Stages of a search and rescue operation
Initial notification, team member call out, travelling to the rendezvous point and what first task, are all part of initiating a SAR operation.
What is signing in?
Subject's characteristics that help determine the urgency level of any given SAR operation.
What is their age, medical condition, how many subjects, experience, familiarity with area, weather, equipment, terrain, known hazards?
Questions asked by SARM on the Lost Person Questionnaire (ICS 302).
Person who determines spacing on some kinds of Type II and III searches.
Ninety percent of the time, this type of search technique results in success.
What is a Type I search?
Four basic phases that define the progression of a SAR operation.
Of the subjects found deceased, percentage of subjects who died within the first two days of being lost.
What is 75%; 50% on first day?
Five parts of the "Bike wheel model for reflex tasking".
What are the axle, hub, rim, spokes, and reflector? (p. 230)
Type of search that has a spacing of less than 10m.
What is a Type III search?
On a search near a fast moving river, the only time a searcher is allowed to go into the "warm zone".
When a Swiftwater Technician is with you?
Something a GSTL or a GSAR member should ask for or demand when given a SMEAC briefing.
What is RADeMS?
Modern search techniques.
What are building the search up rapidly, searching for clues, not the subject, searching for responsive subjects using sound sweeps, searching at night?
Three geographic points used to determine probable search area.
What are PLS, LKP, and IPP? (p. 229)
Five types of open sweep searches.
What are standard sweeps, high visibility sweeps, low visibility sweeps, sound sweeps, and body sweeps?
Type of information found on flagging tape.
What is date, time, team name, and bearing?
Segments of time typically broken down into 12 hour shifts depending on the SAR operation.
What is an Operational period?
Type of subject behaviour that makes it very difficult for SARMs to predict where a subject will go and what they will do.
What is irrational behaviour?
Types of resources in a SAR operation.
What are search teams, containment teams, tracking teams, dog teams, helicopter support, fixed wing aircraft, mounted equine teams, mutual aid?
Two methods for determining searcher spacing in the field.
What are range detection and average maximum detection range?
True or false: finding nothing is a failure.
What is False?
The final task involved in a SAR operation before members can go home.
What is signing out?
Due to an ever increasing search area, type of response needed for a mobile subject.
What is a rapid response?
Document the SARM creates once they have enough initial information.
What is the Incident Action Plan?
In a closed grid search, number of whistle blasts to sound off, go, and to stop.
What is 3, 2, and 1, respectively?
Moment a GSAR member starts searching.
When is immediately?