What AIMT-SAR Is

The Alaska Incident Management Team for Search and Rescue (AIMT-SAR) is a volunteer team that helps coordinate and manage large or complex search and rescue (SAR) missions anywhere in Alaska. We work under the direction of the Alaska State Troopers (AST) and, when asked, can step in when a search grows beyond what local teams can handle alone — whether that means it’s lasting multiple days, covering vast terrain, or involving several agencies.

Our members come from across Alaska, bringing deep SAR experience and training in the Incident Command System (ICS) — the national standard for managing emergencies. 

What We Do

AIMT-SAR can deploy to support or manage incidents that:

• Run across multiple operational periods, or

• Reach a Type 4 or higher level of complexity.

We can also assist with smaller missions when local teams are stretched thin.

When called by the Troopers, AIMT-SAR can:

• Field an Incident Management Team (IMT) to organize and oversee search operations anywhere in the state.

• Provide a Virtual Search Plan (VSP) — rapid, remote planning support that delivers maps, search segments, and first-period strategies within hours of a call.

• Send individual team members to fill specific ICS positions, such as Planning or Operations Section Chief.

The team typically deploys self-sufficient for up to 72 hours, equipped to set up a functioning command post quickly and keep operations running smoothly.

Who We Are

AIMT-SAR currently includes about 15 active members statewide. Most have significant SAR field experience, ICS training, or specialized expertise in planning, communications, or mapping.

Members commit to:

• Being ready to deploy anywhere in Alaska within 2–4 hours of notification.

• Participating in quarterly trainings and exercises.

• Continuing to strengthen their ICS and leadership skills through training and real-world missions.

Training

AIMT-SAR regularly trains together and provides incident management and virtual search planning training to other Alaska Search and Rescue Association (ASARA) member teams.

Our position qualifications follow current NIMS and ICS standards. Full qualification details are outlined in the AIMT-SAR Position Qualification document.

How to Join

We accept applications anytime. If you have SAR experience, ICS training, or incident management skills, you’re encouraged to apply.

Submit your AIMT-SAR Application online at AIMT-SAR Membership Application.

Applications are reviewed quarterly by the AIMT-SAR Committee, which conducts interviews and votes on new members.

Our History

The Alaska Incident Management Team for SAR (AIMT-SAR) began in the fall of 2011 with a request from Lt. Tugmon, Alaska State Trooper State SAR Coordinator, for ASARA to support a new program specifically designed to train individuals in managing search and rescue incidents. There had been conversations for such a program by previous SAR coordinators and the ASARA directors supported the idea. A committee was formed to begin work on the new program, the Alaska Incident Management Team for search and rescue (AIMT-SAR). The AIMT-SAR program currently contains over 40 individuals from around Alaska who actively train to manage larger scale SAR incidents.

Deployment: AST is the authorized agency to deploy AIMT-SAR resources. In the event AIMT-SAR resources may be needed, Federal, State, and local agencies should contact the AST SAR Coordinator. The AIMT‐SAR is meant to supplement (not supplant) existing ICS capabilities within AST and the volunteer rescue community around the state.

Equipment and Capabilities

AIMT-SAR maintains a deployable Mission Response Kit, based in Anchorage, that includes:

• Printers and incident documentation supplies 

• Radios and deployable repeater antennas

• Starlink for internet access when needed

• Standard ICS kits with forms, vests, and supplies

AIMT-SAR can also request specialized communications gear such as portable command repeaters and other state resources when appropriate.