Ground Search and Rescue Technicians

Ground Search and Rescue technicians (GSAR tech) are the Emergency Response Volunteers (ERV's) that form the foundation of all OVERT deployments.

GSAR tech's are utilized in a variety of manners ranging from 8-10 man grid search teams to smaller 3-4 man reconnaissance teams. These members receive extensive and on going training. Upon joining OVERT members are required to complete 36 hours of in-class training, in addition to one field training day which is a minimum of 12 hours long. Following the completion of these initial requirements GSAR tech's are further required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of field training per year, in addition to regular meetings and community event appearances.

Initially developed with Ground Search and Rescue in mind, OVERT has evolved the ability to respond to a diverse range of situations – floods, fires, evacuations, fast water search operations, technical rescue, traffic control, extreme heat and cold alerts, live and deceased person searches.