Hopefully now you're reading this means you have read all about us on our 'About Us' page, and thought you'd come to this page and find out a little more about the joining process. We'll recap on a few important points - to save you going back to that page unless you really want to:
Who can be a member of HANTSAR?
HANTSAR members can come from any walk of life, it is this diversity of searchers that gives HANTSAR and other ALSAR and MREW teams its strength. It is the broad knowledge base of members that provides for different ways to deal with Search and Rescue situations. The only requirement to be considered for operational membership is that you are 18 or over and able to walk at least 5 miles in 2 hours.
What will being a member of HANTSAR involve?
Getting out of bed at 3am to go and search for a complete stranger! HANTSAR is available for callout 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whilst we understand that work and family commitments are priorities you should be willing to make every effort to respond to callouts and training whenever possible. It is your responsibility to discuss your Search and Rescue duties with your employer to check whether it is possible to leave work during your normal working hours.
You will be on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and should be able to respond to a search within one hour. Your time at a search will vary depending on the location and circumstances of the search but could last up to six hours.
All new members will have an enhanced CRB check. It is important to HANTSAR and the Police forces we work for that all our members are of sound character and show good judgement in their personal conduct. Members will often be involved in sensitive situations and come into contact with vulnerable persons such as the elderly and children. This requires trust and the ability to respect confidentiality.
You will need to own a mobile telephone as we use SMS (text messaging) as our primary means of callout and email as primary means of communication about training and events.
Members are also asked to participate in non-search activities such as fund raising, equipment maintenance, organisation, training, social meetings and other special events. The unit has to maintain its equipment, organise its own administration and continually improve its abilities, knowledge and techniques. Not everyone has to be involved in everything but everyone is expected to be involved in something.
On occasion you may be asked to assist in out of county searches through the ALSAR mutual aid agreement. This is your call and will depend on where you live within the county. For example you may live close to the Berkshire border.
Transport
You will need to make your own arrangements to attend searches and members are encouraged to car share where possible. There may be opportunities to share lifts in team vehicles depending on where you live in the county.
Costs
We provide a uniform as listed on the kit list below. You will be expected to have most of the core equipment after a few months. You must have all the equipment prior to going on searches. HANTSAR will provide items such as radios, advanced first aid kit and any personal protection equipment that may be required.
Membership costs can be found on the application form, and there is a fee for the training course to become operational.
Unfortunately you also have pay your own fuel costs when attending training and callouts although we encourage car pooling where possible.
Personal Equipment List (Operational Members)
The list below is a typical equipment list required for operational members of the team. We provide each member with around £200 worth of personal equipment for use during membership.
Provided by HANTSAR
- Hi-Vis Class 3 jacket
- ID badge
- Red Wicking Polo Shirt
- Keela Munro Waterproof Jacket
- Keela Zenith Softshell Jacket
Personal equipment
- Stout waterproof walking boots
- Waterproof Trousers
- A Rucksack/backpack
- 1:25,000 Maps of the area
- Good quality Silva type Compass (e.g. Ranger 3)
- Torch / Headlamp with extra bulb and batteries plus Spare Torch
- Gloves, both waterproof and gardening type gloves
- Water
- Whistle
- Note book (A6 recommended) and pens/Pencils
- Snack Food e.g. Mars Bar
- Toilet roll or baby wipes
- Extra set of clothing, suitable for climate
- Sunscreen
- Watch
- Personal First aid kit
- A Pair of clear goggles or eye protection
- Medication if required, e.g. hay fever remedies.
- Mobile telephone (used for callouts)
Ok so I'm in how do I get started?
- Contact us using the form on this site or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 03303309506
- Fill in and return your application form and email a digital photo so we know what you look like when we meet you.
- You will be emailed a link to complete a CRB Application Form - this must be completed before attending a New Members evening
- You'll be invited to a New Members evening. We have several throughout the year - bring your ID so we can finish your CRB form
- You will be posted a CRB form which has been filled in - all you need to do is sign and return in the prepaid envelope.
- Once we get back your CRB and depending on it's content your membership will be approved and you will start receiving emails inviting you to training. You may be invited to attend classroom sessions whilst we are waiting for your CRB to be returned. Your membership fee will also become due at the point as you will have been accepted as a new member.
- You need to a complete a weekend course which we run several of throughout the year or you can attend other ALSAR team courses.
- To attend our course in Hampshire we have a pre-requisite that you have attended at least one search exercise - that way it's not a complete surprise when you do the course.
- After you have completed three search exercises and the course you will go on the operational callout list subject to meeting the ALSAR training standards and committee approval
- Once you are on the callout list - well just before we'll kit you out with the HANTSAR uniform.
