Editing Balto/GSAR (section)

== GSAR ==

[[File:balto_gsar.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The GSAR exercise editor]]

GSAR (Ground Search and Rescue) is a non-canine training category for documenting general SAR skills training. This includes radio communications, GPS, land navigation, first aid, and other non-discipline-specific training that handlers need to maintain proficiency in. Balto's GSAR exercise log captures the activity type, topics covered, and notes from the training.

=== Starting a GSAR Exercise ===

If you haven't already started a Mission, follow these steps. 

# From the Welcome page, press and hold the begin training button to start a new mission
# Configure the mission details (date, location, DR number) and tap Start a new task
# On the Exercise Configuration screen, select GSAR as the training type
# Tap Set Task Details to begin the exercise

Otherwise, you'll be skipping steps 1 and 2. 

The GSAR exercise has two sections that scroll vertically: Setup (Config) and Review.

=== Setup Section ===

This section captures what type of training was conducted and what topics were covered.

==== Activity Type ====

Select the format of the training:

* '''Outdoor''' — Field-based practical training
* '''Classroom''' — Indoor instructional training
* '''Public Relations''' — Community outreach or demonstrations
* '''Meeting''' — Team or organizational meetings

==== Topic ====

Check all topics that were covered during the training:

* '''Radio Communications''' — Operating SAR radios, protocols, frequencies
* '''GPS''' — GPS device use, waypoints, tracks
* '''Land Navigation''' — Map and compass, terrain interpretation
* '''Search Tactics''' — Search planning, lost person behavior, probability
* '''Line Search''' — Ground search techniques, line formations
* '''Evidence''' — Evidence recognition, preservation, chain of custody
* '''Situational Awareness''' — Environmental and team safety awareness
* '''Technology''' — SAR-related technology and tools
* '''First-aid/WFA''' — Wilderness First Aid for humans
* '''K9 First-aid''' — Canine first aid and emergency care
* '''Flanker Training''' — Working as a flanker for K9 teams
* '''Tracker''' — Visual tracking skills (not canine)
* '''Cross-training''' — Training with other SAR teams or disciplines
* '''Other''' — Use the adjacent text field to specify

Multiple topics can be checked for training sessions that covered multiple areas.

=== Review Section ===

This section captures notes from the training.

==== Notes ====

Free-form text area for activity notes, key learning points, and any follow-up plans. Use this to document specific scenarios practiced, instructors, certifications earned, or topics that need more work.

=== Finishing the Exercise ===

When you're done recording the exercise:

# Scroll to the bottom of the screen
# Tap '''Finish & save exercise'''
# The exercise will be saved and you'll return to the mission

=== Tips ===

* Use GSAR logs to maintain proficiency records for required training topics that your team or certifying organization tracks
* Check multiple topics for cross-discipline training sessions to capture the full scope of what was covered
* The Notes field is ideal for recording who taught what, certifications earned, or specific scenarios that need follow-up
* For annual requirements like First-aid recertification, use GSAR logs to maintain a clear training record
* When attending external SAR training or conferences, use GSAR with the Cross-training topic to log the experience
* Public Relations activities count toward team service hours in many organizations — log them here for proper credit