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Friends of DNR Search & Rescue Provide Critical Support for their Favorite Team

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Georgia's DNR Search and Rescue Team is often given little thought or consideration until a crisis arises. The same goes for this Friends chapter whose mission is to help supply and support this vital team in every way possible. Friends of DNR Search and Rescue is truly a unique chapter filled with much passion and determination to make a difference in Georgia.

DNR Search and Rescue is composed of a team of dedicated professionals trained and ready to respond to emergency situations at our Georgia state parks. Georgia's state parks and historic sites receive over 15,700,000 annual visitors and protecting not only the land, but each guest is vitally important.

In 2008 a group of organized volunteers started a Friends chapter ready to support this dedicated team of responders. Even today, great efforts are made to help ensure their success. Recently, after raising funds and with the help and support of State Friends, Friends of DNR Search and Rescue was able to fund Wilderness First Responder Training for members of the Team. They have also provided funding for two members of the team to attend training at the National Cave Rescue Class as well as SARTECH Training Certification for several other members.

The Wilderness First Responder Certification is a nationally recognized program that trains participants to respond to emergencies in remote settings. The 80-hour curriculum includes standards for urban and extended care situations. Special topics include but are not limited to: wound management and infection, realigning fractures and dislocations, improvised splinting techniques, patient monitoring and long term management problems, up-to-date information on all environmental emergencies, plus advice on drug therapies. Emphasis is placed on prevention and decision-making, not the memorization of lists. This course is designed specifically to provide the students with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. Not only does the program train participants for response to emergencies in remote settings, it also provides the skills needed for everyday medical emergencies in any setting, be it the Georgia state parks, historic sites, or an automobile accident.

The SARTECH is a certification offered through the National Association of Search and Rescue. The certification is earned through a written and skills test which includes, land navigation, rope skills, search techniques, etc. For more information, please CLICK HERE