The WDC Institute for Search and Rescue is a focused research activity addressing the application of advanced communications, computer and information technologies for search and rescue applications. The Institute for Search and Rescue is working on a wide range of advanced technology projects applicable to the search and rescue mission, including; geospatial information systems (GIS), wireless (including satellite) communications, remote sensing, tracking (GPS) and mobile/wearable computing.

The operational component of the Institute for Search and Rescue is the 1st Special Response Group, 1SRG. 1SRG is an all-volunteer, rapid deployment, first response unit. The mission of 1SRG is to respond to the request of individuals, government agencies or international aid organizations, to any type of search and rescue incident. 1SRG volunteers have responded on four continents to missing and lost person searches and all types of natural and man-made disasters.

The WDC Institute for Search and Rescue also manages a community outreach program, Youth in Emergency Services (YES).  YES has been established to train and supply Bay Area youth in the art of search and rescue.

A recent initiative of the WDC Institute for Search and Rescue is the Youth in Emergency Services initiative, YES.  YES supports the participation of young adults in Search and Rescue teams throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.  YES works with Bay Area Search and Rescue teams to identify and remedy the barriers to active participation of interested young adults.  YES assists in training and provides necessary supplies, equipment and IT resources for San Francisco Bay Area youth who want to participate in search and rescue activities.

The WDC Institute for Search and Rescue also provides operational and administrative oversight for the 1st Special Response Group, (1SRG).  1SRG is an all-volunteer rapid deployment, first response unit, with a primary mission to respond to disaster situations, both natural and man-made, plus traditional search and rescue incidents.  1SRG support is available worldwide, upon request of individuals, government agencies or international aid organizations.

1SRG is comprised of volunteers from throughout the United States and Canada.  The typical 1SRG member has been participating in  search and rescue activities for about six years.  Senior members of 1SRG have over 20 years of field experience.  1SRG members come from a variety of backgrounds including the military, law enforcement, fire services, EMS and the private sector.  1SRG volunteers have responded on four continents to hundreds of missing and lost person sea

1SRG 1st Special  Response  Group

YES Youth in Emergency Services