Search and Rescue Team Help

Process of Elimination

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Sat, 23 May 2009 11:53:00 +0000

Search and Rescue is, at the very basic level, a process of elimination. Our objective is to eliminate places the subject is not, so that we narrow down the place the subject is. A Search Planner must take into account many things in order to make the best use of his search and rescue team.

The goal of a Search Planner is to minimize the time required to achieve success while maximizing the probability of success using the resources available.

Probability of Detection (POD) is an estimate of the chances the subject would have been detected if he had been in the area searched.

Probability of Area (POA) is the probability that the subject is in a given area. The Probability of Area is determined in a several ways, but the search and rescue team does not need to concern themselves with probabilities. The search planner will estimate the probability of a subject being in the search area.

Probability of Success (POS) is the probability of success of a search of one of the areas. The formula for determining POS is: POA*POD = POS

We use Probability of Detection for several reasons:

To predict outcomes of proposed search actions.

To determine how effective a search effort has been.

Decide whether to re-search a segment.

Decide whether to expand the total search area.

Decide whether to use additional or different resources.

Defend search actions to higher authorities or in court.

Probability of Detection is a tool used by the search planner and is not a concern of the search and rescue team, but it is important that the search and rescue team understands that there is a reason they are searching a specific area. Too often, I have heard grumblings from a tired and disillusioned search team that they had been sent to the "wrong" area.

A search planner uses tools developed over many years. Probability of Detection is one of the tools a search planner uses.

Preventative SAR Education

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Part of our search and rescue team's mission is to prevent people from becoming lost, also called Preventive SAR Education.

Our goals in this area include:

information tables at community events

distributing flyers describing our search and rescue team and how to join

try to obtain at least one article a year about our search and rescue team in each of the area newspapers

web site

informational presentations for local groups and/or schools

Information tables at community events include flyers from our search and rescue team as well as flyers obtained from other organizations committed to protecting children.

At least once a year, we try to obtain at least one article in the local newspapers. It may be coverage of a training mission or an actual mission. It may be a human interest article. We try to include contact information in that article as well as a call for volunteers.

Our website contains information about how to join our search and rescue team in addition to basic information about the team.

We make ourselves available to local groups and to schools to discuss the importance of keeping safe and to share tips on what a lost person can do to make themselves easier to find by the search and rescue team.

By offering preventative search and rescue information, we hope to help at least one person from the stress of becoming lost. If we can't protect them from becoming lost, we can make sure they know what to do once they are lost so that finding them is faster.

Rescuer Confronts Deceased

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Sat, 16 May 2009 13:09:00 +0000

You must look at the body as if it is NOT HUMAN, as if it is some type of material of matter which requires your professional approach.

Think of what youshould be doing, such as:

taking notes of pertinent findings and information

inventory of personal belongings

legal aspects

If you keep your mind on the job, then the body is NOT foremost on your mind as a deceased person.

It is never easy to control one’s emotions when a rescuer confronts a deceased person. It is even more difficult when the deceased is a child or is badly mutilated. A rescuer seeing a dead person for the first time may or may not be able to gain control over emotions.

Critical Incident Stress Management

CISM is the way of dealing with the effects arising from a stresses of an emergency situation. It includes the techniques to avoid or reduce exposure to stresses, re-interpretation of the stress, and techniques to reduce and ventilate the effects of stress.

A defusing is usually 20 to 45 minutes long, consists of all members whom were affected, and occurs in a neutral environment (away from the search area).

The process consists of the Introduction, Exploration, and Information phases. The rules include:
1) everything mentioned is confidential and doesn't leave the site
2) avoid detailed information that might become part of an investigation
3) no notes are taken.

During the Exploration phase each person in order introduces himself describes his part of the event. The leader then guides the group to begin thinking about the event, which allows one to transition to emotional reactions.

From this point on, anyone may speak as he desires. People offer their experiences and reactions to the event with emphasis upon what was felt and thought at the time.

The Information stage consists of summarizing the exploration, normalizing the experience and reactions, teaching survival skills, and again offering additional help for those severely affected.

Upon Finding the Lost Person

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:50:00 +0000

First, assess the situation, notify the CPL, give your position, and provide first aid if needed.

Other search and rescue teams should remain where they are until directed to move. The Command Post notifies all search and rescue teams and directs assistance to the scene only as needed.

