Visit the Ultimate Guide to SAR Training Online →Bruce
Firefighter
Great introduction
Great introduction to what SAR is and how it should be trained for and performed.
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Thinking about Joining a Search and Rescue Team?
Start with Free SAR Training for Beginners.
If you’re curious about joining a search and rescue (SAR) team, this free 6-day SAR training primer gives you the essentials every new volunteer needs. You’ll learn how SAR teams operate, what skills you’ll need, and how to prepare for real-world missions - before you commit. Built by a nationally respected SAR instructor with 20+ years of experience, this course is your first step toward becoming mission-ready.
Your SAR Journey Starts Here
Free 6-Lesson Primer
Trusted by 10,000+ responders & volunteers
✅ 6 concise, practical email lessons.
✅ Decide if SAR is your next mission - before committing.
✅ Real-world fundamentals from a veteran responder.
Backed by real-world missions, FEMA-aligned training, and 20+ years of SAR expertise.
🛡️ If you don’t find value in the first email, unsubscribe anytime - no pressure.
Curious about joining a Search and Rescue (SAR) team - or just want to know how it really works?
This free primer is built for serious responders who want to train with purpose — not just accumulate modules. It’s the first step on a structured path, not a subscription carousel.
No gimmicks. No spam. If you don’t receive your confirmation email, check junk or promotions.
Already subscribed? You won’t be resubscribed or double-opted.
WHAT You'll Learn in This Free Search and Rescue Training Primer
These 6 lessons give you the foundational insights every SAR volunteer should know before showing up.
WHO This SAR Training is Designed For
You don’t need prior experience - just a desire to contribute for the right reasons.
Taught by nationally respected instructor with 20+ years of SAR experience.
HOW This Search and Rescue Training Primer Works
The whole course takes 6 days, but you set the pace.
WHAT Happens After the Primer?
If SAR still feels like the right fit for you, you’ll be invited to continue your training by enrolling in the full SAR Fundamentals Online Course - which includes:
Primer 
→ SAR Fundamentals Course 
→ Certification Track 
Want to explore the entire training roadmap?
TEAM Solutions SAR content is trusted by SAR volunteers & instructors nationwide.
You’ll see why once you’re inside.
WHAT Others Are Saying
Jen
Volunteer Response Leader
Tech Age
Thanks for bringing SAR into the tech age TEAM Solutions!
“It was a great training. Thanks to Mike.”
—Timothy, Responder
“I love your courses and plan to continue with more.”
—Misty, Volunteer Responder
“This course served as a fantastic refresher for veterans and a knowledge base for newer team members.”
—Cindy, Team Leader
“This was the next best thing to an in-person class - and better than reading a textbook.”
—Paul, Responder
“If this is something you're interested in, I strongly encourage you to sign up.”
—Liz, Aspiring K9 Handler
ABOUT The Instructor
Hi, I’m Mike McKenna. I’ve spent 20+ years in Search and Rescue - responding to missing person cases, training teams, and helping new volunteers learn the right way to get involved.
I created this free primer because I remember how confusing it was to get started.
Now, I help people just like you build the skills, mindset, and readiness needed to contribute to real missions.
TEAM Solutions and our SAR training programs are nationally respected for real-world, responder-focused education.
Disaster SAR
Wilderness SAR
So That Others May Live ...
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should take the SAR Training Primer?
This free 6-lesson email course is designed for anyone serious about contributing to Search and Rescue (SAR) for the right reasons. It’s ideal for newcomers wondering how SAR teams operate, public safety professionals considering a SAR role, military or veterans exploring ways to serve, and volunteers who want to train with purpose - not just accumulate modules.
Do I need prior SAR experience to take this course?
No prior SAR experience is required. You only need a genuine interest in learning what it takes to be an effective member of a SAR team. The course is built to help you understand the expectations, structure, and demands of SAR before you commit.
How long does the course take?
The Primer delivers one concise lesson per day for six days. Each lesson is self-paced, so you can read it when it’s convenient for you. The focus is on practical, actionable insights rather than textbook theory.
Will I get a certificate for completing the Primer?
No, the Primer does not include a certificate. However, if you choose to continue into the SAR Fundamentals Online Course, you will receive a downloadable Certificate of Completion and gain access to additional SAR certification pathways.
What happens after I finish the Primer?
If SAR still feels like the right path for you, you’ll be invited to enroll in the SAR Fundamentals Online Course. From there, you can continue on a structured training roadmap leading to the SAR Responder Essentials Certification and other advanced training opportunities.
Is this training recognized by SAR teams?
TEAM Solutions training is FEMA-aligned and nationally respected by SAR volunteers and instructors across the U.S. While requirements vary by team, the skills, knowledge, and insights you gain from this course provide a credible foundation for further training and team acceptance.
Your SAR Journey Starts Here
Free 6-Lesson Primer
Trusted by 10,000+ responders & volunteers
✅ 6 concise, practical email lessons.
✅ Decide if SAR is your next mission - before committing.
✅ Real-world fundamentals from a veteran responder.
Backed by real-world missions, FEMA-aligned training, and 20+ years of SAR expertise.
🛡️ If you don’t find value in the first email, unsubscribe anytime - no pressure.
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