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The Bike Search and Rescue (BikeSAR) team role is an integral part of the State Emergency Service (SES) Land Search Team response. The deployment of trained and accredited Land Search Operations personnel utilising mountain bikes can greatly enhance search capabilities and dramatically reduce search times.
BikeSAR teams consist of two members accredited in First Aid and Land Search Operations, with one of them accredited in Map and Navigation and a Land Search Team Leader. The team carries basic personal equipment such as a First Aid kit and radio. They are able to ride over tracks, trails and roads quickly if necessary.
Training consists of a mixture of bike, endurance riding and search related skills. To maintain a state of readiness members must ride 45km per week, at least 15kms of this "off road" which is recorded in a logbook.
A high level of fitness is required for this task as teams operate remotely and must be self reliant. In the event of a major disaster, bikes will be used for reconnaissance duties to access areas that regular vehicles will not be able to reach.
If you have enquiries about joining BikeSAR, please phone the SES on 1300 364 587 during office hours, or fill in the online form.
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