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Rescue Transportation Training 

For Volunteers Serving Survivors

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Rescue Transportation is a sacred responsibility. This training equips volunteers to safely,

respectfully, and legally transport survivors during or after rescue operations, prioritizing dignity,

consent, and trauma‑informed care.

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This page serves as a pre‑service orientation and ongoing reference,

aligned with best practices used by Rescue America and similar national rescue organizations,

adapted for Montana‑based volunteers.

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Who This Training Is For

  • Approved volunteers assisting with survivor transportation

  • Drivers supporting coordinated rescue or post‑rescue transitions

  • Support personnel accompanying survivors to safe locations

This training does NOT authorize independent rescue activity.

All transportation occurs only under direction of approved leadership and coordinated partners.

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Core Values for Rescue Transportation

1. Safety First
Physical, emotional, legal, and environmental safety guide every decision.

2. Survivor‑Centered Care
Survivors retain agency. Transportation is offered—not forced.

3. Calm Presence
Your nervous system sets the tone. Regulation matters more than words.

4. Confidentiality
Details are shared strictly on a need‑to‑know basis.

5. Coordination & Accountability
No solo action. No improvisation. No shortcuts.

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Required Training Videos

Volunteers must complete the following video modules before participating:

  • Foundations of Rescue Transportation (Rescue America)

  • Trauma-Response (Begin Again International)

  • Trauma‑Informed Survivor Interaction

  • Situational Awareness & Risk Reduction

  • Transportation Protocols & Boundaries

  • Post‑Transport Documentation & Debriefing

📌 Links to approved Rescue America training videos will be provided directly by program leadership.

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Role of a Transportation Volunteer

You are not:

  • An investigator

  • A counselor

  • A rescuer acting independently

  • A problem‑solver for legal or personal decisions

You are:

  • A safe driver

  • A regulated presence

  • A protector of dignity

  • A link in a larger, coordinated system

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Pre‑Transport Requirements

Before accepting any assignment, ensure:

  • Background check is complete and approved

  • Driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle inspection are current

  • You have received explicit authorization for this transport

  • You understand pickup/drop‑off locations and contingencies

  • Emergency contacts and protocols are saved

Never accept a transport outside approved channels.

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Vehicle Readiness Guidelines

Your vehicle should:

  • Be clean, neutral, and free of personal clutter

  • Have a full tank of gas

  • Contain no weapons, substances, or triggering materials

  • Have climate control working

  • Include basic safety items (first aid kit, phone charger)

Avoid:

  • Strong scents

  • Loud music

  • Political or religious displays

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Survivor Interaction Guidelines

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Do:

  • Speak calmly and minimally

  • Offer choices when possible

  • Respect silence

  • Follow instructions given by the coordinating lead

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Do NOT:

  • Ask questions about their story

  • Share your opinions or experiences

  • Promise outcomes you can’t guarantee

  • Pray aloud unless explicitly invited

Presence > conversation.

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Trauma‑Informed Considerations

Survivors may experience:

  • Hypervigilance

  • Shutdown or dissociation

  • Mistrust of authority

  • Sensory sensitivity

Helpful practices:

  • Steady driving

  • Predictable updates ("We’re about 10 minutes away")

  • Neutral tone

  • Grounded breathing

Your calm helps regulate their nervous system.

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Safety & Risk Awareness

If at any point you feel unsafe:

  • Follow the predetermined safety protocol

  • Contact your coordinator immediately

  • Do not confront potential threats

  • Do not deviate from instructions without direction

Trust the system. Trust the process.

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Post‑Transport Responsibilities

After transport:

  • Confirm safe transfer with coordinator

  • Complete required documentation

  • Participate in debrief if requested

  • Do not discuss details outside approved channels

If the experience impacted you emotionally, support is available.

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Boundaries & Ethics

  • No social media posting

  • No photos or recordings

  • No follow‑up contact unless explicitly approved

  • No sharing survivor details—even anonymously

Confidentiality protects lives.

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Montana‑Specific Notes

  • All transports comply with Montana state law

  • Coordination may include local partners, shelters, or services

    • Volunteers must follow regional guidance provided per assignment

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Final Reminder

Rescue Transportation is not about heroism.

It is about steadiness, humility, and trustworthiness.

Your role matters because it is restrained, respectful, and coordinated.

Thank you for serving with integrity.

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For questions, scheduling, or training access, contact program leadership directly.

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