1COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Technology In Search And Rescue Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

2COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Introduction Technology in SAR: A misnomer? What do we mean by Technology? In what facets of SAR can Technology be used? Current Technology and its Applications The Future of Technology in CAP Emergency Services Problems and Issues of Technology in SAR

3COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Technology in SAR: A Misnomer? Do the methodologies of CAP Search and Rescue lend themselves to the use of Technology? Can technology be useful enough to justify the time and money? At each level, decisions must be made to determine how much time and money will be spent on technology Cost/Benefit analysis must be made

4COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 What do we mean by Technology Technology does not necessarily include only computers Technology refers to the application of new tools to make us more efficient These tools can include –Computers and Software –Radio technology –Digital cameras –Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) –Etc.

5COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Where can Technology be Used in CAP ES? There are applications for current and future technology at all levels of CAP –ES Incident Bases –Wing Level –At the local squadron –On Ground Teams –Etc. The applications of technology and ES are limited only by cost and the human element

6COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Current Technology and Applications Computers and Software –Of all the technological innovations, computers and software have the most use in CAP ES –Almost unlimited uses at all levels of CAP ES –COTS (commercial off the shelf) products –Specially designed software packages have been written by SAR personnel

7COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Mobile Computers Mobile computers are especially useful in CAP ES –Portable –Light Mobile computer have disadvantages –Expense –Battery Life –Susceptible to the elements

8COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Software COTS Products, such as office suites, have a number of applications –Spreadsheets –Personal Databases –Word Processors Applications –Check-ins –Tracking ES Qualifications –Computerized ES Forms

9COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Software continued… Mapping Programs –Delorme Topo Maps Topo Maps are now available in high resolution Can be used for both air and ground crews –GIS Systems Many other specialty software packages are available that have limitless applications for CAP ES

10COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 GPS GPS receivers are becoming more affordable and more precise GPS receivers will soon be built into personal radios GPS systems can interface into many mapping programs –Provides unprecedented utility to ES Ground teams

11COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Communication Technology Digital radio communications –Higher Range –Clearer, less static Cellular Phones provide far better communications than current 2 meter radios in many areas RF Technology has many future uses

12COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Other Current Technology Personal Digital Assistants –Current and Future PDAs have almost as much power as mobile computers –True power of PDAs rests with PDA peripherals Digital Cameras and Imaging Many other technological innovations can be used to make SAR more efficient

13COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Practical Examples Computerized Check-in CAP Forms Online Track ES Qualifications

14COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Future of Technology in SAR Moore’s Law – “The sum total of all processing power doubles every year” Most benefit of technology in SAR will be the a result of merging current technologies Vision of Future Ground Team Mission

15COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Problems and Issues For all of its benefits, technology does present unique problems These problems are inherent to technology in all applications, not just CAP SAR Some problems can be solved, but some must be sidestepped

16COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Problems Expense –Up front expense –On-going expense Training problems Care and Maintenance Short Technology Lifecycle

17COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 The Human Element Technology for technology’s sake –Technology applications must make SAR more efficient –Technology for its own sake costs much, but provides little benefit The human element –Many SAR personnel do not like computers, technology, etc. –“We’ve done it this way for years” mentality –Must demonstrate that technology can be used to make us more efficient

18COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 Discussion What are you doing today? What have you done to better position yourself for the future?

19COMPSAR.PPT Last Revised: 16 July 2002 QUESTIONS?