Search Management:

Searches are planned and executed by our Controller Alasdair Clement. He is assisted by 2 other controllers who work closely with him and the police to come up with the best search plan for the particular incident they are dealing with.

Once they have a plan, Search Team Leaders are briefed, and then deployed to put the plan into action.

Hopefully we find the person we are searching for.

Sometimes however, for whatever reason, we may not find them on the first attempt, and this is when searches can become a long drawn out affair with a lot of resources being deployed and replaced over a few days. In these cases, we bring in another Search Team and they take over from our team.

Alasdair checking maps of the relevant area before coming up with a Search Plan.

A picture paints a thousand words… (pictures courtesy of Derek Spink)

See the pictures below to get a better understanding of a search and rescue.

Alasdair Clement

Team Controller

The exercise controller briefs the two search team leaders. Neil (L) and Richard (R) pay close attention to Nigel’s briefing.   The teams are then briefed and they conduct their searches until the casualty is found.

Once found, the casualty is kept warm inside a KISU (like a quickly erected tent). This shelter will keep the elements away from the casualty whilst treatment is carried out. Steve is keeping the casualty aware of what is going on prior to being carried off (above).

Preparing the short carry off stretcher (below). Mike, Steve, Neil and Mark attend.

The casualty has been placed in the quick carry off stretcher (above), and is being taken from her original location to a flatter place, where the team can prepare the longer carry off to safety (below). Phil, Mark, Steve, Mike and Neil in action.