Make the subject as comfortable as possible and keep a constant watch. Talk with the subject; reassure him, while assessing mental condition and physical health.

In dealing with the subject, his mental health is as important as his physical health.

Take care to speak positively, assure him he is safe and additional help is on the way.

Any problems, questions about becoming lost should be withheld.

Questions to gauge his mental health (i.e. questions you know the answer to) are necessary.

Evacuation should be delayed (until the subject is stabilized) if injuries are suspected.

Often if the person is walked out, he may fail on the return journey. Keep a very close watch and litter evacuate. After the person is evacuated, medical personnel should assume responsibility of the patient.

Litter Evacuation
Before litter evacuating the subject, the medical authorities should give approval.

The litter must be packed to keep the subject comfortable. Foam pads, blankets and sleeping bags immobilize, comfort, and insulate the subject. The head must be well secured and padded. A baseball cap provides protection from twigs and allows the subject to see around him. The subject must be snug and secure, including the arms.

Carrying the litter can be difficult. Six people should carry the litter with additional people alternating about every five minutes. One person should clear the trail. The last person carries a radio, polices litter, and makes sure everybody is in front. The subject should be constantly reassured and informed. If he knows what is happening, he will feel much more secure.

Restrict all negative comments as they will affect the subject.

If the subject is deceased and resuscitation impossible, do not alter the environment or touch the body. The search becomes a criminal investigation. The area around the body (100 feet radius) must then be secured and access severely restricted. Extreme stress in the rescuers can sometimes develop and it must be treated (Critical Incident Stress Defusing).

Communications

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Sat, 09 May 2009 12:30:00 +0000

All radio units in the field must be compatible with the equipment at the Command Post. Each search and rescue team in the field should contact the Command Post every half hour and provide a situation update.

Security over the radio is important. Try not to use any names and NEVER state the subject’s name, instead always use “subject(s)”.

If the subject is found, immediately inform the Command Post.

If the subject is deceased NEVER state that over the radio, simply repeat “the subject has been found". All messages must be professional, concise, specific, never derogatory, never about death, and if sensitive issues need broadcasting, use code-words.

When checking in, state the search and rescue team number/name "Team 3",
Wait for a 'go ahead team 3', and then transmit the message.
If Communications doesn't respond, try again in a minute.
If that fails, attempt to contact another unit. If that fails, switch to another frequency.
If that fails, check the radio for problems, and move to a higher/ more favorable location.
If contact cannot be made, continue the assigned mission if it can be completed in less that an hour then immediately return to the Command Post.

Communicating Confidential and Medical Information

Never transmit private, medical, or other information that you or the subject do not want the public to know. Codes for transmitting sensitive information over the air is often misinterpreted.

If the subject requires immediate medical assistance, simply state only that over the radio.

If the person is deceased, state the person is found and the team requires evacuation assistance.

If the person is ok, simply state the person has been found and is returning to the Command Post.

Our search and rescue goal here is to efficiently communicate with the search and rescue command post while limiting information to only those who need to know.

Dealing With The Media

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:23:00 +0000

Usually the Incident Commander or the Liason will be appointed with dealing with the media. Occasionally, searchers will come in contact with a reporter searching for information. Information and, more importantly, speculation about the subject and the search must be restricted from the media and the public.

Your search and rescue team should be taught to:

Refer the reporter (or anyone else) to the Incident Commander or liason or the law enforcement agency involved with this search and rescue operation.

Be polite to the media. Don't ignore them. They have the right to access any public site, but should be discouraged from entering the field.

Politely suggest that a better story can be obtained at the Command Post.

What your team can share with the media are:

His/her name

Their position within the search and rescue team (but not in this search)

Any knowledge about the search that is already public information.

The location of the Command Post.

Our goal here is to allow our search and rescue team to concentrate on searching and make sure that the information given to the media is in the best interests of the missing subject.

Dealing with Subject’s Relatives

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:33:00 +0000

Dealing with Subject’s Relatives/Friends

During a search, a lost subject’s relatives and/or friends are under stress. They will worry about the subject, and will probably show signs of stress.

Even the slightest comment can create problems. You should be very aware of what you say.

Do not talk of unsuccessful past searches or other negative matters.

Do not ignore them or allow them to disrupt search operations.

Do show concern for them, the situation, and the lost subject.

Show professionalism in search activities and speak of hope.

