Search and Rescue Course
Grasmere, Lake District, UK
Are you ready to push your boundaries and hone your skills in search and rescue?
This four-day Search and Rescue (SAR) Course is designed for those looking to develop practical rescue, casualty management, and decision-making skills in challenging outdoor environments.
Set in the rugged landscapes of the Lake District National Park, the course combines technical rescue training, medical care in austere settings, and realistic scenario-based exercises. You’ll move beyond theory and apply learning directly in rivers, on steep ground, and across complex terrain.
Delivered by experienced SAR professionals, this course develops the skills, confidence, and teamwork required to operate effectively during search and rescue incidents — skills that translate directly to expedition, pre-hospital, and clinical environments.
Your Teaching Faculty
Course Content
Wojciech
I was expecting more lectures during the course, but I was pleasantly surprised by how hands-on the course was. The course was very engaging and challenging without making me feel overwhelmed.
Jennie
Jamie and the whole staff were amazing, they facilitated every learning point for every participant and went so far above and beyond what should be expected. They are absolute heroes
Paul
Loved the course. Looking forward to my next WEM adventure.
Elizabeth
I felt really supported and encouraged and had so much more fun than I was expecting, and now I want to pursue mountain rescue and pre hospital medicine!
What's Included?
Field-Based Training & Scenario Learning
A practical, hands-on programme delivered through technical workshops, rescue exercises, and realistic scenarios.
Expert Faculty & Instruction
Teaching delivered by experienced search and rescue professionals with operational backgrounds in mountain and technical rescue.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation and meals* are included for the duration of the course at YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe.
*please note that food and drink from the bar is not included in your course fee.
CPD & Course Certification
We estimate 24 CPD hours will be awarded for completion of this course by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. This will be confirmed shortly.
Book Now
GBP £1,445.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course right for me?
This course is designed for healthcare professionals and students who want to apply their clinical skills in search and rescue, expedition, and remote environments. It’s particularly suited to those interested in search and rescue operations, expedition work, pre-hospital care, or outdoor emergency response.
The course focuses on casualty management, teamwork, leadership, and operating safely in challenging outdoor environments, with skills that transfer directly to both field and clinical settings.
Do I need previous search and rescue experience?
No prior search and rescue training is required. This course is designed as an introduction to search and rescue and is suitable for those new to this area, as well as those looking to build on existing expedition, outdoor, or first aid experience.
If you’re unsure whether this course is the right fit, we recommend using the Course Fit Checker or booking a discovery call.
What level of fitness is required?
You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but a reasonable level of general fitness will help you get the most from the course. You should be comfortable spending extended periods outdoors and moving over uneven, wet, or steep terrain.
Physical preparedness will allow you to focus on learning rather than fatigue. Any heavy lifting or casualty carries can be adapted or avoided if required.
What course content is covered?
This Search and Rescue course covers the medical, technical, and operational considerations involved in search and rescue work across mountain, water, and technical ground environments.
Content includes:
- Overview of Search & Rescue
- Medical Care in Remote Settings
- Communications
- Navigation
- Personal Equipment in SAR
- Swift Water Rescue
- Managing Casualties in Water
- Search & Rescue Equipment
- Search & Rescue Techniques
- Technical Ground Casualty Management
- Crag Rescue
- Casualty Packaging and Extrication
- Primary Survey
- Managing Trauma in the Mountains
- Rescue Scenarios
Teaching is delivered through a mix of short lectures, hands-on workshops, and realistic, scenario-based learning.
What kit do I need to bring?
Please follow the kit list and bring adequate kit. Weather in the Lake District can be highly unpredictable, and poor kit preparation can impact your safety and participation.
As a minimum, you should be prepared for rain, wind, cold, and prolonged time outdoors. You’ll be outside for at least four hours each day, often on uneven or wet terrain.
Quality waterproofs, suitable footwear, and warm layers are essential.
You will also get a copy of the kit list upon booking and should be reviewed carefully before arrival.
Important: Never leave kit preparation until the last minute. Preparing well in advance will help you stay comfortable, safe, and focused on learning throughout the course.
What are the conditions like?
Conditions can vary widely, from warm sunshine to heavy rain and strong winds, sometimes within the same day. You’ll be guided throughout the course on how to manage yourself, your kit, and casualties safely in changing outdoor environments.
The course is predominantly outdoors and designed to reflect the realities of UK search and rescue work.
Do I need travel insurance to attend?
Yes, if you’re joining us from outside the UK. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory for international attendees and must include cover for outdoor activities.
UK-based participants are strongly encouraged to ensure they have suitable personal insurance in place.
What support is available before the course starts?
Ahead of the course, you’ll receive joining instructions and access to a WhatsApp group where you can ask questions, share travel plans, and connect with fellow participants and faculty.
Optional pre-course resources may also be provided to help you prepare.
I have another question
If you wish to learn more or have any additional questions, we invite you to book a 30-minute discovery call with our team.
→ Click here to book a discovery call.
The call will be with the team who organise our courses and work closely with our medical teaching faculty. They’re best placed to explain what our attendees really get out of attending a course with us.
You can choose between a video or voice call — whatever suits you best.
Register for a time that works for you, and we look forward to speaking with you soon.
Prefer email? Then feel free to contact us.
Your safety
The comprehensive curriculum and field scenarios are carefully designed to push your limits while mitigating risks.
We take every precaution to keep participants safe by:
- Rigorous gear checks before all expedition days
- Mandatory evacuation insurance policies
- Close coordination with local emergency responders
