Search and Rescue free essay sample

You have 5 seconds to get out into formation! What are you waiting for? Get out of the van now! . The first thought that comes to my mind is, What have I gotten in to, will I be able to survive these two weeks? My partners and I panic as we try to exit the van as quickly as possible, stumbling over seats and each other, we run to the area like chickens running aimlessly for their food. We try our best to stand in formation once we arrive at the area; eyes ahead, hearts pumping brows sweating, this is CARTS. Search and Rescue Training Academy. Remember having a desire to save peoples lives pretty much my entire life, so when I heard about this unit with the Washington County Sheriff Office, applied instantly. In 2013, was accepted into this program along with eighteen others after going through the application process which meant going through oral interviews, filling out an application, and PET tests (physical testing). We also had to go through mandatory trainings such as CPRM and DEAD, and gear checks before we were ready to go through the academy.The academy lasted for about two weeks of which learned many lifesaving skills such as land navigation, rope techniques, medical skills, search techniques, map and compass, GAPS, radio, litter carrying, and many other important skills that is required to becoming a search and rescue member. Now back to the academy. During the two week period of this academy, I would have to say the first two days were the worst part of it, especially the first day because none of us was were expecting the yelling, the endurance exercises, and the little sleep. On the first day was super exhausted because of all the physical excursion that we had to put up with. For example, right when we arrived at the academy we had to do pushup, mountain climbers, and many other kinds of exercises. Also, each day we had about one to two hours of physical training right when we woke up at 6:00 am. This was great because it made our blood flowing as most Of us were freezing in the early morning but again it was also pretty tiring. The second day was challenging too because along with doing the regular exercises, we had litter carrying which we were taught on how to carry them as efficiently s possible.Just for training purposes, inside a litter was six to nine, 60 pound sand bags which was equivalent to a person. Everywhere we went, we had to carry these litters with us. This includes walking to classes, walking to the three meals we had each day, and to anywhere else. Although six people carried one litter, three on each side, after a while it became pretty strenuous for our arms and shoulder muscles as we carried these through the whole academy every single day. This was one instance where I never looked forward too as my muscles werent use to arraying these, but it was a good challenge as my team and learned teamwork and perseverance.Not only did we have the usual exercises/ trainings each day but we also had to be very uniformed. Everything we did, was as a team. Whether it was running or walking together in straight lines, our stance had to be exact, our tent and everything in it had to be exact, we had to Wear the same clothes. Lets just say, this Was like a mini boot camp in the military but much shorter. If we werent uniformed we would get burned which meant doing some kind of exercise that made us wish we ere always uniformed.In other words, we got disciplined, in which even though it hurt it was worth it because it made us, recruits, watch out for each other. The reason that we had to be like this was because it helped us rely on each other as a team so that when we receive a call out for a real search, we will be as efficient as possible in the field. Each team of about shish had a team leader. The team leader was in charge of making sure everyone was uniformed and if we werent, the TTL would get an extra punishment even though he or she didnt do anything wrong.I was one of the team leaders of which I tried my best making sure everyone was looking top notch during inspections. Some of the more noteworthy activities that we did during the academy was repelling off a low angle mountain, team building games, a couple of mock searches, and helicopter rescue. Other than those activities, most of the days were filled up to the brim with classroom work, running from this point to the next doing certain activities, or exercises. There was never a time where we had a break.Every second, minute, and hour was filled with doing something. Even when everyone was sleeping each night there was Firewater which meant two recruits had to patrol the whole area every two Hours and report anything suspicious. This was brutal. It was very tough trying not to fall asleep and to stay warm. Than joyfully there was a new two recruits every Ohio hours so once our two hours were up we went to sleep. At the end of the two weeks, there was a written test and a FAT (field training exercise). This FAT was probably the most important part of the academy.Its basically using all of our new skills that we learned and implementing them into this field training exercise to see if we are ready for real searches that come in the future. This exercise was about 12 hours long. After passing the written test and the FAT, we proudly graduated and were certified ASS Type Ill search and rescue members. During this academy, although it was very hard sometimes physically and mentally, I have learned to be determined in everything I do whether its school, jobs, or trainings. Although there will be obstacles in my life, this academy in a sense has taught me to overcome them.