Lost persons are at risk of injury or death from extended periods of isolation, either mental, physical, or both. Their inability to solve immediate problems requires that search and rescue (SAR) personnel use the most efficient and effective techniques to resolve the lost person’ situation and to minimize the risks of injury or death.

Searching for immobile or unresponsive subjects, including those deceased, places further limitations upon the search options that are available to search managers. Where appropriate, the guide identifies these limitations.

The use of the listed techniques improves the probability of locating a lost or missing person when applied to land search incidents. These techniques may be employed at the discretion of and under the direction and control of a land search manager.

Terms used in this guide are not intended to be comprehensive, nor are they presumed to be inclusive of all terminology used in the search function.

1.1 This guide identifies and describes techniques that may be used by individuals or agencies when searching for persons, property, or evidence on land. The application of one or more of these techniques to any particular land search will depend upon the individual circumstances of the search and the judgment of the person responsible for conducting the search.

1.2 This guide assists individuals and agencies by providing a list of techniques for their consideration during a land search and by providing a brief description of the application of the technique to land search. Some advantages and disadvantages, as well as the most common uses of the techniques, are discussed in the guide. The guide does not, however, purport to discuss all aspects of conducting a land search.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.