What we need
to do when we get that call:
Leaving Home
Is your SAR bag ready to go? Are the items packed inside suitable
for the weather?
Upon arrival, we don't know what kind of parking is available.
Will it be a large parking lot? A narrow country gravel road? A
muddy field? Be prepared.
Signing in
The first thing that we need to determine when we arrive is
"Where do we sign in?". Please do not proceed on horseback until
you have signed in. Usually, the signin sheet will be located
near the parking. If parking is strung out (like on a narrow
gravel road) the sign-in sheet (and staging area) may be located
nearby.
Staging Area
The Staging Area is the central place for searchers to
congregate. It is usually separate from the Command Post, where
only the command staff operates. The Staging Area should have
food, water, and bathroom facilities. Unless parking is a
problem, the Staging Area will be close to where members park
their vehicles. At the Staging Area, members receive a pre-search
briefing and search assignments, and move to the field. The
Staging Area is always a separate from the place where the family
and friends of the subject reside.
You will be briefed by the Staging Person. The Staging Person is
responsible for communications and for the safety of the team.
Any equipment that is available will be handed out. The Staging
Person must remain in the staging area for the whole search so
will not be a mounted or a ground searcher. If you do not plan on
searching today, please let Command Post know that you are
available to be the Staging Person.
The briefing is given by the Staging Person to:
- inform the team of the
situation,
- provide an orientation
to the area,
- provide an objective,
- present subject
information,
- and answer questions.
The briefing must be as
complete as possible. Give Subject Information, outline the
terrain on a map, and be specific about the assignment/mission.
All information given must be recorded and posted at the Command
Post. All team leaders will write down all information presented
and any information found in the field.
Command Post Operations
The Command Post is the heart and mind of SAR. Only designated
support personnel will work at the Command Post. The Search
Manager, Assistant Manager, Support Leader, and Communication
Coordinator will be at the Command Post. The command post has
radios or scanners covering all the frequencies used, maps, food
and water, SAR equipment, operation information, and will issue
all search missions. People will be designated to contact places
where the subject might have called or returned to (home, cabin,
friends, bars, hospital, motels, etc.).
Site Safety
Searcher well-being greatly affects search quality. The site must
be made hospitable to SAR crews. Looking for and preventing
exhaustion and dehydration in fellow searchers is everyoneÕs
responsibility. Control of the media and on-lookers and
protecting site access becomes important in searches. All site
problems should be relayed to the Command Post. Any searcher may
be pulled from the field by any leader if safety problems
develop.
Attraction
Attraction is the action of leading the subject to a location.
Various signaling devices are used to guide/attract the subject
including: police and fire-engine sirens, mega-phones, car and
air horns, flashing lights, bonfires, balloons, illuminated
posters, chemical lightsticks, flashlights, bright string, and
markings on the ground.
Confinement
The purpose of confinement is to keep a person within a specific
area. This can be done many ways. Trail and road blocks can
monitor all traffic, report any sightings, and should be
continually manned. Look-outs are at prominent points which
provide a good view of likely travel areas, provide signalling to
the subject. Track traps are cleanly raked dirt areas that may
the subject may walk over and leave tracks.
Survey Taping
All trails and routes traveled should be marked with survey tape.
Also, all clues should be flagged. On the tape, record the
leaders name, time & date placed, and any clue information. All
tape must be removed at the end of the search. Note: when a clue
is found, DO NOT MOVE IT (unless necessary). Mark it and record
the position.
Subject Communication
The subject may try to call for help. Three of a kind of anything
is an emergency signal. It may be three gunshots, three radio
clicks, or three light flashes. Other messages include trail
signs, (disrupted items), dropped articles and tracks. All
searchers should be alert to any communication attempts or clues
anywhere. Also be wary of any 'clues' (candy wrappers, etc.) that
could be from other searchers.
Dealing with Subject's Relatives/Friends
During a search, a lost subject's relatives and/or friends are
under stress, will worry about the subject, and can be influenced
easily.
- Even the slightest
off-comment can create problems. Care must be taken not to
cause more injury.
- Do not talk of
unsuccessful past searches, what problems the person may be
encountering, or of other negative subjects.
- Do not ignore them or
allow them to disrupt SAR operations.
- Do support the people
via care and concern for them, the situation, and the lost
subject.
- Show professional action
in SAR activities, provide constant feedback, and speak of hope
and the strength of the subject.
- Make them as
comfortable, mentally and physically, as possible.
- They should not be in
the field, nor at the Command Post.
What if I can't search
today?
My horse is lame and I can't ride.
-- Are you willing to be a ground pounder? We always need people
on the ground. We also need gophers. Be prepared to do anything.
I broke my foot, but I don't want to be left out.
Perhaps you can be the Staging Person. Or you can assist the
staging person. Or you can monitor the radio. Or maybe be a
lookout. There is always something to do. (Bring your own chair)
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