Class Descriptions

THURSDAY, May 15th, 2025

(PRE-CONFERENCE)

SAR Initial Actions

Additional fee: $100
Thursday | 8:00am-6:00pm
REGISTRATION (for this class only): Sergeant Rescue Training
Instructor: Jason Tartalone

The Search and Rescue Initial Actions (SARIA) course is a one-day standalone program tailored for law enforcement, fire officers, EMS, emergency management personnel, and trained SAR team members who are often the first on the scene of a missing person incident—whether urban or wilderness.

This course equips responders with the essential knowledge and tools to initiate and sustain a SAR incident during the critical initial minutes to hours, until additional resources arrive or command is transferred. Participants learn the key steps to take, including why, when, and how to act effectively. The course covers map setup and utilization via SARTopo, and the Lost Person Behavior text, to establish containment, prioritize resources, and request the appropriate assets—all aimed at preventing the incident from escalating into a prolonged campaign if possible.

Designed as a “must-have” for first responders, this course has been field-proven by our instructors and widely praised by emergency management agencies, law enforcement, and SAR teams across the country! This course will challenge some of your current knowledge and help build solid initial response guidelines. Seasoned SAR experts agree: even if they never step into the field again, teaching this course will still save lives! Register today to take the next step in expanding your effectiveness with search management!

Upon successful completion of the course the participant will receive a SARIA certificate from the National Association for Search and Rescue.

Canine Legal Updates

Additional fee: $100
Thursday | 8:00am-5:00pm
Instructor: Sheepdog Guardian Consulting

Friday, May 16th, 2025

K9 High Line

Friday & Saturday | 10:00am-5:00pm
Sponsoring team: PA Mountain Rescue
K9 teams may sign up for a time slot at Check-In.

High Line Course Description: K9 and Handler transport via Rope system.

This course presents a wonderful opportunity for handlers and their canine partners to be transported via a twin tension high line system. Each team will be instructed on the use of basic rope rescue equipment and safety techniques, hoisted into the air, and transported between two points. These skills have been critical during many real life disasters such as the response to Ground Zero in the days post 9/11.

All participants are encouraged to bring any of their own gear that they wish to utilize. Necessary items for this station will include a bump helmet, work gloves, eye protection, K9 lifting harness and a ANSI/UIAA rated harness for the handler. All personal gear is subject to inspection prior to use and gear will be provided for those without.

Pennsylvania Mountain Rescue is a wilderness SAR team based out of Monroe county. PAMR specializes in search logistics and mapping, patient care and evacuation, and technical rope skills. The team was founded in 2018 by members of two other SAR teams after the need for a rescue specific organization was realized. PAMRs membership is comprised of individuals with professional experience and personal passions for the outdoors and community service. The team is based out of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and listed as Monroe county station 75.

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Testing

Additional fee: $20 (paid directly to Evaluator)
Friday | 8:30am-5:00pm
Evaluator: Lisa Kirschner

The AKC Canine Good Citizen Test is an accepted obedience pre-requisite for PSARC K9 Testing. To review the test standards, please visit: AKC Canine Good Citizen Training Resources. A sign-up form will be available at Check-In when you arrive to camp, to select your Friday time slot.

K9 Field Work (Air Scent, Trailing & HRD)

Additional fee: $175
Friday & Saturday | 8:30am-5:00pm

All levels of experience are welcome. Instructors will send out questionnaires to registrants to gain more information in advance of the Summit about where you are in your training, and what you hope to gain from this training workshop. Maximum of 1:6 instructor to student ratio. Training locations will move off-site and vary from day to day depending on class needs.

Air Scent (30 working spots)
- Nicole Cheatle
- Emma Gaalaas Mullaney
- Patti Thompson
- Kara Schaeffer
- Jennifer Gambino

Trailing (18 working spots)
- Mike Szelc
- Denise Sacca
- Steve Row

Human Remains Detection (30 working spots)
- Athena Haus
- Jack Thorpe
- Annissia Justice
- Assistant – Jennifer Woolever
- Assistant – David Harley

All SAR Training Summit Registrants are welcome to audit & observe K9 field classes for no additional fee!

Tracking Fundamentals & Track Aware

Additional fee: $30
Friday | 8:30am-9:00pm & Saturday | 8:30am-5:00pm
Instructor: John Norris

Course Time: Roughly 1200 min. (two days) 1.5Hr night element on day one. Helpers should bring multiple pairs of shoes.

Expected Learner Outcome: Develop skill sets to perform specific land SAR tracking tasks. To demonstrate a need to increase the use of tracking skills during land search incident. Emphasize the need for continued interaction with other trackers, expanding the use of this skill set within your unit and recognize the need for weekly [if not daily] practice.

