Marin
SAR's Field Operations Guide
Marin County Sheriff's Office, Division
of Search and Rescue
This is a large document. The Table of Contents are
internal links to areas within this page. For ease of
viewing, at the bottom of each topic is a link to return to
the Table of Contents. (it is located just above the borders
dividing the sections.)
Marin County Search and Rescue would like
to thank Nancy Kniffin-Jenning and Alpine County Search and
Rescue for the idea and contributions to this page.
INTRODUCTION
Marin County Sheriff's Department
Division of Search and Rescue Services
March 10, 1997
Dear User, This is our ICS Field
Operations guide and S.O.P's for search and rescue that has
been modified for our use based on the experiences of well
over 100 SAR missions over the last several years. This
guide with pre-plan, forms and maps is carried by all members
of our management team to make sure all members are well informed
and consistent about our operations. We have posted
it on our Web page as we have had much interest about this
guide, however, we do not advocate that other teams follow
our procedures and concede we still have much to learn as
we move ahead on advanced search management skills.
This is not an instruction manual for SAR management.
These materials can never replace field training or actual
experience. The Marin County Sheriff's Department and / or
Search and Rescue team takes no responsibility and cannot
be held liable for the following statements and information.
We would like feedback on this document and our pre-plan.
Please E-Mail us at the address listed on the Web Page.
Thank you.
INCIDENT COMMANDER / SEARCH MANAGER
A Search Manager works
as a liaison and communications link between the Incident
Commander and the General Staff consisting of Plans, Operations
and Logistics. A good Search Manager keeps the global
picture, delegates responsibility and maintains the sense
of positive urgency. You are the main advocate for the
lost subject as well as those working for you.
PRIOR TO CALL OUT:
1.
Obtain following information from dispatcher:
a.
basic subject description
b.
incident circumstances
c.
requesting agency contact and phone number
d.
authorizing watch commander
2.
Contact requesting agency representative / Watch Commander
a.
Determine what resources will be needed with IC
b.
Identify command post location (see CP location list) try
to have requesting agency
secure this for you.
c.
Identify Search Manager to agency of other than yourself.
d.
Request agency to obtain subject's photo, scent article and
to protect PLS.
e.
Provide ETA to requesting agency
3. Advise Watch Commander
of situation and needed resources. Get approval prior
to any further actions. Identify who will be search
manager and provide contact phone number to Comm Center.
Also confirm that a Sergeant is responding to the scene
and get name and ETA.
- Comm Center phone: 415-499-7243
or 499-7234
- Watch Commander: 415-499-7246
- Civic Center Sergeant:
415-499-7245
4.
Contact 3-4 overhead team members to initiate a call out.
Have them start to Building 82
and to the incident location. If search is out of County,
all members will respond to 82 and
convoy to incident. Have those HAM capable come up on
coordination channel.
5.
If command post location is not secured, do so now.
See Command Post location list.
6.
Initiate a full team call out. Keep a list of members
responding, and if they are going to the
scene or Building 82. Provide a means to contact members
who do not respond to
the page when possible.
7.
For urban searches, the Blood Hound can be started directly
to the scene. In wilderness
search situations, it is advisable to start two or three air
scent dogs and the Blood
Hound(s) to the scene. If dogs are not available in
county, contact the Watch Commander
and request an OES Number. WOOF dogs can be requested
through Comm Center
without an OES number. Be specific to request only Bay
Area region WOOF dogs.
ON SCENE
1.
Upon arrival, obtain briefing from Sheriff supervisor or agency
representative. Cooperate
with Incident Commander to identify initial objectives.
Remember, we work for the
requesting agency.
2.
Conduct initial briefing, assign ICS positions such as Plans,
Operations and Logistics.
Plans will require the most support in the early stages
of a search. When short on
overhead staff, the Search Manager may work as Operations
until sufficient staffing
is available.
3.
Have logistics set up communications, name incident after
incident location and provide
Comm center with contact frequency (such as Control 3)and
CP phone number.
4.
Other important steps:
a.
Conduct initial briefing.
b.
Set 2-3 hour objectives for each division (Form attached).
c.
Make sure Division Chiefs are clear about objectives.
d.
Document and Post Objectives and Division assignments.
e.
Be sure you have full support from requesting agency or S.O.
Supervisor.
f.
Set time for next meeting after the first push of assignments
is in the field.
5. Once
the briefing is complete, wander through the command post.
Your job is to be sure
everyone is well supported and all bases are covered.
After the initial teams have been
dispatched into the field, conduct a management meeting to
assess the situation and to
determine the next set of objectives and current / projected
resource needs.