The subject's family and friends should not be in the field. They should not be at the Command Post. This is a matter that the law enforcement agency in charge of the search should have under control.

Line Search

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:26:00 +0000

A line search is used only after a hasty search has been made.

The leader will issue commands as where to move and look but is not a part of the line. He wanders around, checks his team, and searches missed areas. All searchers are directed by the leader and walk at a slow pace, stopping periodically to turn in a full circle looking up and down.

Once a separation distance is determined it remains that size for the entire sweep.

The team member at either end of the line is called the "flagger". Flaggers place survey tape every 10-25 feet to mark the edge of the line being searched.

Whistle commands are very important.

When turning, leave a survey tape marker telling the area covered, time, spacing, and leader.

Line searches may include non-team persons under direct supervision of team leader.

Cold Weather Searches

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:13:00 +0000

In winter, it is very difficult to travel. Hypothermia, frostbite, and dehydration are issues to consider.

Your ready-pack should include extra clothing and extra nutrition bars. Be sure to include several pairs of clean, dry socks.

When searching in cold weather:

Dress in layers with wicking material next to your skin, fleece or wool above, and wind or waterproof clothing on top.

Remove and add layers of clothing depending on your activity level and any condition changes .

Replace wet socks with dry socks as needed.

Wear boots that are waterproofed on the outside.

Cover your head and neck, as well as face.

Replace wet gloves as needed.

Avoid cotton.

Stay hydrated.

Eat high energy food.

Have your search and rescue team members monitor each other.

Hypothermia is a real danger. Signs of hypothermia include:

Confusion or sleepiness

Slowed, slurred speech, or shallow breathing

Weak pulse or low blood pressure

Behavior changes

A lot of shivering or no shivering; stiffness in the arms or legs

Poor control over body movements or slow reactions

In cold weather, it is more important than ever that team members keep a close eye on each other.

Search and Rescue - Night Search

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Night searches rely on proper equipment and training.

Every night searcher must wear a reflective vest and hat, have multiple lighting sources, be equipped to spend the night, have accurate local maps, and absolutely understand the search area.

The greatest difficulty in a night search is navigation. Allow 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Avoid shining lights at other searchers. Headlamps and chemical lightsticks are useful.

Practice. Practice. Practice.

Our search and rescue team schedules several night training missions a year.

Our search and rescue team has a policy to not search between 10 PM and dawn, unless an immediate search is necessary. Subjects often bed down for the night and it can be easy to pass them by.

If a definite trail is found, do not delay until morning to follow the trail. This is one time when we would continue the search since subjects usually do not move at night.

Make sure your search and rescue team contains the area to be searched. Containment is very important. When the search resumes in the morning, your search and rescue team can be sure that the subject did not move to a different area over night.

Search Techniques - Interviewing

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:32:00 +0000

There is no one "Best Method" to use in searching. Your search and rescue team will find that a combination of search techniques probably will work the best.

Search techniques include sign cutting, interviewing and attraction. Today I'll talk about interviewing.

INTERVIEWING:
The people you meet on the trail can provide valuable information. Your search and rescue team can gain information about whether the subject might or might not have been in the area. However, one problem your search and rescue team may find is that everyone wants to help. Most want to be involved. Untrained people may try to make what they've seen fit the person your search and rescue team is looking for. They don't mean to be leading you astray, they simply want to help.

Teach your search and rescue team to learn the information they seek without leading people with answers. Instruct your search and rescue team to intorduce themselves to people they find on trails and ask for a few minutes to ask a few questions.

They'll want to ask:
Where the hiker has been.
What the hiker has seen.
Get basic descriptions of anyone they may have noticed.

Be careful not to ask questions that suggest answers. If necessary, give general descriptions of your subject so that you are not tainting the person's own memory. If the interviewee doesn't seem to have any useful information, your search and rescue team can embelish the description of your subject to see if it jogs their memory.

Before leaving the interview, have your search and rescue team ask the interviewee to call the Sheriff's Department if they remember anything later. Assure them that your subject is not in any trouble, but people are very concerned about them.

Tell your search and rescue team to try to get the answers without taking notes. Some people get nervous when you write down what they say. After the interview, your search team should make detailed notes.

Find more information about search and rescue techniques from these books:

Fundamentals of Search and Rescue

Tom Brown's Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking

Search Techniques - Attraction

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:30:00 +0000

Search Techniques - Sign Cutting

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:22:00 +0000

There is no one "Best Method" to use in searching. Your search and rescue team will find that a combination of search techniques probably will work the best.

