Training & skills
Effective rescue is built on preparation. Our members train year-round so they can operate safely and confidently when it counts.
Core Skills
What every member learns
New members build a common foundation before specializing. These are the building blocks of every mission.
Search Fundamentals
Search theory, lost-person behavior, team movement, and how to methodically cover terrain to find clues and subjects.
Navigation
Map, compass, and GPS skills to navigate the backcountry, track assignments, and report accurate positions.
Wilderness Medical
Emergency care in remote settings, patient assessment, and safe packaging for evacuation over difficult terrain.
Radio & Comms
Two-way radio procedure and communications discipline that keep teams coordinated and accountable in the field.
Survival & Self-Care
Personal readiness — the "ready pack," layering, hydration, and decision-making that keep rescuers safe and effective.
Incident Command
How searches are organized and managed under the Incident Command System, so everyone knows their role.
Going Deeper
Specialty capabilities
As our all-volunteer team grows, so do our specialties. Here's an honest look at where each stands today.
Winter / Over-Snow
Snowmobile operations and cold-weather rescue for Idaho's long winters.
UAS / Drone
Aerial search support that helps us cover large or difficult areas from above.
Technical Rope Rescue
High- and low-angle rope systems to reach and raise patients from cliffs and steep terrain — a capability we're actively building.
Swiftwater Rescue
Water-safety and rescue techniques for incidents on our rivers and reservoirs — currently in development.
Standards & Development
Building a strong training program
New members learn a common set of core skills — search fundamentals, navigation, wilderness medical, radio, and safety — before responding on missions, working in coordination with the Boise County Sheriff's Office.
We're actively developing this part of our program, adding structure, standards, and specialty training as our team grows.