TRANSITION TO NEXT OPERATIONAL PERIOD
1.
Arrange to have meeting between existing overhead and incoming
overhead. Have the
following people present:
- Incident Commander
- Operations Chief (and assistant)
- Plans Chief (and assistant)
- Communications Officer
- Investigations / Interviewer
- Public Information Officer
- Special Resource Liaisons
- Mutual Aid Liaisons
- Logistics Chief
RESTAT
1.
Have each person report on the areas described in their section
for Transition to Next
Operational Period.
2.
Have completed ICS 201 and have copies ready for distribution
3. Be prepared
to give very brief incident summary, focusing on objectives
completed for past
operational period, and desired objectives for upcoming operational
period.
4.
Be prepared to briefly discuss requirements limitations, policies
and procedures, etc.
of host agency.
DUTIES AFTER SEARCH
On large search this task can be
assigned to the Documenter.
1.
Complete Incident Report Form (Form attached).
2.
All documents must have a case number and date.
3.
Make sure all hours are totaled for each searcher, and determine
total hours for each
unit on check-in sheet
4.
Turn in all documents to SAR Coordinator. ...return
to the Table of Contents
PUBLIC
INFORMATION OFFICER
1.
Consider how the media could help you advertise the missing
person. This has worked
well in several situations. (NOTE: all releases must be approved
by IC).
2.
Prepare Press Release.
3.
Set up media briefing board.
4.
Provide missing person poster and distribute as directed.
5.
PIO Reports to Incident Commander
TRANSITION TO NEXT OPERATIONAL PERIOD
1.
Report policies regarding media.
OPERATIONS
CHIEF
1. Receives
briefing from IC.
2. Operations
has input into Incident Action Plan, receives briefing from
plans on
assignments to be carried out.
3. Implements
assignments developed by Plans and supervises all field operation
activities.
When clues are located, operations has the primary responsibility
to coordinate
resources to exploit clues with input from plans.
4. Operations
is responsible to ensure deployment and pick up of teams in
coordination
with logistics; coordinate medical/rescue operations and track
status of all units in the
field through communications. Operations should also be aware
where the keys to the
vehicles are.
5. During
the search, responsible for operation decisions regarding
team composition,
MUST inform Plans Section of any changes. Changes
in team personnel in field,
problems with completing a assignments etc.
6. Report
information about special operations / activities to search
manager / IC.
7. Maintain
regular communications with Plans Section regarding status
of assignments.
8. Be prepared
to carry out a rescue. Assemble and disassemble teams as required.
See
Logistics for Medical Unit equipment. This is done by
working with Restat to find what
resources are available.
9. After
search, assist with coordinating demobilization.
10. Review
resource requests / releases.
11. Determine
need and request additional resources if required.
12. Be sure
you document everything.
13. During large
scale searches, Operations can assign Geographic Divisions
to better manage
resources.
17. Duties of
Operations Chief:
- Supervise Division Chiefs
- Supervise Team Leaders if no Division are Assigned
- Supervise Briefer
- Supervise Staging Manager
- Receives Updates / Information on Field Activities from
Dispatcher
- Supervise / Consults with Air Ops
TRANSITION TO NEXT OPERATIONAL PERIOD
1.
Prepare to discuss what assignments have been completed, which
assignments have been
completed, which assignments are in progress, what difficulties
have been encountered with
transport, any medical issues, what remains to be done.
...return to the Table of Contents
BRIEFER
1. Obtain
briefing from IC.
2. Obtain
information regarding terrain, hazards and weather conditions
etc. from Plans. Also
obtain search plan and objectives.
3. Assist
Logistics with Information board to include the following:
- Missing subject profile
- Map of important command post locations
- Map of search area
- Weather information
- Any other important information
4. Get briefing
on search assignments from Plans Chief, obtain written assignments
and search
packets from Restat.
5. Fill
out briefing worksheet and post with briefing checklist at
briefing table (General
Briefing Form attached).
6. Assign
and brief resources on the following:
a. Overall search objective.
b. Subject information: physical description,
clothing, footwear, items carried...
c. Physical & Mental condition
and subjects behavioral traits.
d. Circumstances causing the search.
e. Vital Concerns: Medical /
Health problems - required medicine.
f. Clue considerations: how
to report and log.
g. Review in detail written
assignment.
h. Equipment needed by searchers
ie. water, safety gear ....
i. Terrain and hazards in the
area and any applicable safety information.
j. Current in predicated weather
in search area.
k. Communications to be used ie. main
frequency and tactical frequency.
l. Media procedures: who are
they are, where they are and what to say or not say.
m. Identify family / relatives
- who are they and where are they.
n. Procedures if team member
is injured.
o. Procedures if communications
fail.
p. Debriefing instructions -
where it will be and what information will be needed.
q. Transportation details.
