Class Descriptions

This session will look at abduction California adduction case studies and review information from the FBI and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office national study of child abductions. This session will introduce abduction search strategies, tactics and management skills to assist law enforcement and search and rescue to better respond to these difficult incidents. 

Updates on new trends for rope rescue in a wilderness setting. We will discuss and build dual capability twin tension rope systems and show how they can simplify training, expedite the rescue and improve system safety. Why there is a movement away from the traditional loaded main and slack belay rope systems. New ways to consider static system safety factors and an opportunity to use new rope and hardware. 

Lead Detective Tyler Horn, for Alexis Gabe's case, will join Kris Black to discuss the role the HRD Canines played.

Background: Alexis went missing on January 26th, 2022, and her partial remains were located in Amador County months later. 

An introduction to Autism and how staff may interact and support individuals with ASD in an emergency situation.  

Synopsis of the class.  Attendees will gain an understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders, the common characteristics, behaviors and how it is diagnosed. Attendees will also be introduced to actual cases to help understand the disability and how to alter our own behaviors to improve outcomes in emergency situations. 

Handlers would need helmet, leather gloves, their human harness, daisy chains and locking carabiners

Basic ropes-Harnesses for K9s, attaching K9 to handler.  Set up an anchor to attaching the dog (try front and back attachment of K9 to handler) to rappelling.

When a SAR member responds to a search, they are often times provided a CalTopo QR code and expected to understand how to: scan the code, access the map, navigate to their assigned area, and use live tracking to record their tracks. SAR members who do not know how to do this are often left wandering around the CP area asking anyone/everyone for help, and only hoping their "flanker" will know what to do.

This training will focus on what you as a K9 handler need to know with regards to CalTopo. This is not an in-depth CalTopo training and is not intended to teach you CalTopo incident management techniques. This training will cover the following basics:

· How to download CalTopo

· How to create a CalTopo account

· How to scan a QR code and save/bookmark the map

· How to access your stored maps

· How to navigate using CalTopo

· How to measure distance and area on CalTopo

· How to change layers on CalTopo

· How to add markers to CalTopo

· How to access your current location on CalTopo

· How to share your location on CalTopo (how live tracking works)

· How to record and save your tracks

If time allows, I will also cover the following:

· How to create and save a new map

· How to add areas/assignments to a map

· How to use CalTopo during your K9 trainings - this includes using live tracking and location sharing with your other teammates.

Workshop to get to know a variety of backcountry water treatment methods and stoves. You will learn about the condition in which each will work best and potential challenges you may face with them in sub-optimal conditions. From pumping a liter of water through a filter to boiling water for freeze-dried meals, you will experience the gear first-hand and be better able to decide on critical equipment for your next adventure. 

The presentation will describe ways in which law enforcement agencies and search managers can identify legitimate canine teams to utilize in searches for missing subjects. It will also present some of the consequences of using canine teams that are not legitimately qualified and the resulting legal ramifications. 

Have you ever experienced stress while you were on a search? I believe if we were all honest, we can say HECK yes! From the time we get the call out to the time we start our search assignment, we all experience some element of positive stress (Eustress), which motivates us to push ourselves on a search. However, sometimes we have negative stress (Distress) from things we experience in the field. Distress can affect us on multiple levels if we don't identify it and talk about it. Critical Incident Stress: Education for the SAR Professional is a Pre-Incident Education class that is designed to teach SAR Volunteers (beginning to advanced) and Law Enforcement Officers, how to identify signs and symptoms of distress (negative stress) caused by a critical incident. By the completion of this class, you will be able to define what a Critical Incident is, have a better understanding of the three types of Critical Incident Stress (Acute, Cumulative and Delayed) and identify the ways Critical Incident Stress can impact your lives. 

