Outdoor Search Methods 8/23/20151 Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

SEARCH BASICS KNOW what to look for. EXPECT to find something! FOCUS on pertinent issues. Who can halt a team? Who can re-start a team? Look side to side, forward, up and behind. KEEP SAFE. Don’t add to the number of subjects. 8/23/20152 Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

WHAT EACH SEARCHER SHOULD KNOW: Name of subject Description of subject Clue information Clothing, equipment, … PLS or LKP Search area assignment Command structure 8/23/20153 Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

DO’s: Keep you pack & gear ready. Respond whenever you can. Dress appropriately for the weather. Sign in on arrival at rendezvous or base. Sign out when leaving. Listen to your TL regardless of their age. Behave respectfully in base (you never know who is listening). 8/23/20154 Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

DONT’s: Smoke or drink alcohol on missions. Use profanity or foul language. Show excessive affection w/ significant other. Give your opinions to the news media. Do refer them to the Incident Commander. Make negative comments about other SAR units. 8/23/20155 Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

CHAIN OF COMMAND Incident Commander – law enforcement officer ESAR OL – Operations Leader FL – Field Leader TL – Team Leader B - Brushmonkey 8/23/20156 Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

How many types of search techniques do we use? TYPE 1 – HASTY SEARCH TYPE 2 – OPEN GRID TYPE 3 – CLOSED GRID TYPE 4 - EVIDENCE URBAN What kind of search is each search type? Notice the progression. 8/23/20157 Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

TYPE 1 – HASTY SEARCH –A quick, efficient search of specific high probability areas TYPE 2 – OPEN GRID –A more organized yet still rapid search of a high probability area –Highest results per man hour of effort TYPE 3 – CLOSED GRID –A thorough, slower search of a specific area 8/23/20158 Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

TYPE 4 – EVIDENCE –Extremely thorough search usually for small evidence URBAN –Type 1 or 2 search in an urban setting –Often subject will be a child or someone with dementia. 8/23/20159 Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

When are the different search types used? 8/23/ Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

TYPE 1 – HASTY SEARCH Used in the early stages of a search Anytime to check on unconfirmed sightings or to re-check a high probability area. 8/23/ Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

TYPE 1 SEARCH METHODS Take the path of least resistance Roads, trails, drainages, ridge areas, Look for clues, trails not on the map and info about the area Clothing, footprints, food wrappers, equipment... Do voice checks about every 300’ (based on how far voices will carry) 8/23/ Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

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URBAN SEARCH METHODS Go door to door. Talk to people. Search likely spots where someone could hide. Remember children fit in small places. Be aware of hazards. Use your judgment on safety. Traffic, chemicals, animals, private property 8/23/ Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

TYPE 2 – OPEN GRID Used when Type 1 doesn’t work and a more thorough search is needed. 8/23/ Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

TYPE 2 SEARCH METHODS Center person stays on compass bearing (Compass person) Outside searchers space at critical spacing from compass person Weave back and forth taking path of least resistance Mark start and end Voice checks 8/23/ Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

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TYPE 3 – CLOSED GRID Used when Type 2 doesn’t work and a more thorough search is needed. 8/23/ Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

TYPE 3 SEARCH METHODS Guide off Compass person, road, trail, creek, … Guide Left / Right (keep searcher to your left/right slightly ahead of you. Tight spacing – you should be able to see the feet of the person next to you. If you can’t see through an obstacle you must go through the obstacle. Voice checks 8/23/ Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

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TYPE 4 – EVIDENCE Looking for small evidence such as weapons, bullet casings, bone fragments, … Keep good records. Evidence searches are part of a criminal investigation. You could be asked to testify at a trial. 8/23/ Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

TYPE 4 SEARCH METHODS Search shoulder to shoulder. Will be given specific instructions Hands and knees, clear vegetation to bare ground, … DO NOT TOUCH evidence. Tell your TL. DO NOT TOUCH evidence. 8/23/ Special thanks to Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue, Tacoma WA

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