Instructor Intent: Lecture with PPT presentation to define NASAR Tracking concepts and then set up field exercises to practice these concepts. Practice must contain the common tasks that a tracker would be expected to perform during a land search incident.

Conditions: Under controlled pre-defined environments provide step-by-step modules in lecture and field exercise format. Typical: During each module student involvement will be observed and participation will be expected. Those who attend 80% or greater of the course and pass the practical examination will be awarded a Track Aware certificate from NASAR.

Introduction to Survival

Friday | 8:30am-12:00pm
Instructor: Rudy Ritter

The basis of this course is to explain and introduce different methods for shelter building with tarps that are carried in SAR packs, and small fire making/understanding, with basic tool usage and equipment safety and use.

Required equipment for this course:

Tarp 5×7 minimum
550 cord 50ft minimum
Full tang knife with sheath
Fire starter (magnesium stick, Ferro conium rod)
Waterproof matches
6 tent stakes
3 Full body black bags/construction bags
Anything else you carry in your SAR pack

Water Rescue for the First Responder

Friday | 8:30am-12:00pm
Instructor: Dan Bacaloglu, PFBC Instructor

The first in a series of Water Rescue courses designed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC). The PFBC initiated the Pennsylvania Water Rescue Program in 1983 to provide water and ice rescue training for fire and rescue department personnel. Since that time, over 75,000 students have been trained in the most current techniques. It is now the largest non-profit, public water and ice rescue training program known to exist in the United States.

Classroom Course Content: Scene assessment, activation of the Emergency Response System, evaluation of potential and existing water hazards, scene management, rescue vs. recovery, and personal safety measures. This course meets or exceeds NFPA 1670 Awareness-level guidelines.

Crime Scene Awareness

Friday | 1:00-5:00pm
Instructor: Wayne Thomas

During this presentation you will be advised of the varying aspects of the Crime Scene
Awareness from identification of a possible scene, to the preservation and security thereof.
Additionally, how law enforcement processes the scene to maximize the information found at
the scene. The importance of Physical Evidence. We will discuss evidentiary issues – the
importance of a clean scene, and the various possibilities on witness testimony about those
crime scenes, and the different types of testimony.

Layering Clothing & Moisture Management for the Outdoors

Friday | 1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: Nancy Purnell

Staying comfortable in extreme environments isn’t just about warmth—it’s about managing moisture, regulating heat, and adapting to conditions before they become dangerous. Whether you’re responding to a rescue call at 2 AM in freezing temperatures or navigating scorching summer terrain, the right layering system can mean the difference between peak performance and total misery. Join New Jersey Search and Rescue for an in-depth session on how heat and moisture move through clothing, the science behind proper layering, and real world strategies for outdoor professionals and first responders.

This course covers:

The core principles of heat loss & moisture control
Layering for extreme cold, heat and variable conditions
SAR-specific gear considerations for mobility, durability and efficiency
Common layering mistakes & myths debunked
Hands-on demonstrations and real-world case studies

Don’t let the elements work against you—learn how to layer smart and stay operational in any environment! Be prepared. Stay comfortable. Save lives.

K9 Nutrition – How to Read Pet Food Labels

Friday | 1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: Dr. Dan Bacaloglu, DVM

Objectives: Learn which agencies regulate pet food labels, understand how to interpret pet food names, ingredient claims and listings, differentiate between the guaranteed analysis and typical nutrient content, what is a AAFCO feeding trial, define and interpret nutritional adequacy statements and feeding guidelines, and gain confidence in interpreting information present on a bag/can of pet food.

Drone Use in SAR

Friday | 3:00-5:00pm
Instructor: Tom Narkin & Ryan Ross

Target Audience: anyone considering becoming a drone pilot, any team member with decision authority considering addition of drone capability

Covered Topics: steps taken to acquire a Part 107 certification, study material resources, government requirements when operating a drone for non-recreational purposes, drones and costs WPSAR considered in Fall 2024 prior to purchase

Specifically Not Covered: drone operation instruction, search techniques

Overnight Survival Skills

Friday | 4:00pm-morning (at student’s discretion)
Instructor: Rudy Ritter

The basis of this course is to show and demonstrate how one will learn what is necessary to do/setup for spending the night out. You will also learn what one would carry to spend the night out, on the off chance, you would need to shelter in place even for an extended period of time. This course will have you spend the night in the shelter you setup from the equipment from your SAR pack. It is optional if you want to spend the whole night out in your shelter, but it is encouraged. Even if you choose to not spend the night in your shelter, you will still get the ability to set up and create larger fire set ups and to understand what you will need to feel comfortable, if one is required to do so in SAR.

