FSAR SOPs
Adopted 2-23-2015
(Last updated: April 30, 2017)
Contents:
Purpose
Scope
Jurisdiction
Initial incident aid request
Dispatch and initial incident Communications
Notifications
Getting to the scene
SAR Operations (Ops)
Sequence of events at the scene
Member expectations
Responder Expectations for Active SAR Team Members
Emergency Medical Care
Slopes Rescue/Rope Rescue
Helicopter operations
Water Rescue
Public Relations, Media and Correspondence
Incident Resolution/Documentation
Training
FSAR Team gear
FSAR Job Descriptions
S.O.P. Revision and Updates
1. Purpose
FSAR’s Mission Statement is: To render aid to persons in distress, administer emergency care, perform activities relative to the rescue of persons in distress in a remote wilderness setting and promote wilderness safety and backcountry education to the general public.
2. Scope of Operation
3. Jurisdiction
FSAR operates under the umbrella of the agencies listed below:
Maine Association of Search and Rescue (MASAR)
Maine Warden Service (MWS)
Franklin County Emergency Management Agency (FCEMA)
Baxter State Park (BSP)
Even though FSAR works with these agencies, MWS needs to be notified by the dispatcher or the FSAR officer in charge, when members respond.
4. Initial incident aid request
5. Dispatch and initial incident Communications
The board will task some members to serve as dispatchers for the team.
Dispatch will be conducted primarily by text message and/or contact numbers found on the roster.
Upon receiving the initial request for FSAR, available board members will contact each other via text or phone to determine a dispatch and command plan.
FSAR will not self-dispatch. All calls should begin at the request of: MWS, MASAR, BSP, Local Fire Departments, NorthStar EMS.
Basic information in the text notification to the team (to the extent known) may include: type of incident, location and time of staging, number of subjects involved, what is being requested, special circumstances, and the contact information for FSAR officer in charge.
After a team-wide text is sent, an email with more details will be sent to the active team mailing list.
Team members should only reply to the text message if they can respond, or ‘possibly can’ respond. Texting to say you will not be responding clogs the system.
While in route to the scene, individual members may be requested to secure team gear from the FSAR locker at the Kingfield Fire Department.
6. Notifications
7. Getting to the scene
FSAR team members do NOT fall under any state statutes for exceeding the speed limit when responding to a call. All team members are expected to obey all speed and traffic laws when responding.
Especially for incident calls that are a long distance from our home territory, members are encouraged to carpool.
8. Sequence of events at the scene
When FSAR members arrive at the scene (Command Post, Trailhead, etc), members shall make contact with other team members and the FSAR officer in charge. Members should then report to the Command Post to sign in.
At the briefing, all team members will obtain pertinent subject information from the IC Team Leader. If not given an info sheet, members should take notes and take a photo of the missing person image on a smartphone or other device for practical use in the field. Confidentiality of this information shall be maintained and not shared outside the mission.
Typically, after the briefing, there is time prior to deployment for team members to conduct a gear check. Individual should inspect ready packs prior to arrival. Mission-specific gear and last minute procurement of any personal items is essential.
Before deployment, team members should gather, share and inspect any personal or team mapping for the deployment area. If a photocopier is available, it should be used.
Before deployment, FSAR members and any volunteers assigned to the team by the Warden Service, should discuss personal gear and clothing to assure everyone is prepared for going into the field. Additionally, FSAR members’ personal health requirements, such as medications, must be accounted for.
While waiting, team members should consider the short and long term needs of the mission above and beyond the information provided from the Command Post. This includes weather reports, communication tools, nutrition needs, and any additional technical gear needs.
Once the team is deployed, members should determine an efficient transportation plan to the search area. Some search missions may take members a long way from the staging area, and transportation back to the ICP/personal vehicle need to be considered.
When FSAR members return to the Command Post, members will check in and indicate on the roster (sign-out) that they have returned from the field. Additional assignments may be forthcoming so FSAR members should take care of hydration and nutrition needs and resupply personal ready packs. Other considerations include health needs, tick check, footwear and charging communication devices.
After the search day has been terminated and FSAR members stand down, an assessment of personal and team gear shall be conducted. A thorough examination of the team technical gear should be made by a current member of the Rope Rescue Team. This inspection should include all rope and hardware used during the event before returning it to storage. Any technical gear needing replacement should be referred to the Chair of the Ropes Team.
The last task of the mission when the search or search day is complete is the “FSAR clear of the scene” communication to all pertinent individuals and agencies. This may include: Franklin County Emergency Management Agency (FCEMA), Franklin County Communications Center and a text to FSAR officers and/or the active team membership.
9. SAR Operations (Ops)
Occasionally FSAR is asked to include members of the public or other SAR teams into our group as part of the SAR scenario. The FSAR officer in charge shall discuss factors such as: medical history, well-being, fitness, experience, appropriate clothing, footwear, gear, etc.
