SAR Tech

[kj_gully]

Yes, during the application process (for military transfers, anyway) you are required to pass the "modified" version of the test. The ""actual" test was the first thing we did when selection started. And on day one of the SAR course, and periodically thru the course.

 

[mariomike]

Oh, sorry for the confusion.  I do understand that the "PCP" may be named different in different provinces (and may take longer to obtain), I simply referenced it as PCP as that is what it is called in NS where I am and that's how they refer to it in the SAR tech documentation I have read.

No problem. I hope this helps, and good luck!
In Ontario, PCP  ( AKA BLS AKA Level One )  is a two year full time ( four semester ) college diploma program:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/program/ehs/edu/equiv_qa.html
PCP skill sets:
http://www.torontoems.ca/main-site/careers/becom-medic.html
PCP standards vary considerably from province to province:
http://www.paramedic.ca/AITTool.aspx
PCP in BC is a four month certificate program:
http://www.jibc.ca/paramedic/programs/pcp/index.htm
PCP in Ontario is a two year ( full time ) diploma program:
http://postsecondary.humber.ca/07651.htm
If you live in Ontario, to save time, you may want to consider studying in another province.

 

[Dou You]

Just a quick question. I live in Ontario, so if I was to obtain my PCP in BC, is the certificate only applicable in BC? Meaning am I only able to work in BC as a paramedic or would I be able to work in Ontario as one? I ask this because if becoming a SAR Tech for some reason falls through, I would want to continue my career as a paramedic. However, I would prefer to work in Ontario...just curious as I still have 3 years of university left before i take any PCP course, but just thought I'd ask.

Cheers

 

[Dou You]

Nevermind my last post...I found my answer minutes after posting, even though I was already looking for an hour before that 

Anyways cheers once again!

 

[mariomike]

One more link I should have included.
The University of Toronto offers a BSc Honours degree in Paramedicine:
http://www.scar.utoronto.ca/~jtprogs/paramedicine/

 

[zc881373]

A quick question regarding the swim portion of the fit test.

The requirement states that the candidate must "complete a 675 metre continuous swim in 20 minutes or less".  Is this done in a 25m pool (i.e. 27 laps) or is it held outside? 

If the swim test is done in a pool, how do they define "continuous" since there is the small amount of time when you touch the wall and turn to swim the other way?

Thanks

 

[Zoomie]

I know there isn't a pool at Jarvis Lake - but I am pretty sure Gully mentioned that the swim test wasn't done there - just parts of the physical test.

Comox has a 25meter pool - I imagine that you will be in there slogging it out.

 

[zc881373]

Ok thanks for the information. 

So since the swim is in a pool, do they allow for the short pause between laps where one would touch the wall, turn and kick off, or should I train to flip over in the water and just kick off the wall at the end of a lap.

I know this seems to be a very specific question, however, I want to train properly.

Thanks again

 

[kj_gully]

I never did get the hang of flip turns, but if you can do them, they are definitely helpful. BTW, the pool in edmonton was a bit smaller (maybe 18m?) than the 25 m pool I trained in, I think it added a length. Beleive it or not, more wall touches actually speeds up your time (big push off wall)

 

[4ever]

Hi all,

All the posters have been very helpful. A good number of informative posts. I have a question: Does a physically fit and smart 41 year old civilian stand a chance?

Thanks in advance.

 

[kj_gully]

are you a paramedic? We have had 41 year olds successfull @ selection, but if you are not yet in the military, or qualified as a paramedic, you had better get busy. Official answer, yes you stand a chance. However file selection for the  August 2010 course ends around Halloween 2009. Course is a year long, Another 6 months minumum until you are operational and "useful", 4 more years until fully qualified ( we're talking 2015). Like I said, you better get busy.

 

[robm105]

hey kj_gully i am about a week away from running the sar pt test as a direct enrty applicant.  i was reading this fourm and noticed way back in 2006 you have given some advice about a book "down but not out"  i am wondering if you can point me in the right direction in finding this book so i can take a look at it.  oh and got any last minute advice for me before i got and run this pt test.

thanks a lot

 

[aesop081]

hey kj_gully i am about a week away from running the sar pt test as a direct enrty applicant.  i was reading this fourm and noticed way back in 2006 you have given some advice about a book "down but not out"  i am wondering if you can point me in the right direction in finding this book so i can take a look at it.  oh and got any last minute advice for me before i got and run this pt test.

thanks a lot

Is this the one ?

http://www.amazon.ca/Down-But-Not-Out-Torquemaster/dp/1601456786/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246249702&sr=1-7

;D

 

[robm105]

thanks i will check it out
any other advice that u can offer i would greatly appreciate.

 

[Journeyman]

Is this the one ?
http://www.amazon.ca/Down-But-Not-Out-Torquemaster/dp/1601456786/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246249702&sr=1-7 ;D

Volunteering for a Terrorist Taskforce, two female FBI agents wonder if their training is preparing them to be Houdini. Used as bait to infiltrate a slavery ring, they would need all his tricks to escape being sold as sex slaves.

Hmmm...doubtful. ;D

I suspect he's looking for Down but not Out: A Practical Guide to Survival in All Climates.
It was originally published as an Air Force survival guide. My dog-eared copy (ISBN 0-660-01800-4) was published as CFP 217 in 1970.

 

[Fiver]

Perhaps this could be a good alternative:
http://www.amazon.ca/Sas-Survival-Handbook-John-Wiseman/dp/0007274939/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246296649&sr=8-1
Linked the latest edition.

 

[robm105]

yeah i got the sas one i bought it not to long ago it is pretty good, just figured i would get the one they use at the prelim course.  thanks tho. 

 

[kj_gully]

Meow! I am going to check out the Amazon version!. The Airforce manual has been reprinted as the CASARA Survival Manual. I have a few copies lying around the house but can't find them right now... Contact your local CASARA organization and ask about it. I don't think it available at booksellers, I believe it is produced by CASARA for use by it's members. You might find an old copy of  the boring, no boobs or bondage version of "Down but not Out" at a survival store or mil surplus? Here is the manual # B-GA-217-001/PT-001 DOWN BUT NOT OUT -Good luck on your test, pace is the key.

 

[Blackadder1916]

The RCAF survival manual (in pre-CF days) had been titled "Never Say Die".  CFP 217 "Down but not Out" was essentially the same manual, just retitled.  I had copies of both (printed in the mid-60s and late-70s respectively) squirelled away in my collection (they may even still be in one of the numerous boxes in my basement) and I recall them being almost identical in content.  I don't know if any later editions were significantly amended, but the survival techniques should not have changed.

There is at least one publisher that has commercially reprinted "Never Say Die".

http://www.paladin-press.com/product/1047/s

NEVER SAY DIE
The Canadian Air Force Survival Manual
a Canadian Air Force publication

The Canadian Air Force Manual is a detailed study of what to do if you find yourself in a survive-or-die situation. Techniques on how to survive in almost any terrain from desert to frozen arctic tundra are presented. But unlike other survival manuals, these techniques include valuable data on how to combat fear, pain and panic – and win the struggle against the elements.

$7.35
Paladin Press
Softcover
978-0-87364-112-8
202 pages
5.5" x 8.5"
illustrations

 

[FoverF]

I'm wondering if anybody here knows (or can find out) if being an MD would be a suitable substitute for the PCP qualification? If not, would a residency in emergency medicine (or something similar) suffice?