Managing the Missing at Risk Incident Every day around the world, persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia become confused and disoriented and wander off from their caregivers. Law enforcement officers, and search and rescue teams, are often called to respond to these persons missing at risk incidents. These calls are becoming more and more commonplace, yet those responding underestimate the severity of danger that a wandering Alzheimer’s person faces. This presentation will provide the first responder with an introduction of the needed information and skills to successfully manage these types of incidents 

This course will cover basic identification and management of environmental emergencies such as hyperthermia, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and hypothermia. Students will be able to identify signs and symptoms of these conditions and be able to properly manage patients at a basic level, while awaiting higher level of care providers. Students will also be able to identify venous and arterial hemorrhage while identifying the differences between both. Students will be shown proper hemorrhage control management techniques including tourniquet application, direct pressure, and packing of wounds.

The California Military Department (CMD) plays a vital role in implementing satellite-enabled platforms and ensuring effective coordination between agencies during planned/emergency operations. CMD's involvement in Friendly Force Tracing efforts enhances situational awareness, communication, and coordination during joint operations, including Search & Rescue (SAR) missions. 

Training Breakdown

1. Friendly Force Tracking Introduction: An overview and introduction to Friendly Force Tracking. This includes basic concepts, terminology, and the importance of tracking for coordination and situational awareness.

2. CMD/SAR Joint Efforts: Focusing on the collaboration between the California Military Department (CMD) and Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts.

3. SHOUT-TS Overview: Diving into the specifics of the SHOUT-TS devices. Explaining its features, functionality, and how it contributes to Friendly Force Tracking and coordination.

4. CalTopo Integration: Covering the integration of CalTopo, a mapping and planning tool, with the tracking systems. Discussing how CalTopo enhances situational awareness and assists in decision-making.

5. Somewear Family of Systems Overview: Providing an overview of the Somewear Family of Systems, highlighting their capabilities, compatibility, and benefits for communication and tracking.

6. Somewear Puck: Focus on the Somewear Puck, discussing its features, setup process, and how it integrates with the broader system. Explaining its role during Search & Rescue operations.

7. Somewear iOS/Android App: Detailing the functionalities and usage of the Somewear mobile app on both iOS and Android platforms. Including topics like messaging, GPS tracking, and emergency features.

8. Somewear Web App: Exploring the web-based application of Somewear, highlighting its unique features, accessibility, and how it complements the mobile app and tracking system.

9. Harrier Satellite: Discussing the Harrier satellite system, emphasizing its role in providing connectivity and communication capabilities, especially in remote or challenging environments.

10. Questions/Hands-On: Allocating time for participants to ask questions and seek clarifications regarding any of the covered topics. Opportunity to test the capabilities. 

This class introduces the CHP Helicopter lift procedure and is conducted in 2 parts.  The morning is the ground portion, which includes a safety briefing, and rescue procedure The afternoon portion of the class is the actual lift.  Pick 1 of 2 morning sessions and then in the afternoon both groups will meet together for the lift portion.  This class is limited to 12 each for the ground portion for a total of 24 students max. 

A discussion on how to better utilize the Garmin Alpha 200i (and 300i) K9 tracking and training device. How to shift information between the Garmin Handheld unit, the GARMIN phone App Alpha (and prior app versions Explore, Messager etc.). How to exchange map information with CalTopo via the .GPX format. We will use a discussion based format and will be focused on how to make fuller use of this useful, but complicated (and expensive) device. Please bring your Garmin device and your phone. 

The presentation will cover how to outline training objectives for a trailing canine during a training session and construct training evolutions to meet those objectives. The presentation will also cover how to identify if the training objectives were met. 

This class is designed for Team Leaders above and covers contemporary All Risk Operational Leadership principles. This includes how to take charge of a team, motivate, demonstrate initiative, communicate and supervise. This class also reviews the importance of duty, respect, integrity and communication as it relates to incident leadership. Through the lens of operational failures in two case studies, we look at human factor barriers to situational awareness and the Swiss cheese model of failure to better understand how to observe potential issues before they become a failure. Students will also learn about risk management and how to develop controls and make risk decisions. Finally students will learn protocols for managing an “incident with the incident”, how to facilitate an After Acton Review (AAR) and protocols to properly refuse an assignment.

