Search and Rescue Team Equipment and Readiness Checklist

This comprehensive search and rescue team equipment and readiness checklist ensures regulatory compliance with NFPA 1670, NFPA 1006, NASAR, OSHA, State SAR Coordinator. Quarterly search and rescue team readiness inspection covering rope rescue, confined space rescue, swift water, and wilderness search equipment per NFPA 1670 Technical Rescue Operations standards and state SAR team certification requirements. Proper equipment maintenance ensures rescuer and victim safety during complex rescue ope

  • Industry: Emergency Services
  • Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
  • Estimated Time: 40 minutes
  • Role: Station Captain / Shift Commander / EMS Lead
  • Total Items: 19
  • Compliance: NFPA 1670, NFPA 1006, NASAR, OSHA, State SAR Coordinator

Rope Rescue Equipment

Inspect rope rescue per NFPA 1670 Chapter 6.

  • Are life safety ropes NFPA 1983 compliant (light use, general use, or technical use as required) and within service life?
  • Is each life safety rope logged with date of manufacture, use history, and retirement date per NFPA 1983?
  • Are carabiners, descenders, ascenders, pulleys, and anchors free of cracks, deformation, and corrosion?
  • Is edge protection equipment present for preventing rope abrasion over edges?
  • Are rescue harnesses inspected per NFPA 1983 with no cuts, chemical damage, or shock-loading?
  • Has team practiced required rope rescue skills within past quarter to maintain proficiency?

Confined Space Rescue Equipment

Verify confined space rescue per NFPA 1670 Chapter 9.

  • Is rescue tripod and mechanical retrieval system in good condition and load-tested per manufacturer schedule?
  • Are SCBA units designated for confined space rescue fully charged and fitted to team members?
  • Is confined space gas detector with calibrated sensors for O2, LEL, CO, and H2S available?
  • Is powered ventilation equipment (blower/exhauster) available for atmospheric control during rescue?
  • Is patient packaging equipment (stokes basket, backboard, litter) present for victim extraction?

Swift Water Rescue Equipment

Verify swift water rescue equipment per NFPA 1670 Chapter 11.

  • Are USCG-approved Type III or V water rescue PFDs present for all team members?
  • Are throw bags stocked with sufficient rope length and bag properly reloaded after each deployment?
  • Are rescue watercraft (boats, swift water boards) in good repair with required safety equipment?
  • Are dry suits or wetsuits of appropriate thickness available for water temperature conditions?

Team Certification and Training

Verify certification per NFPA 1006.

  • Are all SAR team members certified at NFPA 1006 Operations Level or higher for their rescue disciplines?
  • Is annual training conducted maintaining skills in all response disciplines per certification requirements?
  • Are team members trained in ICS-200 and ICS-300 for incident integration with other agencies?
  • Are after-action reviews conducted following significant incidents to identify equipment and training gaps?

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Why Use This Search and Rescue Team Equipment and Readiness Checklist?

This search and rescue team equipment and readiness checklist helps emergency services teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for station captain / shift commander / ems lead professionals, this checklist covers 19 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.

Ensures compliance with NFPA 1670, NFPA 1006, NASAR, OSHA, State SAR Coordinator. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Search and Rescue Team Equipment and Readiness Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 19 inspection items across 4 sections: Rope Rescue Equipment, Confined Space Rescue Equipment, Swift Water Rescue Equipment, Team Certification and Training. It is designed for emergency services operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per shift / daily. Each completion takes approximately 40 minutes.

Who should use this Search and Rescue Team Equipment and Readiness Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Station Captain / Shift Commander / EMS Lead professionals in the emergency services industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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