Page 145 - Risk Management for Outdoor Programs

The ERP should describe when activity leaders should call for additional help, for example after a hasty search is completed. Depending on the situation, additional support should generally be called two to 12 hours after determining a person is lost. Procedures should also cover management and supervision of group members who are not lost, including while initial searches are under way. Search Procedure. Procedures for conducting initial searches in the field should be documented in the ERP, and may include: 1.Gather information. Interview bystanders. Establish and document point last seen, direction of travel, equipment carried, behavior, and state of mind. A Missing Person Report (example provided in Figure 14.5) can be used to record this information. 2. Begin a hasty search of areas such as trails where subject is most likely to be found. 3. Attempt containment of search area, for example by posting individuals along the search area perimeter. 4. Call for additional help if the initial hasty search is unsuccessful, and no later than the required timeframe (as mentioned above). 5. Begin grid search, often with the assistance of external searchers. More detailed information on search and rescue procedures is widely available and should be included in the Emergency Action Plan as required. Chapter 14: Incident Management 135