7. Check
search team packets before briefing team to be sure it contains
copy of assignment,
map with assignment and copy of subject profile.
8. Once
the teams are debriefed remove the yellow copy of the assignment
form from their
package. The Briefer should either deliver this
copy personally to Communications or if
things are hectic at search base, instruct the team to drop
the yellow sheet off to
Communications before deploying to the field.
9.
If team being deployed is a special resource have Resource
Liaison assist with briefing. ...return
to the Table of Contents
PLANS CHIEF
Responsible for the collection,
evaluation, dissemination, and use of information about the
development of the incident and status
of resources. Information is needed to 1) understand
the
current situation 2) predict course
of incident events, and 3) prepare alternative strategies
and
control operations for the incident.
1. Receive
briefing from IC and review available data.
2. Determine
urgency of the search.
3. Recommend
search strategy and objectives.
4. Obtain
Missing Person Fact Sheet from Investigations / Interviewer.
5. Assign
team to isolate the PLS and / or PLK. Investigate PLS
and PLK (use dog handler
liaison when possible) for clues, tracks or scent articles.
Work with responsible law
enforcement agency for vehicle access if required (Team Assignment
Forms attached).
6.
Start hasty searchers on trails, drainages, fire roads, high
hazard areas. Use small teams
looking for clues, tracks and conducting trail interviews
in high probability areas.
Consider posting missing person fact sheet at trail heads.
7.
Create plans: Start with search area boundaries (taking into
consideration possible
distance traveled since the time last seen, physical boundaries
and subject's ability).
Consider road and trail blocks, lookouts and vehicle patrols.
See Things to Know about
Mounted Units in Misc. Section for additional information
on assignments. Draw
boundaries and hasty search assignments on Mylar and then
fill out team assignment
forms. This tends to be time consuming but must move
expeditiously so that team
deployment is not unnecessarily delayed. Search is an
emergency. Time is of the utmost
importance. When filling out team assignments, keep
the pink copy and forward rest to
Restat.
8. Report
any significant changes in incident status to the Search Manager.
9. Compile
and display significant changes in incident status.
10. Where topo
maps are copied for field use, be sure to place UTM grid numbers
on the grid
lines so your teams will be able to provide accurate location
information back to
command. Also, mark CP location and any other important
locations on maps.
11. Determine
if you have enough resources on hand to meet your search objectives
in a
reasonable amount of time.
Initial Attack:
- Foot Searchers 12-25
- Posse 6-8
- Dogs 1-3
12. Determine
needs for any specialized resources in support of the
incident.
13. Consider using
rangers for knowledge of history and probable locations of
the subject.
14. Determine
if logistics has enough vehicles for transportation.
If not, consider using
rangers - they are also familiar with their local areas.
Reserve deputies are also a resource
for transportation.
15. Provide periodic
predictions on incident.
16. Conduct briefing
on situation and resource status.
17. As the search
continues do your Matson, POA and POD's for search areas.
Try to get a
computer for detail.
18. Assemble information
on alternate strategies.
19. Assign Restat
20. Be sure that
you document everything.
21. Oversee preparation
and implementation of Incident Demobilization Plan.
22. Plans supervises
the following positions:
- Interview team
- Investigators
- Assignment Planning group
- Debriefing
- Re-Stat
- Documenter
TRANSITION TO NEXT OPERATIONAL PERIOD
1. Prepare
overall briefing of Plans, including review of hast team search
assignments, search
area segmentation and search assignments, maps and map symbols,
and computer program
if used.
2. Discuss
briefly, POA, shifting POA's and PODs. Review clues
found (have Clue Log up to
date), validity of clues and influence of clues on search
direction.
3.
Briefly review planned assignments for next operational period,
assignments should be
prioritized. ...return to the Table of Contents
PLANS
ASSISTANT
1. Prepare
team assignment as per Plans Chief.
a. Keep pink copy in assignment
folder / book (Team Assignment Forms attached).
2. Prepare
team search packet to include:
- White and yellow team assignment forms
- Copy of map, with PLS, CP, UTM, and their assignment
indicated on the map
- Info Summary sheet (Photo, subject description)
- Photocopy of track if available
3. Take
completed package (#2 above) to Restat to obtain
info on personnel for each team
assignment. This completed package is then delivered
to Briefing (Ops). If overhead
resources allow, the team number and team members should be
filled out on the pink copy
provided to plans. If time does not permit, this can
be done after the initial hasty teams are
in the field and there is more time to complete this work.
