National Association for Search and Rescue

10/15/2026

The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) Mentorship Program is accepting applications for the 2027 year!

This semi‑structured, six‑month initiative that builds professional development, leadership growth, and meaningful connections across the outdoor recreation community.

This program pairs early‑ and mid‑career professionals with experienced leaders to foster inclusive, cross‑generational relationships and strengthen the broader outdoor recreation field.

For more details:
https://www.recpro.org/mentorship-program

Apply today!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcRTXt41cpTq_8rA7swREyYZAZgIdr-bDU_b5wcFbF6htooA/viewform

The SORP Mentorship Program is a semi-structured initiative designed to foster professional development, leadership growth, and meaningful connections among outdoor recreation professionals. The program connects early- and mid-career professionals (mentees) with experienced leaders in the field (men...

10/12/2026

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons Conference is now accepting nominations for the 2027 MUPC Service Award — honoring individuals who demonstrate extraordinary dedication in the search, investigation, recovery, and reunification of missing and unidentified persons.

If you know a Search and Rescue professional whose compassion, leadership, and commitment make a true impact, this is the moment to recognize their work. Nominations are open through December 4, 2026.

10/10/2026

Today we honor lived experience — the real voices that shape real change.

In Search and Rescue, we know that every responder and every survivor carries their own story. Mental health is not just a conversation; it’s a commitment to listening, supporting, and building systems that respect dignity, choice, and community.

This year’s theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” reminds us that those who have walked through crisis understand what recovery truly requires. Their insight strengthens our teams, our training, and the care we provide.

As we recognize World Mental Health Day, we stand with all who have faced mental health challenges — responders, families, survivors — and we reaffirm our dedication to compassion, peer support, and stigma‑free care.

Nothing about us, without us.

10/05/2026

Today we honor all teachers—those in classrooms, those in training fields, and those who guide us through every stage of learning.

On World Teachers’ Day, the National Association of Search and Rescue celebrates every educator who builds skills, strengthens confidence, and inspires the next generation of SAR professionals.

Whether you teach in schools, lead SAR courses, mentor new responders, or share knowledge in your community—your impact saves lives. Thank you for everything you do.

10/03/2026

FEMA Releases Updated ICS Position‑Specific Courses

FEMA’s National Disaster & Emergency Management University has launched five newly modernized NIMS ICS Position‑Specific courses—marking a major step forward in strengthening incident management training nationwide.

These next‑generation courses use a blended model with self‑paced pre‑work and immersive, scenario‑driven classroom training designed to build real‑world competency faster. Updated prerequisites and alignment with NQS Position Task Books ensure responders enter the field better prepared for the demands of incident leadership.

Newly released course updates include:
• Incident Commander
• Operations Section Chief
• Planning Section Chief
• Logistics Section Chief
• Communications Unit Leader

Legacy versions remain available for six months, with phased releases of additional courses continuing through 2027.

https://training.fema.gov/ndemu/more/training-announcements/content/10.2.2026.aspx

09/30/2026

Search and rescue teams are often the first to arrive where critical evidence may be present. That’s why crime scene awareness training is an essential part of professional SAR readiness.

NASAR has a long history of strengthening the SAR community through nationally recognized education, certification, and standards and crime scene awareness is one of the skills that helps responders protect both the mission and the integrity of an investigation.

Every responder deserves the knowledge to recognize potential evidence, avoid contamination, and work confidently alongside law enforcement partners.

Find out more today, at www.nasar.org or the NASAR SAR Academy https://saracademy.thinkific.com/

09/29/2026

SARSCENE 2026 is coming — and you are invited to be part of Canada’s largest multi‑disciplinary SAR event!

Join air, marine, and ground responders from across the country for a hybrid conference focused on real‑world coordination, innovation, and mission readiness.

October 7–11, 2026 • Saskatoon, SK
Field demos, SAR Games, breakout sessions, tradeshow, appreciation events, and full virtual access for online attendees- yes, we said virtual!

Registration is still open for virtual attendees: https://www.sarscene2026.ca/website/sarscene2026

09/28/2026

What is a “Search” in Search & Rescue?

A search is a systematic, coordinated effort to locate a missing or endangered person using trained responders, proven methods, and informed decision‑making. It’s more than looking — it’s planning, evaluating clues, managing resources, and adapting as conditions change.

Every effective search begins with clear definition, solid strategy, and skilled people working together.

Train today with NASAR.

www.nasar.org

09/24/2026

NASAR is on the move — across the U.S. and across the globe.

From groundbreaking SARTECH II certifications in Germany to major updates in our canine standards, plus powerful stories of rescues, disasters, and volunteers pushed to their limits — this month’s NASAR Response is packed with the missions, momentum, and people shaping the future of search and rescue.

Read the full September NASAR Response and stay mission‑ready!

Members- it's in your inbox!

Not a member? Join today and don't miss another issue!
www.nasar.org

09/23/2026

When the environment becomes the challenge, preparation becomes the lifeline.

NASAR’s WEC Program — including Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and Wilderness EMT Upgrade (WEMTU) — trains responders to think critically, improvise with what they have, and deliver effective emergency care far from traditional help.

These courses go beyond memorizing symptoms. They teach how body systems work, what can go wrong in the wilderness, and how to stabilize a patient when hospitals or EMS are overwhelmed or inaccessible.