Operational Considerations in SAR Response

In the dynamic and often uncertain environment of search and rescue helicopter operations, timely and accurate information can be difficult to obtain. Critical details may be incomplete, delayed, or conflicting—yet timely decisions must still be made efficiently. This list of considerations is designed to help operations managers and responders identify the information they must obtain as well as assess the reliability and relevance of the information they already have. The list is far from all-inclusive, however in my experience, it covers most of the basic information applicable to a myriad of scenarios.

More importantly, it helps evaluate gain—the potential benefit of a chosen course of action—and risk, both of which will evolve as new information emerges. By working through these considerations, responders can more effectively mitigate risk, develop alternative courses of action, and establish viable contingency (back-up) plans to improve the probability of mission success as the situation unfolds.  

Initial Case Information

• Nature of distress and any details
• Location of distress  
• Entity requesting assistance
• Entity managing the case (e.g., SAR Mission Commander) 
• Reporting source  
• Time the case was reported  
• Other entities responding and their capabilities
  • CG units/assets
  • Other Gov’t Agencies (OGA) 
  • DoD
  • Commercial/Private Emergency Services (e.g., air ambulance)
  • Good Samaritans (Check AIS, VMS for professional mariners)  
• Communications plan
• Helicopter capable ships or helicopter inflight refueling (HIFR)
• Disposition of the survivor
  • Hospital landing/on or off airport EMS transfer/other services (ETA’s/rendezvous) coordinated 

Weather

• Departure/enroute/on-scene ceilings and visibility
  • Reporter/responder/NWS GFA/Windy/PIREP/weather cameras 
• Icing/turbulence/convective activity/precipitation 
• Illumination 
• Tides/currents/seas

Asset 

• Fuel load
  • Range/endurance/performance 
• Offshore escort/self-rescue
  • Fixed wing escort/unit self-cover/afloat cover 
• Cabin and gear modifications
  • Extra pump/extra litter/SLDMB/leave the pump, etc.
• Additional asset availability 
• Refueling locations  

Crew 

• Crew composition
  • Seat positions/experience/qualifications – deck landing, vertical surface, etc.
• Extra crew
  • Additional rescue swimmer/flight mechanic/medical provider – physician, nurse, paramedic, etc.
• HAZMAT/pathogen concerns
• Fatigue
  • Time of day/hours on crew/fatigue limits 
• Back up crew
• Ground party relocation

Miscellaneous

• Additional passengers
  • Parent/guardian/next of kin, etc.
• Crew fatigue limits
• Overnight away from home station considerations
  • Lodging or other crew rest facilities 
  • Transportation
  • Hangar
• Impact to upcoming operations