4.
Keep tactical assignments log.
5.
Keep clues log.
6.
Assist Plans Chief in making assignments.
7.
Assist with information flow between the Plans Chief and the
Restat / Briefer.
8.
Plans Assistant can take on role of Documenter in small scale
searchers. ...return to the Table of Contents
LIAISONS
Liaisons should be utilized whenever
mutual aid or specialty resources such as dogs,
horses,
airplanes etc. are brought in to
assist with the search effort. In addition, it is very
important to
obtain a liaison that works
for, or is familiar with your search area ie. Park Ranger.
MUTUAL AID LIAISON
This can include SAR teams from
other counties, volunteer deputies, park rangers and the like.
Their duties include:
1. Prepare
in advance inventory of resources and skill level.
2. Responsible
for tracking the location, well being and ongoing availability
of responding
teams.
3. Reports
up through chain of command on behalf of this resource as
well as reporting back
to their "subordinates" on the objectives and directives
coming down through the command
structure.
4. Ensure
all teams have necessary equipment.
5. Arrange
with Ops any special transportation needs if required.
6. Provide
one consistent point of contact for overhead.
7. Develops
or assist with the development of field assignments geared
toward their teams
particular resource and/or skill level. If Liaison wants
specific team members grouped
together or to be given specific assignments, they can also
work with Restat.
SPECIAL RESOURCE LIAISON
Their duties should include:
1. Prepare
in advance inventory of resources and skill level
2. Responsible
for tracking the location, well being and ongoing availability
of responding
teams.
3. Reports
up through chain of command on behalf of this resource as
well as reporting back
to their "subordinates" on the objectives and directives
coming down through the command
structure.
4. Assist
Restate with assigning your resource to the Team Assignments.
5. Pull
together information of specific concern to special resource
ie. questions for RP or
officers from prior operational period.
6. Ensure
all teams have necessary equipment.
7. Dog handler
needs to obtain scent article for trailing dogs.
8. Arrange
with Ops any special transportation needs if required.
9. In the
case of animal resources - locate emergency veterinarian in
case of injury.
10. Provide one
consistent point of contact for overhead.
11. Develops or
assist with the development of field assignments geared toward
their teams
particular resource and/or skill level. If Liaison
wants specific team members grouped
together or to be given specific assignments, they can also
work with Restat.
12. Assist with
team briefings before deploying.
13.
Assist with special resource team debriefings and interpretation
of information. ...return to the Table of
Contents
RESTAT
1. Establish
Check-in.
2. If multiple
agencies have responded to the search, ensure each agency
has a separate sign
in sheet.
3. Maintains
T-cards / Resource Status.
a. Once information is completed on
T-card, place individual T-card in column labeled
"available". Group cards by function, mounted
together, foot searchers together, or
group by agency in multiple agency search.
b. When assignment forms and packets
are received from the Plans Assistant, Restat
determines which searchers are going on that assignment.
c. When Restat has filled in
team call sign and names of searchers on team assignment
form, Plans Assistant takes the white and yellow copy
along with search packet to
the Briefer, With a 4 - Part NCR form, Restat keeps
the remaining copy.
d. Write team number on T-card,
place T- cards for each searcher going out on that
team behind the team T-card in the same slot as the T-card
holder, in section labeled
assigned. (See below for "How to Set Up Team Assignment
Numbers").
e. When vehicles are used for
transportation, they are NOT given team assignment forms
and numbers. They are assigned Ops section as transport
units, and are put in the
"Assigned to Ops Transport Unit" section in the
T card holder. These cards are not
moved with each trip but instead are considered "assigned"
all the time to Ops.
f. When you receive information from
the debriefer that the team has returned, remove
the T-card and individual T-card (IF all team members have
returned). Place T-card
in appropriate section, either "available" or "out
of service". If searcher has checked
out, file T-card away.
4. Maintain
a List of Agencies that have checked in to the search.
5. Prepare
organization chart of operation (See form in Misc. Section).
6. Maintain
board (dry erase board works well) of teams out in field.
7. Ensure
all persons check out. If one searcher signs out for
another searcher, list the first
searcher's name on the sign out form first so it is known
who signed out for whom (in case
second searcher never shows up).
8. Check
with Comm to ensure all searchers have returned to the CP
from the field at the end
of the search. Inform IC when all searchers are accounted
for.
9. At end
of search, break down Restat station. Turn ALL paperwork
and documentation to
the Search Manager. Rubber band the T Cards together
in case they are needed for "after
search review".