For safety, no one travels or acts alone. If any team member becomes separated, the entire operational objective switches to finding that team member. No FSAR field team will have less than two members unless otherwise directed by the FSAR team leader (i.e. spotter).
Before dividing a large team into smaller separate teams, members will coordinate plans, radio call signs, radio frequency/channels and cell numbers with each other and the Incident Commander. Additional team leaders must be clearly designated for the new teams.
Each team shall maintain a log of all pertinent clues, findings or observations, and shall plot them on a map or make a GPS waypoint. The use of colored flagging-tape may be used to mark clues in the field. All relevant clues shall be reported to the ICP as soon as field communications allow.
Each FSAR member should make a report of unsafe conditions to their direct team leader, if the operation jeopardizes the safety of the team’s members, the victim or the public. At that time, The team Leader in charge will make the decision on whether to continue, change, or suspend operations in view of that potential safety hazard.
All team members sustaining ANY type of injury, no matter how minor, shall report it to their Team Leader immediately or as soon as it is possible. This is for the protection of the individual SAR team members.
10. Member expectations
New candidates interested in becoming active team members, must attend a minimum of 3 monthly meetings within a 6 month period. If after 3 monthly meetings the prospective new member would like to apply to join FSAR, the board of directors, within the month, will vote on acceptance. The applicant will be approved, or approved with conditions or not approved for membership.
The new members will be granted ‘active team member status’ once they have:
completed the FSAR team member application,
complete the FCEMA application,
As a minimum, Hold a current CPR/ Wilderness First Aid card
provided contact information to FSAR director for dispatch
passed the fitness test (may be waived by the board for special circumstances),
have created a personal ready-pack
be current with annual dues
Active Team Member (summary):
In order to carry out the FSAR mission of helping those in need in Maine’s backcountry, active team members will need to maintain a standard of personal commitment to remain on the active team member roster.
Active Team members shall:
A decorum of professionalism will be maintained at all times by FSAR members participating in the incident.
Maintain a level of personal fitness that will facilitate a safe, efficient and effective contribution in the back country. Many members use their recent day hiking and backpacking history as a gauge of trail worthy-ness.
Attend a minimum of 50% of FSAR meetings/trainings annually.
Work toward BASAR certification.
Keep dues current.
Keep the board/dispatchers informed if you become unable to respond for medical, family, or work reasons for an extended period of time.
Maintain a ready pack, footwear and clothing to keep it updated for the current season.
Dispatch is conducted by text and email. Every effort should be made to remain ‘electronically connected’ for this purpose.
11. Active Team Member Expectations
season and include appropriate items from the Recommended Minimum
Equipment list on the MASAR website. (see Appendix A)
test annually. Each team member responding should be in physical condition appropriate for the anticipated mission.
(SOP) Members with physical or medical limitations (or who are taking medications) which would hinder or adversely affect their ability to safely perform in the field should make the team leader aware of their situation. An effort should be made to find an appropriate job for all responding team members not deployed in the field (checking other trailheads, cruising local roads, interviewing businesses/motels in town, helping at the ICP, etc.)
(bylaws?) Members should be adequately rested and prepared both physically and mentally for the challenges of the missions. This includes being adequately hydrated and prepared with plenty of water (or water filtration system) and sources of electrolytes ( Emergen-C, orange juice, bananas, Gatorade, etc.)
Firearms: (adopted 4-30-2017) No firearms will be taken into the field (concealed or open) while responding with FSAR. Firearms should be locked in personal vehicles when responding for FSAR. Additional rules may apply when responding in State parks, National Parks, Baxter State Park and on the public lands of neighboring states.
(SOPs) Members responding to a call or exercise should be properly clothed for anticipated conditions. When possible, clothing & gear should include team identification/logo (hats, shirts, florescent orange vests, and pack covers.)
hour weather forecast for the incident location.
(?) Topographical maps, a Maine Atlas, Appalachian Trail maps and other local pertinent material should be referenced and brought along if possible. GPS units, cell phones, tablets, or electronic devices, which may aid in navigation, should be fully charged and brought if appropriate.
(SOPs?) Before driving to the scene, members should become familiar with the location of the staging area. Some members use paper maps (Maine Atlas), google maps, google earth, gps, etc. It is not uncommon for the staging area to change as the search/rescue unfolds, be ready for it.
MASAR minimum equipment list. (See Appendix A) Gear should be appropriate for the weather, and anticipated conditions expected.
(sops) Members should be prepared for a personal gear/equipment inspection to help eliminate unnecessary or redundant items. A proper whistle, fire starting device, headlamp, fluorescent orange vest, map, compass and GPS should be on your person at all times.
mission. Proper radio protocol and etiquette must be practiced at all times.
