SAR Fundamentals/Search techniques
From PCSAR
- SAR Fundamentals Manual:
- Ch.17 "Search"
- Ch.19 "Clue Consciousness"
- Basic SAR Skills Manual:
- Ch.15 "Search Tactics and Resources"
- Ch.16 "Search Principles & Techniques (How to Search)"
- 3.25 hr
- Image:Search-techniques-lesson-plan.odt
- Image:Search-techniques-rodeo-ground-briefing.pdf
- Image:Search-techniques-rodeo-ground-map.pdf
Outline
- searcher cube
- clue awareness (see lesson plan)
Type 1: speed
- hustle
- look in obvious places
- calling
Type 1 has changed a little since we first learned it. The focus is much more on speed. Getting to where the subject might be fast. Because it ends the search quickly. Because it's where they can't wait to be found later -- e.g. washed up on the water's edge. So hustle at a speed that can be maintained for the entire assignment. A fast walk, maybe even a jog. Calling. Often a trail sweep. But all members on the trail. None in the bush on the side -- that would slow them down. Typically one focusing left, one focusing right, maybe a third focusing ahead. Looking for the obvious -- "There she is! In the middle of the trail, waiting for us." If you're too thorough in a Type 1 search, you're too slow. Some groups set up deliberate hard-to-find clues when practicing Type 1 and if they're found they know the searchers are being too thorough.
Type 2: efficient
- purposeful wandering
- critical spacing
- sound sweep
Type 3: effective
- grid search
- arms width apart
- spontaneous volunteers
Type 4
- fine search
Don't use term: hasty search, hasty team
