Deriving Objective Probability of Detection for Missing-Person Search: Validating Use of Effective Sweep Width and Associated Mathematical Models

Kenneth B. Chiacchia, PhDHeather E. Houlahan, ABMountaineer Area Rescue GroupAppalachian Search and Rescue ConferenceMorgantown, WVU.S.A.Email kchiacchia@asrc.net http://dx.doi.org/10.61618/NPEN4588 Abstract Effective sweep width (W) promises objective probability of detection (POD) values for guiding missing-person search efforts. However, methods for measuring W produce large uncertainties. Also, models forgenerating POD from W have not been validated for ground-based search. … Read more

New Zealand Search and Rescue fatality data: Creating targeted prevention messaging

Ken MacIver, BA, PGC (Para), PGC Health Prac Ed, PGC Resus, MPP, Callum Thirkell, BCA, BHSc (Para), PGC(Para), Glenn Mitchell, ICP, MPA, Carl van der Meulen*, BA(hons) & Elizabeth A. Asbury#, BSc (Hons),MSc, Ph.D. School of Health, Whitireia New Zealand, Porirua, New Zealand and *New Zealand Search and Rescue,Wellington, New Zealand. E-mail: Elizabeth.Asbury@Whitireia.ac.nz http://dx.doi.org/10.61618/DEET5746 Abstract … Read more

Book Review: Billy, A. 2020. NORTH SHORE RESCUE: If You Get Lost Today, Will Anyone Know?

Ross Peterson,Former member North Shore Rescue http://dx.doi.org/10.61618/OSAT9391 This book will be of interest to all those engaged or interested in volunteer search and rescue. Although thebook focusses on one team – North Shore Rescue (NSR) in British Columbia – the issues, stories,frustrations, and humour described herein will be recognized by those in other areas. Allen … Read more

ECHO: Developing a multi-hazard incident risk assessment tool for swiftwater and flood rescue

Steve Glassey Country Fire Authority Victoria, Australia Email: steve.glassey@hotmail.com [THIS ARTICLE WAS NOT PEER REVIEWED, BUT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED AS A COMMUNICATION OF RESEARCH] http://dx.doi.org/10.61618/DJFS4689 Abstract Currently there is no multi-hazard risk assessment tool for determining the level of complexity to swiftwater and flood rescue incidents. Traditionally, the International Scale of River Difficulty is used … Read more

Object recognition and detection: Potential implications from vision science for wilderness searching

Stephen McClanahan PhD WEMT From Search and Rescue Ohio and Mountaineer Area Rescue Group, USA Appalachian Search and Rescue Conference Email mcclanahan.sf@gmail.com http://dx.doi.org/10.61618/FFTN1376 Abstract Field searching relies heavily on human vision and the ability to recognize objects that are out of place in their environment. Searchers seek to continually improve their ability to detect clues. … Read more

Review of Search and Rescue Response Guidelines to COVID-19.

Robert J. Koester PhD, FRGS School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth dbS Productions UK, USA Email: Robert@dbs-sar.com http://dx.doi.org/10.61618/QFZG6858 Abstract COVID-19 has impacted how search and rescue (SAR) teams respond to incidents, conduct operations, provide patient care, and demobilize. This review looks at COVID-19 symptoms, transmission, and risk factors that might affect … Read more

Decontamination of Technical Rope Rescue Equipment in the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus pandemic

Ian Greatbatch1 PhD, FRGS, FHEA, MEPS, FICPEM, Ian Allen2 & David G Williams3 MSc, MLitt, DipHEP, PGCE, MEPS3 1School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth, UK. 2CERN, Esplanade des Particules 1, 1211 Geneva 23, Switzerland. 3Edge Hill Business School Edge Hill University, UK. Email: 24337188@edgehill.ac.uk http://dx.doi.org/10.61618/QZZI4774 Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 novel human coronavirus, … Read more

Comparing the impact of COVID-19 on Search and Rescue and fire emergency incident responses

Robert J. Koester PhD, FRGS 1,2 Ian Greatbatch PhD, FRGS, FHEA, MEPS, FICPEM 1 School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth, UK 2dbS Productions, UK, USA Email: Robert@dbs-sar.com http://dx.doi.org/10.61618/WRLT5280 Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in stay-at-home orders in many countries. Europe and North America were most affected for during the first wave … Read more

The Paradigm Shift in Search and Rescue Response During the COVID-19 Pandemic in California

Christopher S. Young Contra Costa County Sheriff’ SAR Team Chairman Bay Area Search and Rescue Council (BASARC) Email csy1492@comcast.net http://dx.doi.org/10.61618/ENAT1112 Abstract On March 4, a State of Emergency was declared followed on March 19, when the Governor of California issued mandatory stay-at-home orders. Prior to the state mandate on March 16, the San Francisco Bay … Read more

Operation Braidwood

David O’Neill FSTR MICPEM Operational Policy & Assurance l UK-ISAR coordinator London Fire Brigade Email david.oneill@london-fire.gov.uk http://dx.doi.org/10.61618/KCZE8925 Dear Editor, As the Head of the London Fire Brigade’s Technical Rescue, International SAR and Overseas Operations capabilities, I am well drilled in responding to sudden onset disasters and capacity building missions for rising tide events. These challenges … Read more