VSRDA Team Capabilities
Every VSRDA team member, at a minimum, is required to:
- acquire/maintain a current Advanced First Aid and CPR certifications
- attend classes in search strategy & tactics and scent theory
- learn radio communications and etiquette
- certify as a Field Team Member, FTM, per the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).
Each VSRDA canine handler and dog team, at a minimum, is required to test and pass:
- written land navigation
- practical land navigation
- learn radio communications and etiquette
- pack check
- K9 open field evaluation
- K9 trail evaluation
- K9 light brush evaluation
- K9 light brush/night evaluation
- K9 dense brush evaluation
- K9 agility evaluation
- K9 obedience evaluation
- K9 wilderness operational readiness evaluation
All K-9 handlers carry medical kits, supplies and equipment necessary to sustain long periods of search work in isolated wilderness areas.
Each VSRDA search management and overhead staff member, at a minimum, is required to test and pass:
- written land navigation
- practical land navigation
- certification Managing Land Search Operations, MLSO, per the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).
- certification Practical Search Operations, PSO, per the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).