SEARCH and RESCUE
BERTIE COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN 
Reviewed / Updated: April 07, 2016

Primary Agencies: Rescue
Sheriff 
 
Support Agencies: Emergency Management
  Fire Departments
  Emergency Medical Service
   
Attachments:
Attachment 1: SAR Checklist
Also see
Annex Direction and Control
  Emergency Medical Services
   
   
I. PURPOSE

This functional section addresses the need for organized, well-managed search operations and briefly describes the preferred organizational structure for search. It also addresses the available resources and the circumstances when a search is necessary.
 
II. SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS
 
  A. Situation:
 
   

  1. "Search" is an emergency. A missing/lost person may be injured or incapacitated, may be a victim of foul play, or may otherwise be in danger; therefore, a rapid response is considered essential.
     

  2. The most common search missions in Bertie County involve lost persons, missing aircraft and missing watercraft. The incidence of search may include:

    • overdue hunters or boaters
    • elderly walk-a-ways from homes or nursing facilities
    • investigation of overdue aircraft or citizen reports of a possible crash
    • children who wander away from home while playing
    • unexplained disappearances of persons involved in routine travel or other normal activity
       
  3. Use of the Incident Command System to manage the search effort maximizes the chance for a successful outcome.
     
  4. The Sheriff or their designee serves as the Search Coordinator in Bertie County for all searches, including fugitive searches. Manhunts for fugitives are exclusively the responsibility of law enforcement agencies.
     
  5. The Bertie Search Team is a local volunteer organization which is trained in land search operations for missing persons. Other trained and ready teams are available statewide for assistance and include the Bertie Water Search Team.
     

  6. Colerain and Bertie Rescue Squads are trained in water search and body recovery and are resources for water search events.

  B. Assumptions:
 
   

  1. People will become lost and require assistance from local government.
     

  2. Proper training and planning will significantly reduce the risk to victims, as well as to searchers.
     

  3. Local search resources will be adequate for most search operations. Additional resources will be available through the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management from various sources (i.e., aircraft, watercraft, technical assistance).
     

  4. Most subjects will be located in a timely manner, given adequate clues are available; despite the best efforts of searchers, it is possible that some missing persons will not be located.
     

  5. For some events, lost subjects will be found but rescue or extrication of the victim will exceed the capabilities of local searchers; in such cases, specialized equipment and techniques will be needed to complete the rescue.
     

  6. Requests for search assistance in Bertie County will be received through 911, but will not always be made in a timely manner. The likelihood of a successful search outcome is directly related to timely notification while clues are still active.
     

III. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
 
  A. General
 
   

  1. The Sheriff will be the designated Search Coordinator for all search events other than felony searches and manhunts. The Search Coordinator will serve as Incident Commander for most events, particularly during the initial phase of operations. The Emergency Management Coordinator will assist with resource management and technical advice. 
     

  2. The following sequence of events will normally occur:

    • Notification - Request for search assistance will be received by the 911 Telecommunicator and relayed to the Search Coordinator.

    • Investigation - Upon notification, the Search Coordinator will conduct an investigation to determine the credibility of the search request and alert local resources.

    • Organization - Resources will arrive, personnel will assemble, and be briefed on information from the investigation. Operations will be organized in accordance with Incident Command. Overall goal and tactical objectives will be established. Resource needs will be reviewed and additional resources requested consistent with search objectives.

    • Deployment - Resources will be deployed based on tactical objectives for the event, e.g., securing the scene and searching areas of most probable detection.

    • Conclusion/Suspension - When the victim is located and removed operations will be concluded. Following an inconclusive search, operations will be suspended pending new information. Severe weather may also require a suspension of search activity.
       

  3. Resources not available locally will be requested and coordinated through the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. The Division of Emergency Management Area Coordinator will coordinate all State agency response.
     