TRANSITION TO NEXT OPERATIONAL PERIOD
Report on present situation in terms
of resources utilized, resources currently assigned, resources
available on scene and resources
en route, with ETA.
HOW TO SET UP TEAM ASSIGNMENT NUMBERS
1. Team
numbers are set up by resources
2.
Resource designator and agency designator are as follows:
- 01-09 Overhead
(medical, interviewer etc.)
- 10-39 Footsearchers
/ trackers/ hasty
- 40-49 Dog Team
- 50-54 Aircraft
- 55-64 Mounted Team
- 65-69 Boats
- 70-79 Transport
- 80-99 Search
Assigned
County Prefixes
- Alameda County
(12)
- BAMRU
(13)
- Cal ESAR
(51)
- Contra Costa
(15)
- East Bay Regional Park
(16)
- Marin County
(17)
- San Jose SAR
(19)
- San Mateo Co.
(20)
- Santa Clara Co.
(21)
- Santa Cruz Co.
(22)
- Solano Co.
(23)
- Sonoma Co.
(24)
- Mendocino Co.
(25)
- Napa Co.
(tbd)
- Lake Co.
(tbd)
2. Each
team is given a team number starting with the agency and is
followed by one of the
above designator. For instance the second search team
composed of Marin Foot
Searchers would be 1711.
3. Each
team retains its number until it returns to the CP.
On multi day searches, consider
using day designators on team assignments.
1. Day
one begins the day the search begins.
2. Day two
begins at one minute after midnight and continues for 24 hours.
3. Since
each resource is also given a "day of the search"
numeral in addition to the
resource designation, NO DUPLICATE TEAM NUMBERS ARE ISSUED.
4. Day
of the search designations are given as follows:
First day of the search, place a "1" before the
resource designation. For the second day
of the search, place a "2" before the resource
designation. So the first footsearch team out
on day one is "Foot Team 110". The second dog team
on the seventh day would be Dog
Team 741". Day one would consist of foot teams
110, 111, 112. The second day you
have foot teams 210, 211, 212...
HOW TO SET UP T-CARDS
Individual T-Cards
1. Across
the top of the T-card write the searcher's name.
2. If from
another agency, assign a highlighter color to that agency
and highlight the
searcher name and agency - assuming the individual T-cards
are white. Keep list of
highlighter colors assigned to agencies.
3. On the
next line, write the searcher category, foot searcher, mounted,
overhead
management, etc. and medical rating.
4. On the
next line, write anything special you want to remember.
TEAM T-CARDS
1. Team
T-cards should be a different color than individual T-cards
2. On the
T-card just write the team number.
T-CARD HOLDER
1. The T-card
holder(s) should be set up in sections:
- available (ready to go on assignment)
- assigned (already assigned to a team, or in the field)
- out of service (too tired to go out, sleeping, injured,
but still at search, resupplying pack, etc).
2. Optional
section: resources en route.
3.
4WD units assigned to Ops section as "transport units"
are placed under "assigned"
section in T-card holder, under the heading of "Ops transport
units.". Ops then keeps
track of where units are. ...return to the
Table of Contents
INVESTIGATIONS
1. Develop
flyers and posters.
2. Investigate
other locations such as hospitals, taxi companies, bus companies,
jails,
homeless shelters etc. See investigations book for suggested
locations to contact.
3. Issue
county wide BOL, Park Watch Alert, and insure person is entered
into NCIC as a
missing person. This is done by working with the Watch
Commander and contacting
Comm Center.
4. Develop
subject profile.
5. Pursue
clues and leads as they develop.
6. Maintain
control of scent article, foot print and clues.
7. Brief
Plans and Command Staff on findings and subject profile.
TRANSITION TO NEXT OPERATIONAL PERIOD
1. Present
circumstances of loss, relevant information from interviews,
description of
subject, brief outline of family relationships and summary
of family / friends on scene.
May also review lost person data relevant to subject.
2.
Have copies of Lost Person Questionnaire ready to hand out.
...return to the Table of Contents
INTERVIEWER
1. Identify
and locate reporting party and other family, friends or acquaintances
for
information. Interview the RP, family and others in
party. Investigate information as
necessary, pass on any pertinent information to Plans Chief
ASAP. Acquire subject's
photo and fill out missing person short form. Consider
getting a scent article from home
if a good one is not available at the scene (Missing Person
Fact Sheet attached).
2. Assign
someone to remain with the RP/ family. Maintain control
of those persons,
answer their questions, keep them informed yet protected.
