Course Purpose:

• To give the participants enough training and experience (through table tops) to conduct a search mission immediately using a "best practices" standard operating procedure (SOP) 6 step process.
• Provide an orientation on both Search and Rescue management concepts, with emphasis on the basic concepts that will assist the participant in the planning of the "initial response" operational period.
• Orientation to the Incident Command System (ICS) and "initial response" procedures.
• Development of an "initial response" SOP

Upon completion, a participant should be able to:

• Manage a search (first operational period).
• List the "crucials" of search management.
• Explain the value of a SAR Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA).
• List components of an effective SAR program.
• Apply incident management principles (use of ICS).
• Apply the 6-step incident response process.
• Identify, apply, discuss search management principles (essential fundamentals).
• Initiate an effective and appropriate response to a missing person report.
• Apply initial response resources in a SAR map exercise.
• Anticipate and manage changes in incident complexity (or be able to set stage for multiple operational periods).
• Manage crucial search management information.

• Search Management Philosophy, Crucials, Concepts.
• Components Of An Effective SAR Program (Local SAR Capability Assessment for Readiness): SAR program development and management.
• Incident Command System (ICS).
• SAR Mission Overview (Anatomy of a Search).
• First Notice.
• Initial Response (SOP Driven).
• Search Area Identification (Probability of Area). Where to Search: Discussion of the Process and Basic Principles to Establish the Search Area.
• Search Tactics (Probability of Detection). How to Search: Discussion of Search Methods and Probability of Detection.
• Extended Operations Overview: How To Set The Stage.
• Rescue / Recovery Operations.
• Stakeholders And Critical Allies (External Influences).
• Mission Termination.
• Post Mission.

This is a 16 hour class, usually run over two days.