Incident Base is the central hub of all search and rescue operations. Everything initiates and ends at Incident Base, including all strategy, record-keeping, and accountability. Base Unit Members are the axis upon which the mission turns and keeps all field personnel accounted for and safe.
Search and rescue missions require the safe, effective, and efficient coordination of multiple resources, people, and equipment in the field in remote locations. TSAR owns and operates one command vehicle and one ranging 4-wheel drive vehicle that is utilized for Base operations for wilderness search and rescue. TSAR Base Unit members are trained in several areas: resource strategies, communications, navigation and mapping, scribing, record keeping, planning and search strategy, lost person behavior, and air support protocols all operated under the ICS (Incident Command System), the Federal system utilized for all emergency management incidents.
The ICS enables search and rescue to operate quickly and effectively despite the types or numbers of agencies involved in any particular response. All agencies operating under ICS can respond seamlessly together while still operating with autonomy and accountability. While all TSAR members are certified in ICS, TSAR Base Unit members are certified in higher levels of ICS operations.
The TSAR Base Unit also utilizes current technologies to improve response, reporting, and accountability. Base Unit Members are fluent in SAR Topo mapping technologies that enable us to more effectively fulfill search strategies, keep track of teams in the field to improve safety and create more accountability through detailed record-keeping.
While good physical fitness is required for members who work out in the field, it is not required of Base members. The Base Unit offers a place for any person to serve their community through search and rescue.
SPECIALTY UNITS
JOIN THE BASE UNIT!
The Base Unit is a great place for volunteers who woould prefer not to go out into the field. The physical fitness requirements for Base Unit Members are more relaxed than for field personnel. Base is an excellent place for those with or whom would like to improve their computer skills, radio and communication skills, and would enjoy fulfilling part of the Incident Command structure.
To learn more about working in the Base Unit, download the Base Unit Guidelines below. See the Join Us page for more information about joining Taos Search & Rescue.