Unexpected radio traffic can
be a problem. Know where they are at all times so you
can use them as a resource for
more information and questions.
3. Take
the RP/family into the Command Post to look at maps
and explain how the search
is organized etc. (Have prior approval from IC before showing
maps etc. to RP/family).
4. Try
to make the RP/family comfortable ie. offer them something
to eat, drink etc.
5. Control
the family's location. Explain they need to be available
to identify clues, or
answers additional questions about the subject's likely behavior
etc.. Also make clear
that if the family goes out in the field, they themselves
could be lost or injured and
therefore impede the search, of the subject.
6. Complete
the short form for the Lost Person Questionnaire (LPQ).
Give LPQ to Plans.
Interview others in addition to RP - Friends, extended family
etc.
7. Complete
the long form of the LPQ and give to Plans (Lost Person Questionnaire
and
Juvenile Supplement attached).
INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES
1. Develop
a non-intimidating relaxed demeanor toward the family/RP.
2. Conduct
the interview in a quiet environment, separate from command
post, if possible.
3. When
asking questions, let the family/RP talk without too much
interruption - they will
give a great deal of information without realizing it.
4. If possible,
it is preferable to have (2) interviewers, one to ask questions
and record data,
and one to listen and observe. Also it is preferable
to have one male and one female on
the interviewing team, as family may relate better to one
or the other. Consider using a
SAR youth member to assist with interview when you need to
interview a youth..
5. Be extremely
observant of facial expressions, body language etc.
6. Be sympathetic
and empathetic, NOT judgmental or accusing, or family will
be reluctant
to admit to detrimental aspects of the situation, such
as arguments, drugs, alcohol...
7. Keep
in mind such criminal possibilities as homicide, kidnapping
or abuse.
8. If subject
is found deceased, tell family in as quiet and private an
area as possible - don't
let them hear it over someone's radio in the middle of a crowd.
Consult with Search
Manager before speaking to the family about a death.
9.
If family/RP need to get away from things for a while, go
with them to a coffee shop or
somewhere to assure them you are in radio contact with the
command post if anything
should develop. Or allow them to return home if they
are local as long as you have a
number where they can be reached. Let them know it is
OK to get away for a bit. ...return to the
Table of Contents
DEBRIEFER
1. Debrief
teams as soon as possible (forms attached)
2. Obtain
information from teams as per debriefing form. If team
is specialty resource have
Resource Liaison assist with debriefing.
a. Collect team's map and assist
in filling out debriefing questionnaire.
b. The crucial need is to get,
as EXACT as possible, the area covered, spacing
gaps, and how effectively (POD) it was searched. The
use of sketches, diagrams
and maps in plotting this information is essential.
c. Team leaders are sometimes
reluctant to give a quantitative estimate of POD.
One technique that can be used to "pull" that information
out of them is to ask:
"if there were ten subjects (or clues) in the area, of
varying sizes (ie day pack to
body) how many of them do you think your unit would
have located?". A
response of "six" could correlate to a POD of 60%.
d. The search team leader may
have filled out the debriefing from already. If so,
Debriefer is to check it over and add to it.
e. Report any gaps in coverage
/ sightings or other info to Plans Chief.
3. The
Debriefer MUST remember to ask about searcher status (available
for assignment,
resting etc), and especially to ask about injuries.
Debriefer is to notify Restat if searcher
status is anything other than available for assignment or
leaving search (presumably
searcher will check out when leaving search and check-in/check-out
person will notify
restat).
4. Debriefer
to staple searcher's copy of assignment form and searcher's
map with
assignment outlined to back of debriefing form and forward
to Plans.
5.
If teams will be leaving the search, remind them to check
out with RESTAT and that if
one searcher signs out for another searcher, list the first
searcher's name on the sign out
form first so it is known who signed out for whom (in case
second searcher never shows
up). ...return to the Table of Contents
DOCUMENTER
1. Set-up
a. Work area - in/out baskets
or hanging files, pens, paper etc.
b. Maintains forms supply file.
2. Keep
search log, which includes:
a. All important events
/ activities.
b. Minutes of all planning and
debriefing meetings.
c. Notes on all clues and actions
taken related to clues.
d. Notes on all planning
decisions made.
3. Assist
Plans as needed
4. Gather
all documents during and after search, including:
a. Lost Person Questionnaire
b. Debriefing forms - file in
chronological order
c. Team Assignment Forms - file
in numerical order
d. OES forms - ensure form is
signed by IC
e. Resource summaries - file
in chronological order
f. Tactical assignment summaries
- file in chronological order
g. Medical/incident report,
give copy to Medical Officer or IC.
h. Check-in/Check-out forms
- make sure they are complete and everyone is signed
back out.
i. Radio log - received from
dispatcher
j. Demobilization Plan
k. Search objectives
l. Clues Log
5.
