participants will then be given maps and a scenario to plan out where they would send searchers first. After this, there is another brief presentation on how to segment the map into searchable areas and how to prioritize them for the greatest chance of success. Participants will then go back to their maps, segment them, and create a prioritized list of search segments. This class is primarily hands-on and mimics how you would approach a real case. The scenario is based on an actual search. Taking the Lost Person Behavior class prior to this will be helpful as it will explain Reflex Tasking.

Host or Publisher Champaign County Search & Rescue