As Daryl asked so nicely I’ve decided to write some more about search pre-plans and what should go in one.
Different SAR teams have different templates, content and so on. It is difficult then to give a definitive answer.
However, the way to look at the question is not what should go in the pre-plan, but rather what would be useful to me when I come to search this particular area next week, month or year?
So put on your Search Controller hat for a second.
Firstly, where am I going to put Control?
Will this search be run from the local police station, an office or building on-site, or your Unit’s mobile Control Unit? Having made this decision, write it down and find out how to put this into action when the call comes in. Who would you need to speak to? Is the room always available? Is there a parking space for the van? Power? and so on…
Next, where is the RV point going to be?
Asking all the usual questions, sufficient parking, close by etc. This solves a big problem if the Search Controller already has this detail to hand when they need to call the team out.
A long time is spent sorting out mapping for any incident, so get it sorted now.
Pre-sector the map.
Consider having pre-printed sector maps for teams, or if not have them saved and ready to print out first thing. Make sure you have walked all the areas – mark on potential hazards, what PPE gear is required, issues that might affect the search and so on. Digital photos are easy to take and give the Search Management Team and Team Leader an idea of what the sector is going to be like. If access is required, give the relevant people’s names and phone numbers.
Will you need specialist resources for any of the areas?
Dogs? Rope Access? Boats [Maybe a Search and Rescue Hovercraft?]? Underwater Search? In most instances, the sooner they are notified the better. Have you got their contact numbers? The names of the relevant people? If you know before getting there they will be needed they can be on route whilst you are.
I keep mentioning names; the great benefit of a search pre-plan is that people get to know one another before the event. In some cases even knowing that one or other group exists! This has been proven time and time again to benefit the management of the incident. The plan may never work, but at least the people involved can work together.
A search pre-plan is just that; a search plan, ready to go when you need it.
Once it’s done, of course, it needs to be tested, training needs to be done and so on; but that’s another post for another day.
