Back when I was a kid in Explorer Scouts Search and Rescue, we all cut off a
different bit of the vibram "stars" on one boot sole, so when other searchers came across our tracks they could be reasonably sure it wasn't the person being searched for.

My father in law often leaves a note in the car at trailheads saying something to the effect
"Bob, out sighting in the new rifle, back in a few hours."

If you find their car, slim jim the door and give the dog a few seconds of sniffing the drivers seat. Most cars are really only driven by one person.

And I know, there is a potential 4th Amendment issue, but that only applies to the police. Not to firefighters, EMTs and SAR volunteers. Anyone who is whiny enough to try to make a civil case, all I can suggest is put them back where you found them.

I suggest that you contact the local USCG Sector Office and request, under the Freedom of Information Act, a copy of the standard SAR Questionnaire that has to be completed as much as possible at the beginning of a new case.

Unless I am having another senior moment, some time in the past year or so someone posted a pretty good looking sample form on this forum. I would search for it, but I am on an aircard, but that is slower than a dialup connection, and I just can't stand the waiting. Maybe someone with a high speed connection can do it...

That was in a book on SAR my brother lent me years ago, IIRC. Can't remember the name, but about 3-3.5" wide, black spine with white lettering, hard cover. I think one of the covers had someone being lowered in a Stokes on an inclined rock face. The authors helped set up a team in the Rockies back in the 70s, it's supposed to be one of the standard/classic texts on the topic. Is the book ringing any bells with anyone?

I wouldn't be at all surprised if someone here knows of a place where it is available online. BASARC.org used to have them, but their migration to PDF has become hung up and that form is "under construction", if it is the one I'm thinking of.

If you're going to leave a deliberate scent article, don't use something that was in the laundry hamper mixed with other people's clothes. And if possible, use something that isn't loaded with perfumes from the detergent and softener. Just take a clean cotton handkerchief and tuck it inside your waistband, next to your skin for half an hour or so, the drop it in a ziplock bag. Leave it on the seat of your car, labeled 'Joe Smith, scent article'.

Sue

FEMA runs most SAR teams now, and sets guidelines for searchers. States arent required to abide by them yet, but, I see it happening in the future, where ever SAR volunteer is "standardized". You can check out the FEMA website, they may have something there too.

That'll work, but I think dog handlers will sometimes give the dog another sniff along the way to refresh the memory. And while, I wouldn't mind them slim jimming my car open, I would mind them ripping all the wiring out of my car door. Modern cars are getting close to impossible to slim jim, even if they don't have a lot of security measures they're chocky full of wiring. I'd just as soon they didn't have to try.

Here are a few responses to some of the various posts on this subject.


Actually, FEAM does not run most SAR teams. They do have FEMA funded and supported Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR Teams), but most wilderness and non-structural urban search (lost person) teams are either local fire department (east coast) or associated with a Sheriff’s Department (mid- and western regions). All lost person searches are Law Enforcement (LE) events, until proven otherwise. Generally, LE is the entity/agency in charge of the search with fire/rescue in support for the rescue portion of the operation.

Yes, a national credentialing program for wilderness search and rescue, along with swiftwater and a few other rescue specialties that have not historically been covered by the Professional Qualifications Board for the Fire Service. The PBQ, uses NFPA standards for establishing criteria for which to evaluate and certify the level of training of an individual in particular areas of firefighting and rescue. The SAR criteria, while purposed is still under review, but as you point out, is eventually coming.

As to leaving an article of clothing for search purposes, just realize that search dogs, like people are specialized. Air scent dogs, do not or will not use an article of your clothing to perform search operations. They detect any human scent, so it is important not to contaminate the search area with unnecessary personal/visitors. A tracking dog will use an article of clothing to perform their search function. Cadaver dogs detect the byproducts of human remains decay. While there are dogs that cross detect, most are highly specialized.

Pete

...I'll try and find a draft of this form...