Search and Rescue: Swift Response, Life-Saving Missions
Mission: The mission of the North Slope Borough Search and Rescue (SAR) Department is to provide safe, reliable, and rapid airborne response to medical evacuation (medevac), search and rescue missions, and other emergency situations across the North Slope region. SAR is dedicated to collaboration, working closely with NSB SAR volunteers, the NSB Fire Department, and other agencies to ensure comprehensive ground, air, and water search and rescue efforts.
Overview: The North Slope’s vast, remote, and often challenging environment demands a highly capable and responsive Search and Rescue team. The NSB SAR Department is at the forefront of emergency response, providing critical services that save lives and ensure the safety of residents across the region. With a fleet of specialized aircraft and a team of skilled professionals, SAR operates day and night, in all weather conditions, to conduct medevac and search and rescue missions.
NSB SAR’s operations are governed by strict federal regulations to maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency. These include:
- 14 CFR Part 61: Certification for pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors.
- 14 CFR Part 67: Medical standards and certification for flight personnel.
- 14 CFR Part 91: General operating and flight rules.
- 14 CFR Part 43: Maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alterations of aircraft.
Fleet and Capabilities
The SAR Department currently operates a fleet of four (4) aircraft, which includes two (2) rotary wing (helicopters) and two (2) fixed wing aircraft. Each aircraft is equipped to handle day and night operations, as well as visual and instrument meteorological conditions, ensuring that SAR teams can respond swiftly and safely in any situation. The fleet’s versatility allows for a wide range of missions, from urgent medevac flights to extensive search operations over land and water.
Divisions and Collaboration
NSB SAR is organized into four key divisions that work in unison to deliver effective emergency response services:
- Administration: This division handles logistical coordination, training programs, compliance with regulations, and overall management of SAR operations. Effective administration ensures that all personnel and equipment are ready for rapid deployment.
- Flight: The Flight Division comprises experienced pilots and flight crews who are skilled in operating under challenging Arctic conditions. Their expertise ensures the safe and efficient transport of patients and SAR teams, whether for routine medevacs or complex search missions.
- Maintenance: To maintain the highest safety standards, the Maintenance Division is responsible for the upkeep, repair, and regular inspection of all SAR aircraft. Strict adherence to maintenance schedules and protocols guarantees the readiness and reliability of the fleet.
- SAR Coordination: This division oversees the planning and execution of search and rescue operations. SAR Coordination liaises with other agencies, including the NSB Fire Department, NSB SAR volunteers, and regional partners, to organize joint efforts that maximize resource use and response effectiveness.
Collaborative Efforts
The success of SAR operations hinges on strong collaboration. NSB SAR works closely with the NSB Fire Department’s Medevac Division and a network of dedicated SAR volunteers throughout the North Slope. This partnership extends to coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies, ensuring a seamless approach to emergency response. Ground teams, air crews, and water-based units all contribute to a cohesive and capable SAR network.
Commitment to Safety and Excellence
Safety is the cornerstone of the NSB SAR Department’s operations. Rigorous training programs, regular safety drills, and ongoing assessments of equipment and protocols ensure that all missions are executed with the highest level of care. SAR is not just about the immediate response; it’s about building a resilient and proactive approach to emergency management that can adapt to the unique challenges of the Arctic.
Future Goals
The SAR Department is committed to enhancing its capabilities by investing in advanced training for its crews, upgrading its fleet, and expanding partnerships with regional stakeholders. By continually improving resources, technology, and coordination efforts, NSB SAR aims to remain a trusted lifeline for the North Slope communities, ensuring that help is always within reach, no matter the conditions.
SAR currently operates four (4) aircraft; two (2) rotary wing aircraft and two (2) fixed wing aircraft. All are capable of day, night, visual and instrument meteorological conditions. All are utilized for both SAR and medevac missions. SAR has four (4) divisions: Administration, Flight, Maintenance and SAR Coordination. SAR combines emergency response efforts with the NSB Fire Department Medevac Division and NSB SAR volunteers.
Contact
Heather Dingman, Director
Phone Number: (907) 852-2822
Fax Number: (907) 852-2826
In the event of an emergency, please call NSBPD Dispatch at (907) 852-6111
