Searching large or complex areas may mean personnel are separated by large distances or physical barriers. Effective communication and clear lines of reporting are important to ensure safe working. A safe system of work suitable for each area of search should be confirmed and regularly updated; this information should be communicated and confirmed by all search teams and updated in written plans or risk assessments.
Incidents that require search activity can be dynamic, with a need to react to information as it is presented. Credible information may change a search plan and the actions of the fire and rescue service. Information may be received from the initial caller, witnesses, or relayed by the fire control room or other agencies.
The impact of planned or unplanned evacuation on searching should be considered. Appropriate resources and co-ordination should be considered to ensure searching is effective at incidents where simultaneous evacuation could take place.
If fire and rescue services have identified that there is potential for their involvement in co-ordinating a search or being involved in a co-ordinated search, consideration should be given to providing appropriate:
- Search equipment
- Communication methods for information and data sharing with other emergency responder agencies
Gather information from people leaving the incident
It is important to gather information from, and assess the condition of, people leaving the incident; there may need to be a cordon established around the location or building to support this.
The information gathered should include:
- Their name
- A description of them, including what they are wearing
- The location they have left
- The conditions in their original location and the egress route taken
- Whether they are aware of any people who cannot or will not evacuate, and their location
- Whether they have spoken to any emergency services control room
This information should be passed to whoever is co-ordinating the search to ensure resources are not used to search for people who have been found and to inform the ongoing search for people who are missing.
In addition to gathering information from people leaving the incident, an initial assessment of them should be carried out, including:
- Physiological condition
- Psychological condition
- Requirements for medical attention or shelter
This assessment may be carried out by any of the emergency responder agencies, with the information recorded and shared appropriately in the best interests for the welfare of the individual.
Multi-agency search response planning
As many searches involve a multi-agency response, the JESIP Joint Doctrine should be applied. As with all multi-agency activity, joint training and exercises help to establish roles and responsibilities for searches at incidents. Establishing memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with relevant agencies for search capabilities should be considered.