Practical Search and Rescue

Keep it simple and stay safe.

The job of Search and Rescue is to find someone, and not get lost or injured in the process.

As a Search Manager, you will direct searchers to a particular area and tell them what they are looking for, and what to do when they find it. You are responsible for providing your searchers with maps, radios, supplies, and directions. Their safety is your most important task, which means staying in contact to monitor their status. KNOW where your searchers are, and what they are doing. Keep the lines of communication open between you, your searchers, and the outside world.

As a Searcher, your job is to find someone, or something, and report back when you find it. KNOW where you are at at all times, and don't take any unnecessary risks. You are not working alone, but as part of a team. Stay with your team, and don't wonder off on your own. You will be able to perform this task best if you are prepared ahead of time, start the search outfitted as you should be, and follow directions. Check-in with your leader on a regular basis to let him/her know your status and location.

Tools of the trade

Map – Compass - GPS

No matter what type of map you may be using, be it a Topog, Road, or even a Mall map, familiarize yourself with what's around you and what you see on the map. Pinpoint your position on the map, and know where the exits are so to speak. Should you become separated from your group and lost, without communications, check your map. Get to the nearest clearing or landmark and wait for someone to find you. Make yourself noticeable, both audibly and visually.

If you must "hike out", use your map and compass (and GPS) to head in the direction of your starting point, or to a known road that borders the search area. Heading for a road gives you a far better (wider) target to shoot for than some point or GPS coordinate. When you reach a road, you are not likely to miss it.

If you have a GPS, be familiar with how to use it. Check you position on your map. Numbers alone from a GPS have little real meaning to anyone. If you rely solely on your GPS, you are apt to be in big trouble someday. Remember to take along spare batteries, and be aware that satellite coverage can be as spotty as cell phone coverage. At the very least, be sure that you have your map, and a good idea of your location on it.

Searches are not long survival treks. You are not alone, and your search team is near by.

Radio

This is your link to everyone else. Remember that radios have a limited range, and work on line of sight. If a mountain gets in the way, the signal stops. And, " No Batteries – No Workie." Transmit takes much more power than receive.

Search Managers need to position a Command Post (CP) to take into consideration the radio limitations of range and line of sight, and allow contact with the outside world via radio, or cell phones. Intermediate relay positions can be setup to maintain contact between the CP and the Searchers at all times. Keep conversations short, clear, and to the point. Give preference to plain-speech over using 10-Codes and specialized terms.

Searchers need to take along a radio and know how to use it. Keep your radio ON, tuned to the proper channel, and have spare batteries on hand. Familiarize yourself with the basic 10-codes, since you will be speaking with people outside of your search group from time to time, and these people DO use 10-codes quite a bit.

Gear and Equipment

Travel light. Be prepared. Know how to use it.

Searchers may spend several months before being called out for a search. You should use this time to prepare. Train on special equipment, learn the basics, and be ready to move at a moment's notice. Remember that Search and Rescue is NOT a survival/endurance contest. Search Managers have your well-being at heart. Don't carry along a bunch of unnecessary gear and equipment. Some searches may simply be revisiting a previously searched area to do a double check, or search for evidence.

What you DO need is:

Ø SAR Uniform

Ø Ready Pack or Vest

Ø Walking/Tracking Stick

Ø Appropriate Weather Gear – Raincoat, Jacket, etc.

Ø Map, Compass, (GPS)

Ø Radio

Other items you will find handy to have:

Ø Knife

Ø Flashlight

Ø Energy Bar

Ø Bottle/Canteen Water

Eureka!

Report It.

Searchers need to report what they find, and give a location. If you see something to report that is off in the distance, state what it is, and give your position and a bearing to the person or object. Include references to local landmarks, along with any guesses you provide as to the distance to the person or object. If you find an injured person, also include their condition as you see it, and administer CPR/First Aid as needed. Stay with the person until help arrives.

Search Managers should not rely solely on a single bearing and range. Ranges that are given in the field are dubious at best. Attempt to get other reports, and plot multiple lines on the map to triangulate on a position. When directing searchers to a new position, also identify landmarks, roads, and trails that will help define a route of travel for the Searchers.

Evidence and Signs

Searchers should take along a small pad and pencil to take notes. If you are given a position to go to, jot it down, Don't try to memorize it. If you come across discarded items such as personal effects, clothing, or trash, make a note of your position. Report what you find, and wait for instructions on how to proceed.

When you find a missing person, treat the immediate area as if it were a crime scene. Do what is needed to render assistance, but preserve possible evidence and limit contaminating the area. Try to enter and exit the area along the same path, and avoid disturbing objects lying around, or stepping onto other foot prints. Tape off the area if possible, and instruct others to keep out unless their assistance is needed.

The fewer people inside a crime scene, the better.

After the Search

DO NOT just leave. Check In AND Check Out with your leader or the CP.

Debrief

Search Managers should gather with the Searchers immediately after the search to recap what was done, and how it might have been done better. This is the best time to identify and learn from our mistakes.

Searchers must checkout before going home. A head count is done to make sure that no one is left behind. This is also generally the time when Searchers can refuel their vehicles and be taken out for a meal.