When someone goes missing in a wilderness setting, every second counts. That’s why Indiana University’s Outdoor Adventures program offers the Fundamentals of Search and Rescue course, a class designed to teach students and community members how to track missing persons in outdoor environments.

For 12 years, John Summerlot, the director of emergency management and continuity at IU Public Safety has taught the class, preparing future professionals and volunteers with the skills needed to navigate real-life search and rescue operations.

“For students that are taking the class, many times they are outdoor recreation or parks and tourism students who are going to find themselves in the wilderness,” Summerlot said. “This is work that they’re going to be doing professionally.”

While the course is open to IU students for academic credit, it is also available to law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to enhance their survival and tracking skills. IU Police Department cadets, for instance, often enroll to better prepare themselves for potential search and rescue missions on campus and beyond.

“I think knowing that our campus and public safety officials are trained and experienced in responding to those emergencies, and can quickly make an informed decision on what to do, builds a big trust in us, which is good for our community,” IU Police Department public information officer Julia Nowak said.

Unlike traditional classroom-based courses, Fundamentals of Search and Rescue takes students directly into the field, providing them with hands-on experience in real-life conditions. Much of the training takes place at the IU Research and Teaching Preserve, where students practice land navigation, tracking techniques, and systematic search methods.

Through structured training exercises, students learn how to estimate how far a lost person could have traveled, taking into account variables like age, physical ability, and the amount of time they’ve been missing. Search teams apply mathematical probability to allocate resources effectively and maximize the chances of a successful rescue.

The training provided in this course has real-world applications. Summerlot explained that missing persons cases happen in Bloomington every year, and the skills taught in the class directly contribute to local rescue efforts.

“We have a couple missing persons cases that happen here in Bloomington every year, and this gives us a pool of trained personnel that can respond and help out,” he said. “It gives students an actual chance to give back to the community.”

The course also acts as a stepping stone toward national certification in search and rescue, making it an essential resource for those pursuing careers in emergency management, law enforcement, or outdoor recreation.