This class is largely based on the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG)

This class will teach handlers about blind and double-blind methods in training for self-assessment, confidence building, and success on deployments. This class is comprised of three parts: (1) A classroom lecture, (2) field scenarios, and (3) debrief in classroom/field.

(1) The classroom lecture is appropriate for handlers of all levels of experience from any canine discipline and for individuals who support canine teams in training. The classroom lecture covers a narrow range of topics related to developing handler confidence and increasing capability in the SAR dog team. The objective is to provide handlers of any discipline with an understanding of how to progress into a “train like you search, search like you train” mode of operation.

Parameters of the field exercises will be established along with a Q & A session.

(2) The field exercises are for dogs trained in or in training for human remains detection. Attendance at the classroom lecture is required to run the field problems. Two or more areas will be set up based on real-world scenarios. Handlers work the areas double-blind at their own pace. The parameters of the exercise will be explained in the classroom lecture beforehand. There will be no proctor. The solutions will be discussed in the debrief on Sunday morning. This field exercise provides handlers with the opportunity to challenge themselves on what is essentially a “real search”, with a known solution. Handlers will have the opportunity to assess dependencies between canine and handler, propensity to miss or false alert, and put into practice skills learned in the classroom lecture. There will be no observers allowed in the search areas.

(3) The debrief is for those handlers who attended the classroom lecture and then participated in the field exercises. This classroom and field lecture combined provides the solution to the field exercises to include a walk-through of the areas. The objective of this part of the course is to provide handlers with the solution to the field exercises so that they may complete their self-assessment. The instructor will lead the discussion about the exercises and will answer questions. While handlers will not be requested to divulge their own results, they may share what they experienced at their discretion as part of the discussion.

Rattlesnake bites, anaphylactic reaction, bandaging, Narcan use, proper administration, and safety precautions. 

The objective of this class is enable Ground Searchers to become well-prepared Flankers for K9 teams to maximize the effectiveness of the team. No prior experience working with K9 teams is necessary. The class will introduce the types of K9s, how they operate within the search process, and how to support the K9 and handler in the field for maximum POD and increased searcher safety. The target audience for this class are Ground Searchers or K9 handlers seeking to improve their effectiveness flanking a K9 team. 

Learn how to “give yourself credit” for the time and effort spent training your canine partner. This class will cover the rationale for documenting training, what information to include, and how to troubleshoot what to write, when and how, particularly when training issues arise. Students will participate in interactive exercises. 

Lost person behavior is the cornerstone of search and rescue efforts. Based upon a landmark study, this course is based on the book Lost Person Behavior – A Search and Rescue Guide on Where to Look - for Land, Air, and Water by Robert Koester (published 2008 by dbS Publications), and is the definitive guide to solving the puzzle of where a lost person might be found. This course will cover the latest information and research found in the book regarding the lost person behavioral profiles. Particular emphasis is placed on the latest research concerning Alzheimer's, despondents, mentally retarded, psychotic, abducted children, cross-country skiers, mountain bikers as well as 41 separate categories of lost or missing persons. The participant will learn important background information, its implications for search and rescue, how to establish a prevention program, search statistics, behavioral statistics, and how to plan a search for each subject type. Additional discussion will cover behavioral profiles, urban verses wilderness statistics, suggested initial tasks, and specialized investigative questions. The participants will have the opportunity to work several practical 

Learn the types, reactions, and treatments of PTSI 

In this session, we will focus on:

* recognizing the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress in victims and responders

* caring for traumatized victims in the field

* supporting responders before, during, and after searches 

This class focuses on the use of Quads in SAR.  Participants must successfully complete the ATV Safety Institute E-Course and print out their certificate prior to arriving at SCICON.  During the class participants will learn aspects of the use of a quad and get hands-on experience under the supervision of instructors to complete their certification process.  Quads will be furnished by TCSO.  If a participant brings their own quad, it must be inspected and approved by the instructors before they can use it in the training.   12 participants max per class. 

