THE BLOG

The Invisible Threat Lurking in Every SAR Operation

When you picture the biggest threats in a wilderness search and rescue (SAR) operation, what comes to mind? Dangerous terrain? Harsh weather? A missing hiker’s dwindling chances? Sure—those are obvious. But what about the ones you don’t see? The s...

 The Truth About GPS Confidence

You’ve got a GPS. You’ve used it a few times. You know how to mark a waypoint and follow a route line. You might even feel a little proud of that.

But let’s be honest for a second — do you really know how to use it?

If your signal dropped right now, would you still...

The Thin Line Between Order and Disaster

In wilderness search and rescue (SAR), moments of clarity are hard-won. You’re not just fighting the clock—you’re fighting uncertainty, unpredictable terrain, failing light, shifting weather, and the psychological unraveling of both the subject and your team...

From Map Confused to GPS Confident

If you’ve ever stared at your GPS wondering why the trail on the screen doesn’t match the world around you, this story might sound familiar.

I wasn’t new to the outdoors — I’d hiked mountains, crossed rivers, and camped under countless stars. But every time I tri...

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 ...

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...