The 5 Stages of Search and Rescue
There are generally five steps in a successful search and rescue operation: search, field evaluation, contact, evidence collection, and apprehension. Each stage is crucial to the success of the operation, and searchers must be properly trained in each stage in order to be effective.
Planning and Preparation
Planning and Preparation are the first two of the five stages of search and rescue. They are the most important stages, because they set the stage for everything that will happen in the search.
In the Planning stage, everything from the type of search to be conducted to the resources that will be needed must be considered. The Plan must take into account the terrain, the weather, and any other factors that might affect the search.
In the Preparation stage, all of the resources that were identified in the Planning stage must be assembled. This includes equipment, food and water, first aid supplies, and anything else that might be needed. This is also the time when searchers should familiarize themselves with the area to be searched.
Search
Searching is the process of looking for missing persons who have not yet been located.
The main goal of searching is to find the missing person as quickly as possible, while also ensuring the safety of the searchers.
There are five main stages of search: initial assessment, planning, implementing the search, debriefing and reviewing the search results.
- Initial assessment: The first stage of searching is to assess the situation and gather information about the missing person, such as their age, medical conditions and any possible hazards in the area.
- Planning: The second stage of searching is to develop a plan for how the search will be conducted. This includes deciding who will conduct the search, what areas will be searched and what resources are needed.
- Implementing the search: The third stage of searching is to carry out the plan. This includes sending searchers out to look for the missing person and coordinating their efforts.
- Debriefing: The fourth stage of searching is to debrief all participants after the search has been completed. This helps to identify any lessons learned and improve future searches.
- Reviewing results: The fifth stage of searching is to review all data collected during the search and make a decision on whether or not to continue searching for the missing person.
Rescue
There are five main stages to search and rescue:
- The first stage is the prevention stage. This is when people take steps to prevent themselves from getting lost or stranded in the first place. This can include things like carrying a GPS device, making sure you know the area you’re going to be hiking in, and leaving a detailed itinerary with someone you trust.
- The second stage is the planning stage. This is when the rescue team develops a plan of action for how they’re going to conduct the search. This includes things like mapping out the area, choosing the right search teams, and making sure everyone has the proper equipment.
- The third stage is the search stage. This is when the actual search takes place. Search teams will comb through the area, looking for any clues that might help them find the missing person or people.
- The fourth stage is the rescue stage. This is when the missing person or people are finally found and brought to safety.
- The fifth and final stage is the debriefing stage. This is when the rescue team meets to discuss what went well during the rescue operation and what could be improved for future operations.
Recovery
The Recovery stage is when the actual search and rescue takes place. This is the stage where victims are found and brought to safety. The recovery stage is usually broken down into five sub-stages:
- Location: This is the stage where victims are located. Victims may be found through search efforts or by chance.
- Assessment: Once victims are located, rescuers must assess their condition and decide what course of action to take.
- Extraction: This is the stage where victims are actually rescued. They may be brought to safety by rescuers or lifted out by helicopter.
- Transportation: The final stage of recovery is transportation. Victims are transported to a safe location where they can receive medical treatment if necessary.
- Debriefing: After the rescue is complete, rescuers debrief to debrief to discuss what went well and what could be improved for future cases
Debrief
After a search and rescue operation has been completed, it is important to debrief all those involved. This helps to identify any areas that may have been missed, identify any changes that could be made to improve the effectiveness of future operations, and provide closure for those who were involved. The debriefing process typically follows these five steps:
- Situation analysis: all those involved in the operation will debrief the Incident Commander on what happened during the operation. This includes a review of the initial call, the search strategy that was used, and any changes that were made during the course of the operation.
- Critique: this is a more formal review of the operation, led by the Incident Commander. All aspects of the operation will be critiqued, including the search strategy, resource deployment, and communications.
- Recommendations: based on the critique, participants will make recommendations for how future operations could be improved. This might include changes to procedures, training, or equipment.
- Follow-up: once the debriefing is complete, it is important to follow up with all those who were involved in the operation. This includes ensuring that any recommended changes are implemented, and offering support to those who may have been traumatized by the experience.
- Closure: finally, it is important to provide closure for all those involved in the operation. This might include a ceremony or memorial service to honor those who participated, and help everyone to move on from the event.