Kent Search & Rescue (Lowland) are part of a larger organisation known as ALSAR (Association Of Lowland Search & Rescue). This body represents thirteen Lowland Search & Rescue Units at the Mountain Rescue Council of England and Wales, the Government and Association of Chief Police Officers. At local level we have established excellent liaison links with the Kent Police Authority, Kent Ambulance Service, Kent Fire Service and HM Coastguard, and we are now registered with the Kent Voluntary Sector Emergency Group (KVSEG) and included in the MEP.

Our members are spread right across Kent, giving us the broadest level of cover across the county, although we are always looking to recruit more volunteers as Kent is a large county and local knowledge can be extremely helpful for a successful search.

OPERATIONAL

At present we have three Search Managers, having gained the qualification with the Mountain Rescue Council of England & Wales and the Emergency Response Institute (one of which is now Advanced Level) approx 35 Members are trained in basic search, radio communications and first aid. We attract members from various backgrounds who bring with them a wide range of life skills and experience.

MANAGEMENT

A management team handles the day to day running of the organisation. All members have an equal say on policy and forward planning. Regular meetings of the whole group are held, and this consists of an equal mix of both training and social evenings. The majority of our training is held at weekends and evenings.

OUR FUTURE PLANS

Our future plans are to expand our training to a youth training policy and incorporate the American "Hug a Tree" concept as taught in many schools throughout the USA.

We are also keen to see the Amber Alert system implemented.