Requirement for this course

Tarp 6×8 minimum, but not to exeed 10×12
550 cord 100ft minimum
Full tang knife with sheath
Fire starter (magnesium stick, Ferro conium rod)
Weatherproof matches
6 tent stakes
3 Full body black bags/construction bags
Whatever one feels is comfortable to sleep in to spend in overnight if they choose to (sleeping bag, wool blanket)
Ground mats for sleeping
What one would carry in their SAR pack to spend the night out in

Trap Safety & Awareness

Friday | 6:00-9:00pm
Instructor: Dan Lynch

Dan Lynch, a renowned expert and Public Relations Director for the Pennsylvania Trappers Association, will deliver an engaging presentation on traps and their management. With his extensive background as a retired Wildlife Education Specialist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission and retired Deputy State Game Warden, Dan will provide expert guidance on handling K9 entanglements and demonstrate safe trap release methods.

RECOVER Certified Pet Rescuer CPR

Additional fee: $15
Friday | 6:00-7:00pm
Instructor: Connie Arace & Dr. Kara Kruger, DVM
PRE-REQUISITE: students must complete the online course RECOVER Certified Pet Rescuer course before coming to the in-person Summit class. Cost of the online course is $35 – use Discount Code: Workshop20 for 20% off online course

Over 100 board-certified veterinary specialists from around the world collaborated to develop the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) evidence-based CPR guidelines. The leaders of RECOVER have designed this course with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for pet owners and pet professionals to learn core CPR skills needed to increase survival rates of pets experiencing cardiopulmonary arrest.

This comprehensive and highly engaging hands on course includes videos and quizzes covering the latest in CPR techniques.

K9 First Aid for the Working K9

Friday | 7:00-9:00pm
Instructor: Connie Arace & Dr. Kara Kruger, DVM

This program is designed for the K-9 handler and support staff where emergency veterinary care may be limited. This course provides a hands-on lab and comprehensive training in restraint, how to acquire vital signs, what to carry in your pack, and addresses common medical emergencies to working K-9’s in remote settings and how to stabilize and prevent each emergency from worsening. This course also uses specialized techniques on how to use your surroundings to treat and reduce injury.

This course will include common medical emergencies such as:

Wounds and bleeding: How to stop the bleed, packing wounds and wound care
Thermoregulation injuries: How to recognize and treat both hypo and hyperthermia
Gastric dilatation volvulus AKA Bloat: How to recognize
Environmental dangers : Snake bites, Animal traps, opioid toxicity, dehydration
External Extraction Technique (EET): How to safely perform EET in a choking canine

Saturday, May 17th, 2025

Task Planning Workshop

Saturday | 8:30am-12:30pm
Instructor: Jason Tartalone

This 4-hour workshop is designed to equip Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively plan and execute search tasks during SAR operations. The workshop focuses on understanding the critical elements of search task planning process, including terrain analysis, resource allocation, and strategic deployment of teams. Participants will learn how to develop search tasking packages for teams to effectively and efficiently carry out SAR Mission Taskings and to return the needed information product for the task.

Understanding Patients at Every Age

Saturday | 8:30-10:30am
Instructor: Heather Elepano

Comprehending patients at varying stages of life is crucial for providing effective care. Lifespan development offers valuable insights as we explore the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that unfold throughout an individual’s life journey. By understanding these changes, we can better support our patients and enhance their overall well-being.

Subject De-Escalation

Saturday | 10:30am-12:30pm
Instructor: Paul Burns, LAC

In our complex and often stressful world, conflicts and confrontations are a natural part of life. However, tensions can rise quickly in personal relationships, professional environments, or public spaces. This is where the importance of de-escalation comes into play. By employing various constructive techniques and strategies, we can effectively reduce tension in conflict situations. This proactive approach not only helps us navigate challenges more smoothly but also fosters a pathway to peaceful resolutions and stronger connections.

Water Filtration

Saturday | 1:00-4:00pm
Instructor: Rudy Ritter

This course will talk about the importance of water filtration, the demonstration of different water filtration types, and their processes of filtering.

Requirement for this course: Your attention and eagerness to learn

Orthopedics – How to Stabilize the Limb

Saturday | 1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: Steve Storch

Class Description

Subject Extraction: Should I Stay or Go?

Saturday | 3:00-5:00pm
Instructor: Michael Berkenbuch, MD, NRP

Class Description

Dementia Friendly SAR

Saturday | 6:00-7:00pm (virtual presentation)
Instructor: (organization representative)

A dementia-friendly community is a village, town, city, or county that actively promotes understanding, safety, and respect for individuals living with dementia, their families, and their caregivers. By fostering supportive options, these communities aim to enhance the quality of life and create an inclusive environment that empowers everyone involved.

Come and join this class to gain support, networking, education, and the necessary resources.

