Equipment
Day Pack List
It is important that every volunteer searcher is prepared and ready to go if called upon for a search and rescue mission. The following list is a basic guide that may be used to prepare yourself and the items it contains are recommendations that can be modified to better suit your needs or the region that the search is conducted in.
- food for the day plus a couple of extra energy bars
- water, water, water… or something to drink
- watch
- compass with a mirror plus a map of the area
- notebook and pencil
- crayon or permanent marker
- lighter or outdoor matches with a candle
- whistle - Fox Type 40
- big orange garbage bags
- flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- multi-use knife
- 1 glow stick
- thermal reflective blanket
- safety glasses
- personal first aid kit with latex gloves and CPR mask
- a few tight wraps (tensor bandages) and pin needles
- 3m of small rope plus 1m of duct tape
- sun block lotion
- bug spray
Clothing
It is even more important to be dressed accordingly while working outdoors. Note that cotton is not a good choice because it does not dry fast and strips away body heat. Synthetic clothing is recommended and a blend of 50 cotton/50 polyester is the best choice, but may be expensive.
- orange vest
- hat, toque, mitts, neck warmer or balaclava
- a good pair of gloves!
- a good pair of boots! (adapted to the terrain and weather)
- spare pair of socks
- rain wear
- extra clothing in case of cold weather