Actually your scenario is very realistic as compared to the searches I have been on(over 200). Many times we have little or no information or conflicting stories at best. I have had state of the art maps available down to no maps available to us.

Realistically investigation and questioning starts at callout and does not finish untill call off or a find. One search I recall we had over 100 possible scenarios to contend with.

Another type of search that may be of interest to you is the evidence search, where we layout a rectagular grid on the ground, we then search each grid square for evidence and note its location by using x y coordinates or polar coordinates. We have used this type of search at two plane crashes where parts of the aircraft are cataloged and then later reconstructed in another location for investigation.

In any event, the possibilities for using search and rescue in education is enormous, and I commend you for making education interesting for your students.

Ted Fisher
VCSAR Coordinator