SAR Acronyms
The program created for SAR members to utilize after a stressful task.
What is CISM
A volunteer from the public. Such volunteers may have certain skills of value or may be completely untrained and unskilled. In SAR, such volunteers may include friends and family of the subject.
What is a Convergent Volunteer
GSAR volunteers, including convergent volunteers during operational responses, are automatically eligible for this, including wage loss coverage, as long as they are signed-in to the authorized event
What is workers Compensation benefits
Component 5 – Injury/Incident Reporting and Investigation
When the SAR Leaders or Safety Officer determines that a risk within an area may soon deteriorate to the point where GSAR volunteers may be in imminent danger.
What is Team Evacuation
O.G.# 1.05
The three "C"s of radio communication
What are Calm, Clear and Concise
All SAR members should be equipped with this prior to any tasks or practices.
What is PPE - Personal Protective Equipment
The determination of the characteristics of the terrain in and around a geographic area based on an analysis of topographic variables, the snow climate, the estimated return periods and magnitudes of avalanches, and the type of activity that is to be done in that area.
What is Avalanche Risk Assessment
This may be a useful source of planning data for revising group OG’s, training, inspection protocols, etc.; they may be used during program evaluations to monitor effectiveness of, and compliance with, the GSAR Safety Program. Also, they may be useful to GSAR groups, BCSARA and EMBC to identify trends, unusual conditions, and problem areas.
What is Records or Safety Records
Component 8 – Records
During a response, part of the SAR Manager’s role is to also act as this, unless that position is filled by an appropriately qualified individual. It is recommended, if possible, that this person or persons, other than the SAR Manager be appointed
What is a Safety Officer
O.G.# 1.04
This agency issues Task Numbers
What is the ECC?
Emergency Coordination Centre
A vest or suit that is worn by a user to prevent the wearer from drowning in a body of water.
What is PFD - Personal Floatation Device
The plan for the response including the objectives. Must be flexible, updated, and the only one.
What is the Incident Action Plan
Operational briefings, group management or business meetings are all ways of achieving an effective this
What is the Safety Program
Component 10 – Safety Program Review
GSAR volunteers may be eligible to receive requests to assist with this if:
• Specialized training and equipment is required to access and/or transport the remains
• The request is from the coroner, or the Police acting on behalf of the Coroner
Recovery of Human Remains
O.G.#3.14
Before taking equipment out in the field you must do this
What is sign it out
This person is under the general direction of the SAR Commander and will manage the volunteer SAR response during a SAR response. This person is responsible for getting the right things done at the right time by directing other SAR Volunteers.
What is SARM - Search and Rescue Manager
To maintain effective supervisory levels within the command and leadership structure. This is the maximum number of units a manager or leader can effectively manage. The range is 3 to 7 with 5 considered being optimal.
What is Span of Control
There are a number of stakeholders in the British Columbia GSAR system. All stakeholders have responsibilities for maintaining the health and safety of volunteers. Name 4 of the key stakeholders
What are EMCR, BCSARA, Requesting Agencies, GSAR Groups, Group Safety Committee, GSAR Leaders, GSAR Volunteers, Convergent Volunteers
Component 1 – Key Responsibilities
GSAR volunteers will exercise caution and utilize proper protective equipment where exposure to this is a concern. All exposures will be documented and reported to the GSAR leader and or manager, documented in the GSAR group first aid record and reported to EMCR.
Exposure to Diseases
O.G.#1.01
Some searches will reach a stage where Initial Response and Sweep Searches have been unsuccessful in finding the missing person. A more thorough search of the higher probability areas may be required. This situation will normally result in this type of search
What are Closed Grid Searches
Training program designed for SAR volunteers for participating in organized avalanche rescues and searching in avalanche risk zones.
What is OAR - Organized Avalanche Response
This occurs at the end of a SAR response and includes sign‐out procedures, return of equipment, debriefings as well as the reorganization of personal gear for the next response.
What is Demobilization
These are aimed at identifying unsafe conditions or hazards at facilities or sites where equipment is stored or GSAR activities take place, with the goal of eliminating or controlling them before an incident or injury occurs.
What are inspections
Component 7 – Inspections
SAR volunteers may receive callouts at all times of the day and night, and those callouts may extend beyond the normal workday. The volunteer may be exposed to requests that go beyond their ability to operate in a safe environment. Some of the influences that may affect the members are: Alcohol, Prescription drugs or Illegal drugs, Exhaustion or Sleep deprivation
What is Fit for Service
O.G.# 1.15
On a SAR task with the adrenaline flowing through your body you tend to walk faster than you should. A moderate this with short rest stops is the most efficient way to travel
What is Pace