Search techniques include sign cutting, interviewing and attraction. Today I'll talk about sign cutting.

Sign Cutting:
Sign cutting is the detection of disturbances created by the passage of a person. Your search and rescue team should look for for tracks, pieces of tracks, or for any debris your lost person might leave. When you see a sandy area ahead, move off the trail to protect the "Track Trap".

Pay attention to trash. If the brand new candy wrapper or cigarette pack matches what the victim was said to be carrying, it's a clue!

Our most valuable clue is the tracks left by the victim. However, your search and rescue team will find that it's often very difficult to determine the exact pattern. Your best bet is to task your search and rescue team to pay close attention to the general type of tracks. Take note of location, age, direction of travel, type of sole, and if any leave the trail.

It's possible that later you will receive a detailed description of the tracks. Your written notes of tracks you've found will be invaluable.

Find more information about search techniques from these great books:

Fundamentals of Search and Rescue

Tom Brown's Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking

Book - Don't Forget the Duct Tape

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:06:00 +0000

Book Review - Don't Forget the Duct Tape

The title tells it all. This book is packed with ingenious ways to use duct tape. But it doesn't stop at telling you what you can do with duct tape, it tells you how to do it.

You probably already know that you can fix a leaky tent or ripped jeans. And you've more than likely used duct tape to seal boxes. You might even have fixed shoes using duct tape.

But, Don't Forget The Duct Tape had many tips and tricks that I never would have thought of. 109 pages and about 6" X 4", it fits in my Search and Rescue backpack.

Tracking

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Tracking follows the subject's trail visually.

Trained trackers are rare but, if you have a trained tracker available, he should be used before searchers are allowed into the field.

In the field, your search and rescue team should be aware of all the tracks and be careful not to obliterate any clues. Your search and rescue team should mark all clues with survey tape.

Disoriented persons usually travel in erratic patterns. Subjects in a panic will often move erratically.

If possible, descriptions of footprints/boot tracks should be obtained during the pre-mission briefing.

While there are not many trained trackers available, there are some very good books written on tracking that your search and rescue team may find invaluable.

The SAS Guide to Tracking, New and Revised
Included are tips on:
Tracking in desert, forest, jungle, marsh, and grassy areas
Interpreting animal, human, and vehicle signs
How to preserve night vision
Using time frames to eliminate misleading signs
Detecting quarry when they backtrack or circle around
How time and weather affect signs
How to spot intentionally misleading signs

Tracking--Signs of Man, Signs of Hope: A Systematic Approach to the Art and Science of Tracking Humans
Chapters cover topics such as:
turning your five senses into scientific evidence gathering machines
telling the difference between natural and unnatural movement, foliage, and sounds
differentiating between unrelated or incidental signs and those left specifically by your Chase
accurately interpreting the age of a sign
determining the physical, mental, and emotional condition of your Chase
transforming hindrances into advantages
picking up the trail again once it has been lost
protecting yourself against a dangerous and/or desperate foe
working together as a team
documenting the evidence so that others can pick up where you left off

Tactical Tracking Operations
how to find and follow tracks through any terrain;
assess the age of tracks;
relocate the trail after it's gone missing;
foil every effort to throw off your pursuit;
coordinate a four-man team while tracking fugitives;
set up and run large tracking operations,
use the latest high-tech gear to find fugitives and more.

Book - Don't Forget the Duct Tape

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:06:00 +0000

Search and Rescue Key Terms

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:48:00 +0000

PLS - Point Last Seen - This is the location where someone last saw the missing person. If this is reliable, it is the single most important clue. Once the PLS is established, by a reliable witness, it needs to be clearly marked on the Planning Map.

LKP - Last Known Point - This is the location that idicates the subject was at that particular location. The LKP can change when new clues are found and verified.

IPP - Initial Planning Point - This is usually the LKP and will not change. The IPP is used to plan the search.

POA - Probability of Area - This is the chances that the subject is in the area being searched by the search and rescue team.

POD - Probability of Detection - This is the chances of the search and rescue team finding the subject (or clues) assuming that they are in the area being searched. POD increases when an area is searched multiple times. If a high POD is desired, it can usually be accomplished.

Some things that infulence POD:

Type and effectiveness of search team. (Trained, Canine..)