  4. Within the National Response Framework, all search and rescue functions are considered an emergency support function (ESF 9).
Attachment 1
Standard Operating Guide for Bertie County SAR
 
   
I. General Standard Operating Guidelines and Checklist
 
All personnel will maintain uniforms and equipment as specified in the Bertie County SAR Plan, ready and close at hand at all times.
All personnel should wear uniforms including caps and berets on all searches and training exercises.
All personnel will support and speak good of the SAR team in public.
All personnel will make a special effort to instill in ourselves and others a great pride in our SAR organization.
Park in designated parking area.
All personnel will check-in on arrival to the incident.
All personnel will report to the unit leaders after checking in.
All personnel will remain in the OUT-OF-SERVICE/REST AREA until assigned to a mission or other duties.
Check bulletin board for information. Make notes of pertinent information.
Determine location of Incident facilities.
 
II. Initial Response Team/Incident Commander Checklist
 
Start filling out (ICS Form 201).
Interview reporting party or person.
Complete Lost Person Questionnaire.
Determine if there is a need for SAR resources or document the reasons for not beginning active searching.
Locate and mark PLS/LKP on map.
Document all decisions and major actions on (ICS Form 201).
Document all resources called for and their arrival on-scene.
Assign personnel to the organizational list on (ICS Form 201).
Determine initial search area.
Determine types of initial searches to be used (Hasty Searches, Road Patrols, Trackers) and where to use them (PLS/LKP, Trails, etc.)
Order Incident Management Team.
Assign personnel to assure resource management, documentation, and communications early.
Obtain a mission number from �Bertie County EOC�, if applicable.
 
III. Command Section Checklist
 
  Incident Commander
 
   
Establish the incident objectives.
Activate elements of the Incident Command System.
Brief members of the command and general staff.
Conduct general briefing for all personnel on scene.
Assure Incident Action Plan is being developed.
Approve all news releases.
Approve all strategies.
Normal operation period for the IC will be from 0000-1200 and 1200-2400.
Approve all expenditures and assure proper finance records are maintained.
Approve the Incident Action Plan.
Approve requests for the use of out-of-county resources.
 Assure planning meetings are conducted as necessary.
 Approve the demobilization plan
Conduct briefing and operational review with the IC who will be replacing you.
 
IV. Operations Section Checklist
 
  Operations Chief
 
   
Define search tactics and make crew assignment objectives on Operations Planning Worksheet (ICS Form 215)
Write the crew assignments and assist completing the Assignment Sheet (ICS Form 204).
 
  Crew/Team Members
 
   
Check personal equipment for completeness. Attempt to obtain any equipment you are missing. Particular attention should be given to water, hand lighting, and clothing.
Always have pad and notebook with you, especially during briefings.
Before leaving briefing, make sure you fully understand your mission and crew assignment.
Obtain all equipment you will need for your assignment. Assure all equipment is working properly.
Document all pertinent facts, clues and information you may obtain during your assignment.
All flagging tape shall have the date, time, and crew number marked on the tape.
Check your equipment for lost or damaged items. Report any losses to the proper authority. Make needed repairs and prepare for next assignment.
Return all issued equipment upon your return from assignment, if not needed for further assignment. Advise proper personnel of any problems with equipment.
Prepare for debriefing and assure all pertinent information is reported.
Get as much rest as possible between missions.
Check-Out with Check-Out Recorder before leaving Incident for any reason.
 
