Basic Search and Rescue Training Recap

Madison County Emergency Management hosted a Basic Search and Rescue (BSAR) course on behalf of Kentucky Emergency Management on February 24–26, 2026. The training brought public safety and emergency response partners together for focused instruction, teamwork, and hands-on practice.

Although the standard course spans three days, our team completed the workshop in two full training days. This schedule helped reduce interference with agency shifts while still covering the required material.

Participating Agencies

The training included representation from the following agencies:

Berea Fire Department
Berea Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Bernheim Forest
Bluegrass Army Depot
Boyle County Fire Department
Jessamine County EMS
Jessamine County Fire District
Kirksville Volunteer Fire Department
KY Department of Fish & Wildlife
Lincoln County Fire Department
Madison County EMS
Madison County Fire Department
Nicholasville Fire Department
Powell County Search and Rescue
Richmond Police Department
Rockcastle EMA
Western Fire
White Hall Volunteer Fire Department

Joint training promotes coordination and strengthens communication across jurisdictions.

Course Instruction

Johnny Adams, Emergency Management Director of Jessamine County, led the course alongside Madison County Assistant Fire Chief Steve Asbury. Both instructors volunteered their time and shared operational experience from active search and rescue responses.

Training Components

The course introduced core search principles and operational procedures before progressing to hands-on field skills.

Instruction included:

Hasty and grid search techniques
Map reading and compass navigation
Coordinate communication and area tracking
Clue identification and documentation
Rescue versus recovery considerations
Subject packaging and transport procedures
SAR clothing and equipment standards

Search and rescue equipment, including boots, gloves, a SAR pack, ropes, and navigation gear, displayed during Basic Search and Rescue training. Participants work together on a practical classroom activity during Basic Search and Rescue training. Instructors lead a group briefing on operational pacing and coordination during BSAR field training.

Field Exercise

After completing classroom instruction, participants conducted a mock search at a local farm in Madison County. Teams divided into assigned areas, followed coordinated search plans, and communicated findings in real time.

The Madison County Fire Department assisted with scenario setup and field coordination.

Following the exercise, crews returned to the station to practice safe backboard strapping techniques inside the apparatus bay.

Search and rescue trainees gather in an open field during a field exercise as part of Basic Search and Rescue training. Field instruction on search coordination and movement techniques during Basic Search and Rescue training. Public safety personnel conduct a coordinated field exercise during BSAR training in a rural landscape.

Operational Readiness

Search and rescue operations require coordination, discipline, and consistent communication. Training builds those capabilities before an emergency occurs.

We appreciate the support of Kentucky Emergency Management for this course. We also thank our instructors and participating agencies for their commitment to regional preparedness.

Preparedness begins long before the call.

Search and rescue trainees stand along a hillside during field instruction as part of Basic Search and Rescue training.

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Basic Search and Rescue Training Recap

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