Welcome! We are glad you are going to study Search and Rescue medicine with us. You should use this material if you are enrolled in our SAR course, another SAR course or if you are studying on your own. SAR certification is for all those interested in learning about search and rescue techniques and medicine.
This unique course teaches rescue medicine and techniques to recover people lost in the wilderness. It is ideal for members of SAR teams or those medical professionals that need this knowledge.
How to Obtain CME
ON-LINE COURSE
All learners that want to take the SAR certification exam must study the material from this site. Below is the step by step process to pass the SAR certification examination. Students learn best in different ways, so we have provided a number of resources for you to use. Remember, when you feel ready to take the examination, you will need a password. Enroll in the on-line course at the bottom of the pate.
IN-PERSON SEARCH AND RESCUE COURSE
If you also want to learn litters and other hands on SAR techniques, that you can enroll in the in-person course. You would still need to study the on-line material. This course is for all medical professionals, SAR team members, outdoor guides and those who need basic hands on mountain SAR training. Register by filling out the form and paying the fee at the bottom of the page.
Dates: Monday April 17th to Saturday April 29th, 2023
Where: University of Utah School of Medicine and surrounding mountains and hills
All learners: $250.00
This price incudes CME if you need it. Once you register below, you will be given the passcode to take the examination and the CME code if you need CME hours.
HOW TO STUDY AND PASS THE CERTIFICATION EXAM
These are the subjects that you will need to study to pass the AWLS certification examination.
Subjects for SAR
Incident Command
Lost Person Behavior
Search Techniques
Wilderness Safety
Step 1. Download the SAR Textbook
As you begin your study of the SAR program you should download the textbook. This is the most up-to-date text on wilderness medicine education. You can use it as a primary study tool, or as a reference text. It is updated frequently. You can use another service such as Notability to mark it up and make notes.
Step 2. Baseline Study
Follow the subject list given above as a guide or download the step by step guide below. Study by doing one (or more) of the following, depending on which way you learn best: This will give you the foundation needed to understand the material.
TEXTBOOK: Read the textbook either as a primary source of information or in addition to other study sources
PODCASTS: Most students listen to the podcasts. They are found on iTunes, Spotify and other hosting services. Look for Advanced Wilderness Life Support. You can follow along in the textbook.
POWERPOINT: If you need more help, you can watch a powerpoint lecture on a subject
Whether you have studied the practical skills in an SAR or similar course, you will need to watch these practical skill videos. If you are a current first responder, you may be exempt from watching these.
Step 5. SAR Certification Exam
Are you ready to pass your certification exam? Click on the Certification Examinations link to the right and take the exam. Questions about the exam are answered on the landing page. The test is timed and must be done in one sitting and may only be taken once. Good luck! You will need a password to take the exam. It will be given to you when you register. If you don’t have one, click here to ask for the password. A certificate will be presented at the end of the examination if you pass.
