Search and Rescue

Priorities:

1.  Protection of rescuers.

2.  Protection of bystanders.

3.  Assistance to patient.

4.  Protection of resource.

5.  Documentation of incident

***

All Search and Rescue incidents in New Hampshire are under the jurisdiction of NH Department of Fish and Game. NH F&G must be notified of all SAR incidents occurring on or off White Mountain NF lands.

***

Procedures:

Report received at VIS location:

1.  Document all pertinent information on incident form (attached). Do not let reporting party leave unless approved by NH F&G.

2.  Notify NH F&G through Carroll County or State Police Dispatch.

3.  Notify District Ranger and District Law Enforcement Officer.

4.  Notify District Search and Rescue Coordinator.

Report received or discovered in a field location:

1.  Contact District Office, VIS will follow above procedures.

2.  Employee will offer assistance appropriate to their safe ability to do so.

FOR POTENTIAL RESPONDERS

Remember – never create a second victim!

Consider nature of injury, how serious is it? Consider daylight remaining, terrain factors that may affect rescue. Consider rescuer physical ability or level of fatigue. Consider available equipment, do you have what you need to be safe? Consider communications – don’t respond without a radio. Remember PPE when providing medical care.

Stop – think - take a deep breath.

In the context of a backcountry rescue, a few extra seconds won’t make a life-or-death difference.

13

Search and Rescue Incident Form

Saco RD

Date ______Time ______

Reporting Individual______

Address______

Telephone______Reporting Person Location______

Name of injured or missing ______Age______

Address______Gender______

______

Telephone ______Location last seen______

Time Last Seen ______

Group Leader______Number in party______

Contact Person/Address/Telephone ______

______

Description of incident or accident:

Planned itinerary ______

______

Motor vehicle description and location ______

______

Supplies/Equipment

Footwear______Clothing______

Overnight gear______

Food/Water ______Headlamp______

Map ______

Familiarity with area ______

Experience ______

Notes – Weather, Vital Signs, description, etc. Use back of form if necessary:

REMEMBER TO INITIATE COMMUNICATIONS LOG! KEEP GOOD NOTES!

14