AY Honor Search and Rescue Requirements
Skill Level
2
Year
2025
Version
04.09.2025
Approval authority
North American Division
1. Define search and rescue and learn the history of search and rescue in your area, including important dates, events, and individuals.
2. Research the requirements for someone to become involved with search and rescue in your area. How old do you have to be? What skills, training, or certifications are required?
3. What organization(s) are involved in search and rescue missions? Who oversees it?
4. Describe the similarities and differences of a search and rescue mission in the following terrains:
- a. Water
- b. Mountains
- c. Desert
- d. Woods
- e. Snow
- f. Cave
- g. Urban
5. Search and rescue often depends on specialized teams to handle complicated or technical rescue missions. What types of teams might be called upon to be involved in a mission?
6. What types of animals are useful during search and rescue missions, and what roles do they play?
7. Many vital roles in a search and rescue mission don’t involve searching for the victim in person. What support roles might be necessary for a successful mission?
8. What types of hazards and risks does a search and rescue worker face when on a mission?
9. Write, draw, observe, or roleplay the process of a search and rescue mission, from the initial call to the successful rescue of the victim.
10. Describe, explain, and roleplay the steps you should take if you find yourself in need of rescue. Share and demonstrate various methods to stay safe and to attract the attention of rescuers.
11. Choose one of the following search and rescue mission scenarios, and write a list of equipment that might be needed, including tools, vehicles, and technology:
- a. A hiker has become disoriented and is wandering somewhere deep in a national forest.
- b. A family of four was on a drive somewhere in the mountains when they got stranded in a blizzard.
- c. A rock climber has fallen and broken their leg. They are located on a ledge halfway down a 100-foot cliff.
- d. A boat capsized in open water over a mile from the shore in the middle of the night. The four occupants were in the water for several hours and have drifted away from their boat.
- e. An avalanche is accidentally triggered and rushes through a popular ski area. Several skiers haven’t returned yet.
- f. A building collapsed and there are people trapped under the rubble.
- g. A grandfather with memory issues has wandered from his home and is lost in the city.
12. Complete one of the following:
- a. Tour a facility that is involved with search and rescue and share what you learned with your group.
- b. Participate in a search and rescue simulation run by a search and rescue volunteer.
- c. Plan or participate in a project to raise money and awareness for your local Search and Rescue agency.
- d. Interview someone involved with search and rescue and ask them the following questions:
- What is your favorite part of your work? Least favorite?
- What types of terrain have you searched?
- What is your favorite successful rescue story?
- How can I stay safe outdoors, so search and rescue doesn’t have to be activated to find me?
- What can someone like me do to support or become involved with search and rescue?
13. Participate in a search and rescue training scenario run by qualified and experienced staff members and share your experience with your instructor. How might the skills that you already know be applied to search and rescue situations?
14. How is modern search and rescue like spiritual “search and rescue” mentioned in the Bible? Find relevant Bible passages and write, illustrate, or share a devotional on one of them.
