The Land Search Field Team Member (FTM) is the foundation for response to a lost or missing person incident including ground search for a missing aircraft.  This standard is the minimum recommended training for those responders not already governed by a training guideline for response to persons in distress.  Additionally, this standard does not purport to address all hazards, safety concerns, or skill requirements for a local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).  Upon completion of this course, the FTM should be able to: Understand the principles of search and rescue, navigate accurately on land, and survive an unexpected wilderness emergency.  The FTM should be capable of performing these functions anytime of the year, day or night, and in all weather conditions experienced in the State of North Carolina.

The NCEM Land Search Field Team Member (FTM) Standard provides State-level credentialing of first responders to a national standard and meets the requirements for knowledge, skills, and abilities set forth in ASTM F2209 and NIMS Wilderness Search Technician.

This course, comprised of both classroom and field-based instruction, will cover objectives such as:

• SAR Operations
• Legal Aspects of SAR
• Personal Equipment
• Wilderness Survival
• Land Navigation
• Search Skills
• Incident Site Procedures
• Basic Rescue Operations
• Helicopter and Aircraft Operations
• Field Communications