How to Organize a Search and Rescue Mission

There are two main reasons why civilians would need to organize a search and rescue mission: (1) A child or adult is missing in your town, and law enforcement must wait 48 hours before beginning the search; and (2) Help from law enforcement is not immediately available due to location. In either circumstance, it is important that the individuals involved in the search and rescue mission be careful and that they organize themselves in the safest and most efficient fashion. 

Organize a Search and Rescue Mission: How Much Ground Needs to be Covered?

The first question that presents itself will be how much ground you need to cover. This all depends on where the missing person lost his or her way and natural barriers that might define the perameters. For example, if you are looking for a ten-year-old child and your town is flanked by mountains or ridges in all directions, you can safely assume that he or she does not have the ability to scale those natural barriers. You can also determine the ground that must be covered if you know the approximate time (within an hour) of when the missing person headed out. Most people (depending on their age and health) walk between two and four miles per hour. You can limit your search and rescue mission to those criteria. 

Organize a Search and Rescue Mission: How Many People are Available to Search?

A search and rescue mission with only five volunteers will progress much differently than one with fifty able bodies. One of the risks you take with a search and rescue mission - especially in the wilderness - is that the search party volunteers have the ability to get lost themselves. This is why the experts advise search party teams to have no less than two people and ideally at least four in order to protect those who are looking for the victim. Once you know how many people are available for the search, you can assign territories in which to look. 

Organize a Search and Rescue Mission: Where is the Victim Most Likely to Go