Current

Intermediate

Search and Rescue Operations

Coursera · Oregon State University · Updated March 2026

Platform rating

4.6/5

Champ rating

8.5/10

Duration

6 weeks, 4 hours/week

Classes

32

Master the emergency response protocols that departments across the country rely on in this course. Search and rescue fundamentals covering grid search techniques, tracking, navigation, rope rescue, swiftwater operations, and incident management for SAR teams. Covers current NFPA, OSHA, and FEMA standards with practical application exercises that build muscle memory and confidence.

What you'll get

Conduct systematic search operations in wilderness terrain

Perform basic rope rescue and evacuation techniques

Apply incident management structures to SAR operations

Execute fire suppression operations using NFPA-compliant tactics and equipment

Conduct fire prevention inspections and public education programs

Apply incident command system (ICS) principles at emergency scenes

Manage personal protective equipment and SCBA in IDLH conditions

Course Curriculum

7 chapters

Fit

Best for

Firefighters

EMTs

Security Professionals

First Responders

Not ideal for

Learners seeking only entry-level overviews

Prerequisites & pricing

Prerequisites

Basic outdoor skills helpful

Pricing

$49/month

Certification

Certificate

Search and Rescue

SAR

Rope Rescue

Navigation

Wilderness

NFPA Standards

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