  Crew/Team Leaders
 
   
Designated Crew Leaders will have authority and responsibility for his or her assigned Crew.
The Crew Leader will obtain a briefing from his/her supervisor. The Crew Leader will document the briefing and brief his/her crew.
The Crew Leader will prepare a crew assignment plan for carrying out the crew�s assignment. The Crew Leader will brief his/her supervisor and obtain approval of the crew�s plan.
The Crew Leader will designate a single communication person. This person will have knowledge and understanding of radio communications procedures.
The Crew Leader and crew will be responsible for carrying out the assignment as prescribed by his/her supervisor.
The Crew Leader will only change or modify his/her assignment with authorization of their supervisor, or due to safety of the crew.
The Crew Leader will check and assure all members of his/her crew are properly equipped and dressed for the assignment. Any personnel without necessary equipment or dress will be reported to the Safety Officer for evaluation of remaining on the crew.
The Crew Leader will be responsible for obtaining any special or extra equipment needed for a specific assignment.
Operational personnel assigned to the STAGING AREA will be ready to begin their assignment within 3 minutes after being alerted by their supervisor.
The Crew Leader will maintain written documentation of all pertinent information on (ICS Form 214) while on their assignment.
The Crew Leader will be debriefed after all assignments.
Upon completion of a assignment, operational personnel will return to and remain in the OUT-OF SERVICE/REST AREA until reassigned or demobilized.
 
V. Planning Section Checklist
 
  Planning Section Chief
 
   
Receive briefing from the Incident Commander and obtain:
  Incident Briefing (ICS Form 201), review each page.
Activate the Planning Section units and personnel.
  Identify planning personnel on scene and ones to be activated.
  Brief all planning personnel.
Establish Resource Unit and review the resources on-scene and Organizational Chart (ICS Form 203).
Establish Situation Unit and review the summary of current actions and map of area (ICS Form 201).
Establish information requirements and reporting schedules for all ICS organizational elements to use in preparing IAP.
Obtain and review incident objectives with IC (ICS Form 202).
Prepare for planning meeting.
Obtain information from investigation as soon as possible.
Fill out (ICS Form 214).
Brief relief, (30) minutes prior to being relieved.
When mission is finished, replace supplies immediately. Be prepared for the next mission.
Ensure a complete mission summary is completed and in proper order.
 
  Situation Unit
 
   
Receive briefing from the Planning Chief.
  Identify personnel most familiar with area and review area of operations with them.
Review objectives from (ICS Form 202). Identify the search area.
Select proper map for operational map. (See attached map symbols sheet)
Place one (3) pages of transparency film over the map.
  Mark the search area and segment the search area on the first transparency.
  Show the segments searched on the second transparency. Assign POAs and cumPODs asthey become available.
  Show the possible clues found on the third transparency.
Update operational map after completion of each crew assignment.
Make copies of the search area, be sure the UTM coordinate numbers are on the copies.
Review the lost subject questionnaire. Develop a Subject Profile and maintain the most current information available.
Obtain weather report and update the weather as often as the incident dictates.
Put operational map on the bulletin board, update when changes occur.
Participate or provide information for the planning meetings.
Review the crew debriefings to determine and place PODs on the operational map.
Fill out form 214.
Make sure all the forms are received by documentation.
Turn in a list of needed supplies to the Planning Chief.
 
  Resource Unit
 
   
Obtain briefing from the Planning Chief.
Set up check-in at appropriate locations.
Make sure Check-In (ICS Form 211) is filled out completely by Check-In Recorder. The Check-In Recorder should write all names and information on the form, not the resources checking-in.
Prepare and maintain the resource T-card system for the incident.
Prepare Organization Chart (ICS Form 203).
In cooperation with the Operations Chief, assign personnel to the Assignment Sheet (ICS Form 204).
  Make sure Assignment Sheets (ICS Form 204) have proper time out of crews.
Assure Communications Unit receives copy of Assignment Sheets (ICS Form 204) after the crew checks assigned.
Participate in planning meetings as requested by the Planning Chief.
Prepare and maintain a list of agencies participating.
Make sure all forms and documentation are received by Documentation Unit.
Turn in a list of supplies to the Planning Chief.
 
  Documentation Unit
 
   
Receive briefing from the Planning Chief.
Set up lockable filing system.
Select and pass out forms for IAP to proper sections.
Make copies of the IAP for distribution.
Place copies on the bulletin boards.
Provide information for briefing.
Keep minutes of all meetings.
 