Duties after the search:
a. All documents must have case
number and date.
b. Make sure the hours are totaled
for each searcher, and determine total hours for
each unit on check-in sheets.
c. Copy documents as needed
d. Give dog teams info for them
to do Dog Alert Search Report
e. Turn in all documents to
SAR Coordinator. ...return to the Table
of Contents
LOGISTICS
CHIEF
Responsible for providing facilities,
services and materials in support of the incident.
1. Identify
service and support needs.
2. Do you
have enough logistical support such as transportation units
to deploy and pickup
teams in the field? If not request more from Search
Manager.
3. Coordinate
and process requests for additional resources
4. Keep
abreast of all resources that are expected to arrive.
Establish staging, eating,
sleeping, assembly, sign in, landing zone, and horse areas,
etc. as required. Plan those
areas in concert with, but not to interfere with the command
if possible.
5. Provide
input and review communications plan and medical plan.
6. Re-evaluate
your command post and staging area. If they are not
adequate, consider
alternatives such as schools, recreation centers or fire stations.
(See CP location list)
7. Post
Information Board to include the following:
- Missing subject profile
- Map of important command post locations
- Map of search area
- Weather information
- Any other important information
8. Review
Incident Action Plan and estimate needs for next operation
period.
9. Advise
on current service and support capabilities.
10. Prepare to
feed your searchers. You may need to get water and minor
food in early. If
the weather is poor, the need for warm food and drink is greater.
Remember it can take
two to four hours after ordering meals before they arrive.
In Marin, you can request
Salvation Army through Comm to respond to large SAR's to assist
with meals.
11. Be sure you
document everything.
12. Establish
Medical Plan (Rescue / EMS) prepare / stage rescue equipment.
13. Ensure security
of base.
14. Recommend
release of unit resources in conformity with Demobilization
Plan.
15. Logistics
Supervises following positions:
- Communications
- Dispatcher
- Staging
- Medical Unit Leader
TRANSITION TO NEXT OPERATIONAL PERIOD
1. Prepare
inventory of existing supplies
2.
Discuss arrangements made for meals, water and additional
supplies for next operational
period. ...return to the Table of Contents
COMMUNICATIONS
LEADER
1. Determine
personnel needs.
2. Ensure
the Incident Communications Center is established (repeater,
dispatch etc.).
Determine best location for repeater.
3. Set
up intercom system (phone lines) between various CP sections.
4. Assign
radios to teams, do radio check prior to deployment.
5. Relieve
dispatcher as needed.
6. Report
to Logistics Chief any communication concerns.
7. Recover
equipment from relieved or released units.
TRANSITION TO NEXT OPERATIONAL PERIOD
1. Report
on frequencies for CP to searcher, searcher to searcher and
administrative
functions.
2. Report
any communication difficulties
3. Report
Communication needs (radios, repeaters etc.)
DISPATCHER
1. Obtain
information on teams, team call signs and personnel from Restat
2. Keeps
radio log of ALL Communications, including radio checks and
welfare checks, as
well as regular traffic. Welfare Check = About every
30-40 minutes check on all units
in the field.
3. You will
receive, record and relay information.
4.
Report field activities, clues questions, etc., to Operations.
...return to the Table of Contents
STAGING
AREA MANAGER
1. Establish
staging area (if logistics has not marked location - put a
sign up)
2. Be familiar
with facility locations, parking etc. because you will be
one of the first people
the new resources contact.
3. Make
sure check- in has or will occur.
4. Post
traffic control signs. Place identifying and directional
signs at road junctions to
assist volunteers in finding CP.
5. Place
identifying and directional signs within Base Camp for parking,
check-in etc.
6. Determine
parking areas and manage traffic flow.
7. Determine
any support needs, feeding, sanitation, security etc.
8. Respond
to resource requests and determine required resource levels
from Operations.
9. Advise
Operations when resource levels reach minimum.
10. Maintain and provide
status to resource unit of all resources in staging area.
11. Maintain
Staging area in orderly fashion. ...return
to the Table of Contents
MEDICAL
UNIT LEADER
1. Establish
Medical Unit.
2. Prepare
the Medical Plan.
3. Prepare
procedures for major medical emergency.
4.
