I cannot speak for your area with complete accuracy, but here where I live (Idaho) and in Northern Nevada and Utah you must join the Sheriff’s Department sponsored SAR team. The one exception I am currently aware of is the Mt. Search and Rescue organization. You should find some information on their
web page under the heading “how to join.” After you make application you may need to be involved in a preset number of training and meetings before formal acceptance into the organization is allowed. This is a common test to see if you are really what the organization is looking for and if you really want to belong. During this time be expected to do a lot of “grunt labor.” All is not bad though, as this is just a hands on pre-qualification test.
Some of the areas of specific skills will be:
Searching technique in all weather conditions
First Aid and CPR
Communications (HAM radio) and logistics
Rappelling
Base camp staff (cooks, sleep arraignments, crew rotation)
Helicopter rescue
Check your local sheriff’s department to see if they have a SAR team.