  Demobilization Unit
 
   
No crew, team or resource will leave Bertie County unless properly released by the Incident Commander after:
  Form 221 is completed.
  Proper amount of rest.
  Other needs supplied; fuel, food, alternate transportation.
Return trip information:
  Monitor same radio frequency.
  Notify Bertie County Communications Center when the crew, team or resource arrives back in their home county or at home base.
 
IV. Logistics Section Checklist
 
  Logistics Section Chief
 
   
Obtain briefing from Incident Commander.
Plan the organization of the Logistics Section.
Assign work locations and preliminary work tasks to Section personnel.
Notify Resources Unit of Logistics Section units activated including names and locations of assigned personnel.
Assemble and brief Unit Leaders and Branch Directors.
Participate in the planning meetings and in the preparation of the Incident Action Plan.
Identify service and support requirements for planned and expected operations.
Provide input to and review Communications, Medical, and Traffic Plans.
Coordinate and process requests for additional resources.
Review Incident Action Plan and estimate Section needs for next operational period.
Ensure that the Incident Communications Plan is prepared.
Advise on current service and support capabilities.
Prepare service and support elements of Incident Action Plan.
Estimate future service and support requirements.
Receive Demobilization Plan from Planning Section.
Recommend release of unit resources in conformity with Demobilization Plan.
Ensure general welfare and Safety of Logistics Section personnel.
Assure all documentation is collected and submitted to the Documentation Unit.
Maintain Unit Log (ICS Form 214).
 
  Service Branch Chief
 
   
Obtain working materials from Logistics Kit.
Determine level of service required to support operations.
Confirm dispatch of Branch personnel.
Participate in planning meeting of Logistics Section personnel.
Review Incident Action Plan.
Organize and prepare assignments for Service Branch personnel.
Coordinate activities of Branch Units.
Inform Logistics Section Chief of Branch activities.
Resolve Service Branch problems.
Maintain Transportation Log.
Maintain Cost Log (ICS Form 228A)
Assure all documentation is collected and submitted to the Logistics Chief.
Maintain Unit Log (ICS Form 214).
 
  Communications Unit
 
   
Obtain briefing from Service Branch Director or Logistics Section Chief.
Determine Communications Unit personnel needs.
Advise on communications capabilities/limitation during preparation of the Incident Action Plan.
Prepare and implement the Radio Communications Plan.
Ensure the Incident Communications Center and Message Center are established.
Set up telephone and public address systems.
Establish appropriate communications distribution/maintenance locations within base and camp(s).
Ensure communications systems are installed and tested.
Ensure an equipment accountability system is established.
Ensure personnel portable radio equipment from cache(s) is distributed per radio plan.
Provide technical information as required on:
  Adequacy of communications systems currently in operation
  Geographic limitation on communications systems
  Equipment capabilities
  Amount and types of equipment available
  Anticipated problems in the use of communications equipment
Supervise Communications Unit activities.
Maintain records on all communications equipment as appropriate.
Recover equipment from relieved or released units.
Maintain weather reports.
Maintain equipment checkout.
Assure all documentation is collected and submitted to the Logistics Chief.
Maintain unit log (ICS Form 214).
 
  Medical Unit
 
   
Obtain briefing from Service Branch Director or Logistics Section Chief.
Participate in Logistics Section/Service Branch planning activities.
Determine level of emergency medical activities performed prior to activation of Medical Unit.
Activate Medical Unit.
Prepare the Medical Emergency Plan. (ICS Form 206)
Prepare procedures for major medical emergency.
Declare major medical emergency as appropriate.
Respond to requests for medical aid.
Respond to requests for medical transportation.
Respond to requests for medical supplies.
Prepare medical reports.
Submit reports as directed.
Assure all documentation is collected and submitted to the Logistics Chief.
Maintain Unit Log (ICS Form 214).
 
