Emergency Response Team

 The Operational Training Course is the intensive training course for all ERT SAR members at the 'Operational Level' or what is known as a "SAR ENGINEER."

They learn more than the basics of Emergency Response and Search & Rescue.

Once they successfully complete this training, plus 10 call outs / duties and the fitness test - they are eligible for full membership. 

After the OTC members are trained as 

• Search Technicians
• Emergency Responders
• Search & Rescue Operators
  

They also receive additional Wilderness SAR Training including Survival skills, campcraft and map, compass and navigation as well as Medical Training (though most have it) and rescuer skills such as how to pitch and climb a ladder or use rope or complete a basic shore to water rescue or deploy with a team in a vehicle.

Upon Graduation they receive a colour Certificate, ERT SAR Dog Tags, A colour plastic Photo ID Card, a Fitness Qualification card and can wear the Union Flag on Uniform. They may then attend Leadership level training and Specialist Rescue or International Search & Rescue Training.

 The course is taught by Instructors using an ERT SAR Manual and a publicly available text written by SAR Chief Gary Foo, who also received the input of many subject matter experts and known authorities in the world of SAR and Emergency Response.  (The course content follows the book quite closely.)

Information on the book can be found here.