Legalities in SAR Operations

Saturday | 6:00-7:00pm
Instructor: Jason Tartalone

This comprehensive course is designed for individuals involved in Search and Rescue (SAR) activities, ranging from front-line responders to incident commanders and organizational leaders. The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks, responsibilities, and ethical considerations pertinent to SAR operations.

Sunday, May 18th, 2025

Strength & Conditioning for the Wilderness SAR K9

Sunday | 8:30am-12:00pm
Instructor: Kristina Opalecky & Julianna King
8 K9 Working Spots & unlimited auditors

This class is designed specifically for wilderness search and rescue dog handlers, focusing on foundational skills for canine strength and conditioning. This is designed for those who are new or have limited experience with canine strength and conditioning. Participants will gain practical knowledge through lecture and hands-on learning to optimize their search and rescue dogs’ strength, endurance, and overall fitness, ensuring they are well-prepared for operational searches. Dogs of any age are able to participate.

By the end of the seminar, handlers should be able to:

Recognize signs of fatigue or injury in search and rescue dogs.
Describe the importance of physical fitness for the wilderness SAR K9’s performance, injury prevention, and longevity of their career.
Create and implement a warm up and cool down routine.
Apply principles of canine-specific exercise, including strength, endurance, body awareness, and flexibility training to their training routine.

Course Structure and Content Outline

Importance of Strength and Conditioning for K9s
Body condition score and relationship with performance and injury
Building endurance for Wilderness SAR

Hands-On Sessions:

Demo: Benefits of strength and conditioning
Warm up & Cool Down
Core strength exercises
Balance and coordination drills
Flexibility and mobility exercises
Tailored conditioning protocols for SAR requirements

Wilderness Search and Rescue canines are elite athletes needing endurance, strength, agility, and body awareness to navigate their environment with confidence despite less than ideal environmental factors. Having a proper warm up and strength and conditioning plan ensures that our athletes are prepared to work their tasks efficiently while minimizing risk of injury. Properly conditioned canines are able to work longer, range further, navigate more difficult terrain, and are less prone to heat injury and physical injury than their unconditioned counterparts. Working through fitness programs builds teamwork and communication between the handler and their dog, further strengthening their bond and trust in one another. Handlers who have a conditioning program for their dog often recognize subtle signs of pain and discomfort earlier- allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment which can reduce rest needed from work and more severe injury.

Cooperative Care & Low Stress Handling

Sunday | 8:30am-12:00pm
Instructor: Kathryn Eland & Danielle Berger
15 K9 Working Spots & unlimited auditors

From full body decontamination procedures while on disaster SAR deployments to first aid, from body checks for thorns, ticks and cuts to routine husbandry such as nail trimmings, vaccinations, and teeth brushing, our high-energy and tenacious dogs need to tolerate many kinds of invasive handling. At the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, we set our K9s up for success starting at 8 weeks old. By implementing cooperative care and low stress techniques early on, our dogs are able to tolerate the rigorous body handling that comes with their job. We use positive reinforcement and understanding of canine body language to help our dogs learn to tolerate being handled invasively while staying safe, calm, and (hardest of all!) still. With a decade of experience teaching these skills to handlers across working disciplines, we have an approach to bring more cooperation and less stress to dogs of all types and ages.

In this 4 hour hands-on-workshop, participants will learn how to implement cooperative care and low-stress handling techniques. The workshop will begin with a lecture that covers the key points of cooperative care and dog body language, and how to incorporate these techniques to help reduce stress during activities such as decontamination, vaccinations, and body checks. After the lecture, we will demo with a dog that has been trained in these techniques since 8 weeks old. After the demonstration, we will work one-on-one and in groups with you and your K9 partner, allowing hands-on practice.

Project Lifesaver Info & Demo

Sunday | 8:30am-12:00pm
Instructor: Susan Narkin

This session provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of Project Lifesaver and its role in locating individuals with cognitive impairments who may wander. You will learn how the system works, including the use of radio frequency tracking technology, and gain insight into the program’s impact on search and rescue operations. The session will include a live demonstration, showcasing how first responders track and recover a subject using specialized equipment. This hands-on experience will enhance your awareness of Project Lifesaver and its life-saving potential.

Personal Evacuation/Rescue Kit (P.E.R.K.) Workshop

Sunday | 8:30am-12:00pm
Instructor: Evan Scott & Pennsylvania Mountain Rescue

P.E.R.K or Personal Evac/Rescue kit: Basic Personal Rescue Gear for every members pack, for any situation.

This course will showcase and demonstrate the inventory and uses of a basic personal evacuation and rescue kit. These kits typically include very simple and cost-effective rescue equipment, meant to be small enough to fit in any field team members pack. We will discuss and demonstrate a wide range of uses for kits like these and help answer questions regarding personal rescue gear.

You will have a chance during the Summit to win a PERK and we will have PERKs available for sale at the Summit.

No gear is required for this course.