Lesson 1.
An Overview of New Mexico SAR
As a SAR volunteer, you must have a basic understanding of the structure of New Mexico Search and Rescue to work in alignment with the current system and promote community cohesiveness, functionality, and professionalism.
The NM SAR ACT of 1978
The New Mexico Search and Rescue Act was established in 1978 to organize and coordinate SAR efforts in New Mexico. It establishes the Department of Public Safety as the statewide control agency (agency having jurisdiction) for SAR to prepare, organize, and coordinate efforts of federal, State, and local governmental agencies and volunteer organizations. Such governmental agencies include county sheriff offices, state fire, and city government police, fire, and EMS agencies. It establishes and defines the Resource Officer position and the SAR Review Board.
The current Resource Officer is Bob Rodgers. He is responsible for "coordinating SAR resources and administering the State SAR Plan."
Bob can be reached at:
The SAR Review Board is tasked with the "duty it is to evaluate the operation of the New Mexico Search and Rescue Plan; evaluate problems of specific missions; and make findings of fact and recommendations to the chief, director and other appropriate authorities." The Board is appointed by the Governor and currently remains vacant.
The SAR Plan is the document that puts the SAR Act into effect and further defines how SAR is conducted in New Mexico. It establishes the authority and responsibilities of the New Mexico State Police, how missions are initiated, certification of SAR volunteers (including field coordinators), and lays out considerations for incidents involving Emergency Locator Transmitters, downed aircraft, or water. The SAR Plan ensures a single standard approach and standardizes certification for SAR responders.
Now, you have a better understanding of the structure of SAR in New Mexico. Before we discuss your role and responsibilities as an NM SAR responder with an EMS license, let's first review the role of the NM SAR Medical Coordinators and Medical Direction.
Approved Feb.2024 - Med. Director Updated Feb.2024 T.Harbin