Base Operations

Critical Components of Search Management

1. Common terminology.
2. Module Organization.
3. Integrated Communications:
a. plain English
b. confined to essential messages (traffic).
4. Unified command structure
5. Incident action plan.
6. Manageable span of control.
7. Designated search management facilities:
a. Base
b. Command Post
c. Staging
d. Helibase(s).
8. Comprehensive resource management.
 
Other Key Factors

1. Establish search objectives - to maintain direction and control
2. Plan and delegate!!
3. Individual emergency response agencies can not be expected to provide all of the resources required to successfully resolve every situation.
4. Command MUST:
a. be flexible.
b. integrate varying resources.
c. promote coordination and cooperation.
d. optimize control and efficient operations.
e. "Think FUNCTION not people".
5. There is no such thing as a "bad" decision if it is made using good judgment based on available information.
6. All resources are either assigned, available, or out of service.
7. BE PREPARE TO TURN OVER SEARCH COMMAND TO ANOTHER QUALIFIED SAR BOSS AFTER A SPECIFIC PERIOD OF TIME.
a. Fatigue and stress can lead to poor decision making.
b. Consult with Planning Officer about changing conditions (i.e. weather, resources, etc.)
c. If necessary, rotate the entire Overhead Team.

Eight Keys to On-Scene Direction and Control

1. All activities and operations in the field must be victim oriented.
2. Identity all hazards, both the victim and the searchers.
3. Do efficient reconnaissance (terrain analysis).
4. Protect the access to the search base site.
5. Monitor and control communications flow and volume, and always have a backup.
6. Brief and Debrief as a matter of routine.
7. Establish victim care as soon as possible.
8. Establish and log victims destination and ETA to medical facility.

Potential Problem Areas On-Scene

1. Identifying all responders on-scene.
2. Responder units or individuals staying within their assigned tasks.
3. Relief of overhead / command staff and support people.
4. Ability to shift gears into expanded operations.
5. Use of resources with their abilities and expertise.

Operational Problems

1. Ambiguity of authority.
2. Inability to communicate between agencies.
3. Poor use (or no use) of specialized resources.
4. Unplanned negative relationships with other teams or the media.
5. Different levels of resource abilities and training.

Key Elements for Success in SAR Operations
 

1. Good coordination's of resources - use the right people and physical resources to do the job.
2. Communications - be able to talk to everyone in the field.
3. Good management practices - delegate and manage.
   
 
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