  Food Unit
 
   
Obtain briefing from Service Branch Director or Logistics Section Chief.
Determine location of working assignment, and number of personnel assigned to Base and Camps.
Determine method of feeding to best adapt to each situation.
Obtain necessary equipment and supplies to operate food service facilities at Base and Camps.
Ensure that sufficient potable water is available to meet all incident needs.
Set up Food Unit equipments.
Prepare menus to ensure incident personnel of well balanced meals.
Ensure that appropriate health and safety measures are taken.
Supervise cooks and other Food Unit personnel.
Keep inventory of food on hand, check in food orders.
Provide Supply Unit Leader food supply orders.
Demobilize Food Unit in accordance with Incident Demobilization Plan.
Maintain Cost Log (ICS Form 228A).
Assure all documentation is collected and submitted to the Logistics Chief.
Maintain Unit Log (ICS Form 214).
 
  Support Branch Chief
 
   
Obtain working materials from the Logistics Kit.
Identify Support Branch personnel dispatched to the incident.
Determine initial support operations in coordination with Logistics Section Chief and Service Branch Director.
Prepare initial organization and assignments for initial support operation.
Assemble and brief Support Branch personnel.
Determine if assigned Branch resources are sufficient.
Monitor work progress of units and keep Logistics Chief informed of activities.
Resolve problems associated with requests from Operations Section.
Assure all documentation is collected and submitted to the Logistics Chief.
Maintain Unit Log (ICS Form 214).
 
  Facilities Unit
 
   
Receive Incident Action Plan. (or ICS Form 202)
Participate in Logistics Section/Support Branch planning activities.
Determine requirements for each facility to be established.
Prepare layouts of incident facilities.
Notify unit leaders of facility layouts.
Activate incident facilities.
Obtain personnel to operate facilities.
Provide sleeping facilities.
Provide security services.
Provide facility maintenance services - sanitation, lighting, clean up.
Supervise out-of-service resources and unassigned personnel.
Demobilize base and camp facilities.
Maintain Facilities Unit records.
Assure all documentation is collected and submitted to the Logistics Chief.
Maintain Unit Log (ICS Form 214).
 
  Incident Base Commander
 
   
Obtain briefing from Facilities Unit Leader.
Determine personnel support requirements for each facility.
Obtain necessary equipment and supplies.
Ensure that all facilities and equipment are set up and properly functioning.
Make sleeping area assignments.
Ensure sanitation and security are conducted at all Camp Locations.
 
  Supply Unit
 
   
Obtain briefing from Support Branch Director or Logistics Section Chief.
Participate in Logistics Section/Support Branch planning activities.
Provide Kits to Planning, Logistics and Finance Sections.
Determine the type and amount of supplies enroute.
Arrange for receiving ordered supplies.
Review Incident Action Plan (or ICS Form 202) for information on operations of the Supply Unit.
Develop and implement safety and security requirements.
Order, receive, distribute and store supplies and equipment.
Receive and respond to requests for personnel, supplies and equipment.
Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment.
Service reusable equipment.
Demobilize Supply Unit.
Submit reports to the Support Branch Director.
Maintain Unit Log (ICS Form 214)
Assure all documentation is collected and submitted to the Logistics Chief.
 
  Ordering Manager
 
   
Obtain briefing from Supply Unit Leader.
Obtain necessary agency(s) order forms.
Establish ordering procedures.
Establish name and telephone numbers of agency(s) personnel receiving orders.
Set up filing system.
Get names of incident personnel who have ordering authority.
Check on what has already been ordered.
Ensure order forms are filled out correctly.
Place order in a timely manner.
Consolidate orders when possible.
Identify times and locations for delivery of supplies and equipment.
Keep Receiving/Distribution Manager informed of orders placed.
Submit all ordering documents to Documentation Control Unit through Supply Unit Leader before demobilization.
 
  Receiving and Distribution Manager
 
   
Obtain briefing from Supply Unit Leader.
Order required personnel to operate supply area.
Organize physical layout of supply area.
Establish procedures for operating supply area.
Setup file system for receiving and distribution of supplies and equipment.
Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment.
Ensure reusable tools and equipment for supply area.
Develop security requirement for supply area.
Establish procedures for receiving supplies and equipment.
 