Size of the segment to be searched. Usually, the bigger the area, the lower the POD.

If searchers hurry because they are late, POD suffers.

Search method can affect POD.

Weather influences visibility and searcher comfort.

Rough terrain can be a hinderance to the search team.

Thick vegetation can also be a hinderance.

POS - Probability of Success - This is the chance of being successful in a given area. It is based on the POA and the POD. You can determine POS by this calculation: POS = POA X POD

Search and Rescue Training - Lost Mentally Challenged

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Lost people are usually predictable. Their behavior can be charted depending upon age, gender, interests, physical and mental condition, time of day, weather, and terrain.

With that in mind, it can be dangerous to make any presumptions regarding lost person behavior. A subject’s behavior is affected by many factors including environmental factors. Use your own judgment when considering these traits.

This page is not designed to teach you how to search for your subject. It should give you a starting point. Data gathered from past search and rescue successes can point you in the right direction for your next search and rescue mission.

Behavior Characteristics of Mentally Challenged

The mentally challenged lost person will ct and react similar to kids 6-12. They usually will not respond to name being called and often are afraid of authority. You might want to have your search and rescue team leave their uniforms at home.

They will usually hide and may remain in the same area for days unless found. You might want to instruct your search and rescue team to be sure to look under brush, logs, and branches as well as inside drainage ditches and behind rocks, trees...

They are attracted by sights and sounds. Your search and rescue team may find a way to use this to your advantage.

They are often found in structures or yards. They will travel into brush and briars. Tell your search and rescue team to search brush.

The average distance of travel from the PLS was about 1/2 mile in studies. maximum distance traveled was 2.5 miles.

Tasking your search and rescue team:

Conduct a through systematic search of residence and local yards
Cut for sign along roadways and trials
Consider asking the family to shout name
Remind your search and rescue team to search brush and briars
Subject may flee or move

An excellent book can be found on Amazon.com

Lost Person Behavior: A search and rescue guide on where to look - for land, air and water.

Search and Rescue - Lost Person - Despondent

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Behavior Characteristics of Despondent

A despondent will often seek solitude. Of all the characteristics, the despondent is the only one who is not really lost.

If your search and rescue team is activated to help find a despondent, keep in mind that they are usually found within sight and sound of civilization. Some will avoid being found so your search and rescue team may want to set up a confinement area before sending the search team in. Most will not respond to searchers, but your team should still try calling out to them while searching.

When found, most will feel intruded upon and will say they were just trying to get away to think.

Notes your search and rescue team may find helpful:

Many are found near prominent locations (scenic lake, lookout...)

They tend not to go into underbrush.

Many will go upward to distinctive locations.

Some will settle down in first secluded spot, often next to a tree. (remind your search and rescue team to look up)

Once they reach the chosen location, they tend to stay there.

Tasking your search and rescue team:

Do a through systematic search of residence. Repeat throughout search.

Send a hasty team to all scenic or significant locations.

Cut for signs along roadways and trails.

Containment is important. Set up spotters.

The search urgency is high.

An excellent book can be found on Amazon.com Lost Person Behavior: A search and rescue guide on where to look - for land, air and water.

Search and Rescue Training - Lost Elderly

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Behavior Characteristics of Elderly and Alzheimer's

The elderly and people with alheimer's are often oriented to the past. They are usually less able to generate heat from reserve calories, and are poorly clothed. Your search and rescue team needs to realize that this category is urgent. Active ones will overexert themselves.

Your search and rescue team will find that many in this category are hard of hearing so calling may not bring results. However, call out to them anyway.

They are often found within 50 feet of a road or a path. Many are found prone.

Reasearch supports that alzheimer's patients will often follow the path of least resistance. They also tend to "go until stuck". They will simply walk until something stops them. They can often be found in thick brush or briars (a feature untrained searchers often avoid). It has been said that they "appear to lack ability to turnaround".

Notes your search and rescue team may find helpful:

Usually found within one mile of PLS.

Half found within 0.5 miles.

Search along roads.

Establish containment points

Early use of tracking dogs at IPP.

Deploy air-scent dog teams into drainages and streams.

Early deployment of hasty ground teams into drainages and streams nearest
the IPP.

Ensure teams search heavy briars/bushes.

An excellent book can be found on Amazon.com Lost Person Behavior: A search and rescue guide on where to look - for land, air and water.