This course is for SAR members.  When should a report be written, what needs to be in it, what should not be in it, organization of the report and who gets the report. 

• Effective debriefing requires training and practice. This class provides guidance to SAR members about how they can systematically conduct debriefing interviews that collect and document the most useful information possible. This can include the verification of reported clues and/or contacts with potential witnesses; identification and location of unreported possible clues and/or witnesses; discussion about the assigned search area (such as the extent to which the search area was covered, the terrain, potential hazards, and search area challenges/limitations that were encountered); collecting the search-team members’ estimation of the probability of the detection of a missing person and/or clues in the search area; and much more.

• Sample debriefing forms and real-life examples will be provided to attendees.

Intelligence: the act of gathering information. Most SAR Managers will agree that there is a wealth of information out there about our missing subjects. From interviewing persons having first-hand knowledge of the missing person, to the use of social networks like Facebook, "crowd sourcing", cell phone tracking and other emerging technologies to mine information that will eventually be used to build a subject profile and lists of places to search. This presentation will discuss the various sources of intelligence and learn how evaluated conclusions drawn from such information will develop scenarios that can be the deciding factor to expand, contract or conclude the search effort. We will also emphasize that the gathering of facts in the SAR world really requires the work of a full-time coordinator on the general staff. It is time to elevate the power and workload from a footnote in the standard ICS chart, buried under the Plans Section, to the Intelligence/Investigations Section it deserves.

Class description unavaliable at this time.

This course will provide training in the common methods employed by Forensic Anthropologists to assist with the identification and analysis of human skeletal remains. Methods will include (but are not limited to) human vs. non-human identifications, forensic taphonomy and wildfire search protocols and victim recovery. 

The objective of this class is to increase the effectiveness of Area search K9 handlers by teaching search strategy and good area coverage. The class will cover strategy development, thoughtful preparation, and successful search execution techniques. The target audience for this class are Area search K9 handlers, however, Ground Searchers could also leverage many of the lessons learned. 

Using MARKERS in K9 Training

Kathryn Stewart, PhD

Specialized Human Remains Detection Team – Cal-OES

This 1 hour class will present an overview of “markers” as a key part of K9 training based on understanding of operant conditioning. MARKERS are deliberate and thoughtful communications to the K9. They are words or sounds or visual cues that tell the dog what they did, at that moment, was the desired behavior or was not the desired behavior. We will explore how to use positive and negative markers, when to use them and how to choose markers. K9’s attending will have an opportunity to practice marker training using examples of luring, capturing and shaping. Marker training can be useful in all disciplines of K9 SAR training.

With so many options out there for water treatment can't I just pick one throw it in my pack and be done? Can I still get sick if I treat the water? This course focuses on a systematic way to think about water treatment and strategically design a water treatment kit for multiple types of environments from a day hike to a vacation in a 3rd world country. 

This course focuses on the most recent evidence based expert approved and simplified spinal protection guidelines for a wilderness setting. What we've been teaching and doing for years is actually not helpful and potentially harmful and in 2024 brand new guidelines came out revamping spinal protection. We'll review the evidence so that you know the "why" behind the new guidelines and all of those "I've kind of heard that we're not really doing that much anymore but what exactly are we doing?" questions should be answered for you and, most importantly, you'll now be an expert on the new guidelines. If you don't learn anything new in this course I'll even give your SAR team a brand new backboard if you promise to use it for spinal immobilization in the wilderness. 

The participant will be introduced to wilderness medicine with a brief history as well as the looking at adaptive medicine in an austere environment. We will also go into some "hacks" that can be used by the backcountry traveler: duct tape, splints and litters, and uses of everyday equipment the backcountry traveler may already have on hand.