Respond to requests for medical aid, medical transportation,
medical supplies etc. ...return to the Table
of Contents
ADDITIONAL
FORMS
Incident Report
IC/Search Manager
Search Mission Briefing (201 ICS)
IC/Search Manager
Map Sketch
Summary of Current Actions
Current Organization
Resource Summary for Operational
Period
Mission Objectives
Summary of Resources
IC/Search Manager
OES Call Out Procedures
IC/Search Manager
General Briefing Form (BASARC)
Plans
General Briefing Form (Sample)
Plans
General Briefing Form (Instructions)
Plans
Lost Person Questionnaire
Plans
Juvenile Supplement
Plans
Debriefing Questionnaire
Plans
Planning a Canine Search Assignment
Plans
Team Assignment Form (Marin SAR)
Plans
Team Assignment Form (BASARC 104)
Plans
Team Assignment Form (Sample)
Plans
Team Assignment Form (Instructions)
Plans
Urban Interviewing Form
Plans
Team Debriefing Form (SAR 110)
Plans
Team Debriefing Form (Sample)
Plans
Team Debriefing From (Instructions)
Plans
Team Debriefing Form Dog Supplement
(SAR 111)
Plans
Sign in Log
Plans
Outside Agency Address List
Logistics
Radio Log
Logistics
Frequency List (9/96)
Logistics
Standard Operating Procedures for
Mutual Aid Callouts Mutual
Aid
Bay Area Resource Listing by Agency
Mutual Aid
BASARC Roster (9/96)
Mutual Aid
Urgency of the Search Chart
Misc.
Search Planning Work Sheet (P.O.D.)
Misc.
Canine Assignment Information
Misc.
Scent Conditions Definitions
Probability of Detection
Search Planning
Things to Know about Mounted Units
Misc.
Dog Assignment Transparency
Misc.
UTM Grid and Search Area Coverage
Transparency
Misc.
Tracking System (9/96)
Misc.
List of Command Post Locations (9/96)
Command Post
Things to Know About Mounted Units
in Search and Rescue ...return to the Table
of Contents
SPECIAL
INFO ABOUT MOUNTED UNITS
SAFETY ISSUES
Searchers are NOT to wander about
the mounted staging area, or approach an animal
without the riders' presence and/or
permission. Some safety notes to remember are:
1. A red
ribbon on the horse's halter or tail indicate the animal tends
to bite or kick.
2. Do NOT
walk behind a horse.
3. When
approaching an animal and it cannot see you approach, speak
softly so the
horse is not startled.
TEAM ASSIGNMENTS
1. Optimal
size for a mounted team is 2-3 riders.
2. A general
rule for thumb for search area is -- mounted team can handle
a search area
approximately twice the size that would be given to a foot
search team, with 2 - 3
riders.
3.
Horses can travel 5 - 8 mph on trails, but are slower going
cross country.
4.
Horses can go 30 miles at a leisurely pace with frequent stops.
5.
Horses are able to keep going for 18 hours If necessary.
6.
Horses can traverse moderately steep terrain as long as it
is not slippery shale or all
granite boulders.
7.
Horses are not able to go through really thick manzanita,
but they can follow deer
trails through it, or see over it.
TACTICS MOUNTED UNITS ARE SUITED
TO:
- Containment
- To cut for sign along trails, roads and ridges.
- Hasty search
- Grid searching cross country, mounted units can use
critical separation concepts.
- Night search
- Transport of equipment, up to 200 lbs. (not all mounted
units have this ability)
RESOURCE INFORMATION
Not all horses have all capabilities.
This information needs to be obtained at check in or
from the team liaison.
1.
How much food / water does rider have?
2.
Does rider carry first aide kit for the horse?
3.
Is the horse trained for night searching?
4.
Is the horse trained for snow searching?
5.
Is the horse trained to transport deceased persons?
6.
Is the horse and rider trained in leapfrog tracking techniques
to be used in
combination with a foot search tracking team? ...return
to the Table of Contents
Thank you to El
Dorado County Mounted SAR and Alpine County SAR for Compiling
this information.
The following lesson plans and training sheets are all
Marin Training Division original material. We have decided to share this
information with others to increase the competency and professionalism
of search and rescue community. Lesson plans by themselves by no means
make a complete class. Instructors who choose to use our material should
be thoroughly knowledgeable in the topic. Lesson plans are only to support
the instructor in being systematic and thorough. We also acknowledge that
we still have much to learn and that our lesson plans may be less than
prefect. We invite you to help us improve our training by sending your
comments to us. The Marin County Sheriff's Office and Search and Rescue
Team cannot be held liable to the for the following lesson plans. We also
request that the training information not be used in any way to make money.
Thank you for your cooperation |