Lost Person Behavior - Hunters

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Lost Person Behavior - Hunters

Hunters tend to concentrate on game, ignoring navigational aids. Concentrating on blood trails, they do not think to look around for landmarks. Hunters have a tendency to follow game to dense underbrush without worrying about who will find them if they get lost or hurt.

When weather gets bad, most will try to find some sort of shelter.
The good news for your search and rescue team is that most hunters are wearing blaze orange - so they are easy to see when you get close enough. Most are in good mental and physical shape.

More than half are found within 2 miles of the PLS. So your search and rescue team might consider concentrating in this area before expanding your search.

Often the reason a hunter is reported missing is because he had an injury either falling out of the tree stand or climbing in/out of the stand. If your search and rescue team finds the stand. They have found the hunter.

The exertion of getting into the woods can cause the onset of various medical problems. Your search and rescue team should find out if there was a particular path the hunter used regularly.

Questions your search and rescue team might want to ask are:

What were they hunting for?

What is their "style" of hunting?

How much experience do they have hunting?

Were they wearing blaze orange? (some hunters do not - even when it is the
law)

Honest answers to these questions may be important.

What type of weapon were they using?

The location of the hunter's stand, or a general direction.

REMEMBER - SEARCH FOR CLUES, NOT THE SUBJECT!!!

Once your search and rescue team locates the stand they want to begin looking
for clues. When searching for a missing hunter, one of the best clues you will
find are his tracks.

An excellent book can be found on Amazon.com
Lost Person Behavior: A search and rescue guide on where to look - for land, air and water.

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Search and Rescue Training - Lost 6 - 12

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:05:00 +0000

Lost Person Behavior - Children 6 - 12

A six to twelve year old may intentionally run away when angry, or to avoid punishment. They often become lost as a result of being put in a strange place by an adult.

While their navigational skills are more developed than their younger counterparts, and their sense of direction has started to develop, they often become confused when in a strange environment.

Try calling their name. They may not answer until they are cold and hungry or darkness has set in, but you should call their name often.

Most (about 93%) are found within 2 miles of the point last seen.

You can buy the book Lost Person Behavior: A search and rescue guide on where to look - for land, air and water from amazon.com

Search and Rescue Training - Lost 3-6

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:49:00 +0000

Lost people are usually predictable. Their behavior can be charted depending upon age, gender, interests, physical and mental condition, time of day, weather, and terrain.

With that in mind, it can be dangerous to make any presumptions regarding lost person behavior. A subject’s behavior is affected by many factors including environmental factors. Use your own judgment when considering these traits.
This page is not designed to teach you how to search for your subject. It should give you a starting point. Data gathered from past search and rescue successes can point you in the right direction for your next search and rescue mission.

Lost Person Behavior - Small Children (3-6)

Children ages three to six are more mobile and can travel further than a 1-3 yr old. They have a definite interest and may follow a pet or a playmate. They may also decide to explore.

A three to six year old does understand the concept of being lost and will try to return home. When they become tired, they will usually find shelter to sleep in. (Which makes it harder to find them.)

You should try calling to a three to six year old. They may be stranger resistant at first, but usually will decide that a searcher is the lesser of two evils.

On the older side of this group, the child may have learned to climb. In addition to looking IN - ON - AND UNDER everything, LOOK UP. Look in trees, on roofs, in attics...

You can buy the book Lost Person Behavior: A search and rescue guide on where to look - for land, air and water from amazon.com

Search And Rescue Training - Lost 1-3

noreply@blogger.com (story teller) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Lost Person Behavior - small children. (1-3 years)

Children between the ages of one and three usually have no concept of being lost. They tend to wander aimlessly since they have no navigational skills.
They will generally remain in the area last seen.

Small children are attracted by random things. A bright colored cloth, a tunnel,
an animal, a path...

Small children tire easily and tend to curl up and go to sleep. You will often find a lost 1 - 3 year old sleeping in or under a log, under a bush, under a picnic table, or any other place they can find to curl up and go to sleep.

When searching for a small child, it is important to look IN - ON - and UNDER everything.

When allocating resources you should consider the following:

Respond Quickly

Confine movements of subject

Identify and detain witnesses

Protect clues

Diversify your initial response action

Back up your operations

You can buy the book Lost Person Behavior: A search and rescue guide on where to look - for land, air and water from amazon.com