Why the Field Teaches What No Textbook Can
In search and rescue (SAR), there’s a truth every operator eventually learns—no classroom, manual, or checklist can fully prepare you for what unfolds out in the wilderness. You can train hard. You can run simulations. You can memorize the protocols. But t...
For most of us, the wilderness is freedom — a place to escape the noise of modern life and reconnect with something raw and real. But behind the beauty lies a hard truth: nature doesn’t care how prepared you think you are. One wrong turn, a sudden storm, or a misstep in rough terrain can flip an ...
Why People Get Lost – It’s Not Just About Navigation
Every experienced search and rescue (SAR) operator knows that the wilderness doesn't always defeat people through cliffs, rivers, or cold weather. More often, it’s the mind that gets lost first.
Getting lost in the wilderness isn’t usually the r...
When you’re standing at the trailhead, boots laced, and the air filled with the scent of pine or eucalyptus, there’s nothing like the anticipation of a great hike ahead. But here’s the thing: no matter how stunning the scenery or how well-worn the path, the backcountry has a way of surprising you. A...
The Invisible Skill That Determines Everything
Ask any experienced Search and Rescue (SAR) operator what saves lives in the field, and you’ll get a variety of answers: training, teamwork, communication, grit. But press further — past the gear and tactics — and the real answer surfaces: situational ...
Let’s be honest—choosing a GPS device isn’t just about screen size, battery life, or brand loyalty. If you’re heading into the wilderness, where a wrong turn could lead to a night in sub-zero temperatures or an unplanned rescue mission, y
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Search teams can sometimes be assigned by the Search Manager to search areas that involve heavy or thick bushland. It is these types of areas that can involve a different approach by search teams. Heavy bushland has a lot of vegetation which makes it difficult to get through and it also limits how f...
When you're deep in the wilderness, there’s one truth that every seasoned survivalist understands: Nature doesn’t care if you have a gadget. You can carry the latest GPS unit, packed with maps and features that would make a Navy SEAL smil
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The Terrain Trap — Mistakes 1–3
When you’ve been doing this long enough, you begin to recognize patterns—not just in lost person behavior, but in the behavior of rescuers themselves. And one of the most common mistakes made, even by seasoned operators, is underestimating the terrain they think they...
There’s something romantic about a map and compass. The old-school feel of navigating with the sun on your back and the wind in your face. But let’s be honest—when you're miles deep into the backcountry with shifti
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The Illusion of Safety — Why GPS Can Give You a False Sense of Security
It’s easy to fall into the trap. You buy a state-of-the-art handheld GPS, spend a small fortune on topo maps and accessories, and feel unstoppable. That screen lights up with your exact location, and suddenly it seems like noth...
A call comes out that a person has fallen off a cliff and your rope rescue team has been requested to respond. As you start driving towards the rescue site with your team you receive more information about the incident via the radio. This includes the information that a helicopter rescue team is als...
Your Safety in the Wild Starts with These 10 Essentials!
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