VI. Bertie County SAR Team's Checklist for Resource Alert
 
  General information for any SAR resource providing aid to Bertie County SAR.
 

1.

 Upon receiving a request for mutual aid to Bertie County, provide the following information to dispatch.
 
Number and names of persons responding.
Method of travel and number of vehicles, with tag numbers.
Planned travel route.
Estimated time of arrival and which radio frequency you will monitor normally (State Rescue 155.280)
 

2.

 No crew, team or resource will leave Bertie County unless properly released by the Incident Commander after:
 
Form 221 is completed.
Proper amount of rest.
Other needs supplied; fuel, food alternate transport.
 

3.

 Return trip information:
 
Monitor same radio frequency
Notify Bertie County Communications Center when the crew, team or resource arrives back in their home county or at their home base.
 
Bertie County SAR Resource Typing
 
 
  • Type I - SAR TECH I - Meets the requirements as addressed in the Bertie County SAR Plan 2002, and meets the requirements of SAR TECH I and have completed Advanced Search and Rescue Course, Incident Command I-300, meets the requirements of the NCOEMS Emergency Medical Technician or Medical First Responder, meets SAR Team Medical Requirements set forth in the Bertie County SAR Plan to participate as a Field Responder, qualified as a SAR Crew by performing in-county Search and Rescue Exercises and has been approved by the County SAR Coordinator.
     
  • Type II - SAR TECH II - Must be certified as NASAR SAR TECH II, completed Fundamentals of Search and Rescue, Incident Command I-200, Currently certified as a Medical First Responder by NCOEMS, completed a SAR Crewleader evaluation at a Bertie County Search and Rescue Exercise. Approved by the County SAR Coordinator and has met the medical requirements as defined in the Bertie County SAR plan. All must be completed to participate in the field component.
     
  • Type III - SAR TECH III - Meet the requirements set by the Bertie County SAR Plan and Fundamentals of Search and Rescue. Certified as NASAR SAR TECH III and certified in Basic First Aid and CPR. Approved to function as SAR Crew member and approved by the County SAR Coordinator.
     
  • Type IV - Support Agencies - To assist in Search Operations in Bertie County with the approval of the Agency and the SAR Coordinator. Meets the physical and equipment requirements of the Bertie County SAR Team to function as a SAR Crew member with a minimal of SAR TECH II Crew Leader.
     
  • Type V - Incident Commander - Completed the following courses: SAR Incident Commander, NIIMS I-100 to I-400, Fundamentals of Search and Rescue, completed SAR TECH I and II, Managing the Lost Person Incident, Five years experience in Search Operations at different levels, completed Incident Commander evaluations during a State supported SAR Exercise, and approved by the County SAR Coordinator.
     
  • Type VI - Operations Chief - Completed the following courses; NIIMS I-100 to I-400, Fundamentals of Search and Rescue, SAR TECH Program I-II, Managing the Lost Person Incident, Minimal of three (3) years experience in SAR Operations, completed an evaluation as Operations Chief at State approved exercise, meet the approval of the County SAR Coordinator.
     
  • Type VII - Planning Chief - Meet the standard set by the North Carolina Search and Rescue Advisory Council and the Bertie County SAR Coordinator. Meets all medical requirements as defined in the Bertie County SAR Plan, Completed a Search and Rescue Planning Chief Course, Incident Command I-400, complete an evaluation as Planning Section Chief during a State recognized Search and Rescue Exercise by either the SAR Coordinator or an approved Incident Commander.
     
  • Type VIII - Logistics Chief - Successfully completed a NIIMS Logistics Section Course, completed Incident Command I-400, functioned as a Logistics Chief at a State recognized SAR Exercise and completed a successful evaluation by either the SAR Coordinator or an approved Incident Commander.
 
 

Bertie County Emergency Management - PO Box 530 - Windsor, NC 27983-0530