12. Emergency Medical Care
while on a SAR mission. Our secondary medical role will be assessing
and treating patients until arrival of SAR EMS, and further assisting EMS as necessary.
Within 12 months of becoming an active team member, individuals are required to obtain, as a minimum, certification of WFA and CPR . Under extenuating circumstances, the training officer or board may grant an extension.
The process to improve quality of the delivery of patient care can and should be continuous. With this goal in mind, FSAR will review 100% of all SOAP notes/patient care reports will be reviewed for patient care, appropriate use of protocols and documentation.
FSAR Privacy Policy: Whilst working in conjunction with various public safety agencies including fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical services, FSAR adheres to strict privacy policies for the protection of the citizens whom we assist in rescues or searches. As such, we adhere to federal guidelines as specified under the HIPAA Privacy Rule (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) which sets forth parameters for patient privacy rights. Under HIPAA Regulations, a patient has the right to personal privacy and confidential treatment of all communications and records. The HIPAA Privacy Rule ensures the patient has the right to control the use and release of personal health records as well as having the right to expect healthcare providers will protect the privacy of the patient's protected health information.
13. Slopes Rescue/Rope Rescue
The following SOGs apply to both assisting another SAR Team with a
rope rescue, or when FSAR team members are leading the rope
rescue.
worn at all times within the “hot zone” of a technical rescue.
anchor.
14. Helicopter Operations (adopted 6-5-2016)
FSAR members need to have attended an in-house or agency helicopter safety program prior to participation. In addition, the following equipment is mandatory for helicopter operations: climbing helmet, eye protection, ear protection.
15. Water Safety
While FSAR has members trained as Swift Water Rescue Technicians (SRT) or licensed Maine whitewater guides, we are a trained wilderness search and
rescue team and water rescue is not in our scope of training. We may however
be asked to work around or over water in our operations.
In such operations Incident Command (IC) will determine the parameters for any
water rescue operations and general guidelines are as follows.
approved personal flotation device, and have an accessible throw bag.
best operational approach to the incident.
water level is below their knees and does not pose a significant hazard to
personnel.
16. Public Relations, Social Media and Correspondence
No FSAR team member shall communicate with the news media during or after field operations or distribute any items with the FSAR, MASAR or MWS name or logo without first being approved by the IC and the FSAR Team Leader.
If approached by news media or reporters, be polite and helpful when you refer all questions to the Command Post, or the designated FSAR Team Leader. Never share search or personal information regarding the nature of the call.
(Updated 9-11-2016): Social media updates by team members from the scene of an active call are not permitted. It may be considered a violation of the Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act (HIPPA) if members include any specific personal or detailed operational information about the call on social media, including identifiable photos of the lost or injured people we serve. A HIPPA violation carries a fine for both the team member posting and FSAR. If you do choose to post, your posts should be about you and what you did to help improve the situation. Obtaining permission to post the faces of other team members is always a good idea. If you photograph “clues” for IF&W, it is suggested you delete these photos after downloading them or emailing them to a Fish and Game computer.
17. Incident Resolution/Documentation
The dispatching officer shall take dispatch notes during the initial callout. The notes will become the core of the email that is shared with the team during the dispatch process.
The officer/team member in charge on scene is responsible for filling out the incident report form.
Individual team members are encouraged to take personal notes during or after the mission is completed in case a review or litigation at a later date is required.
All FSAR members who work directly with the patient providing medical care will create and save detailed personal notes/soap notes of the incident and their patient care role.
Patient confidentiality: FSAR adheres to strict privacy policies for the protection of the citizens whom we assist in rescues or searches. As such, we adhere to federal guidelines as specified under the HIPAA Privacy Rule (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) which sets forth parameters for patient privacy rights. Under HIPAA Regulations, a patient has the right to personal privacy and confidential treatment of all communications and records. The HIPAA Privacy Rule ensures the patient has the right to control the use and release of personal health records as well as having the right to expect health care providers will protect the privacy of the patient's protected health information.
FSAR “Officer in Charge” and submitted to FSAR Director. The Synopsis will include a description of the mission FSAR completed, any accidents or incidents, other agencies FSAR was directly involved in SAR with, any rope rescue or swift water rescue FSAR members participated in.
If an FSAR group or individual member is impacted by a significant scene encountered during a SAR, Tri-County EMS Regional Critical Management Team 207-777-6000, ask for CISM Team Member) is available to assist.
18. Training
Training is an essential component of Franklin Search and Rescue and mandates ongoing training as key to individual and team safety. Members should never operate beyond their scope of certification or level of training. Practicing beyond these may result in inactive status or dismissal from the FSAR organization.
FSAR operates under the policies and guidelines of Maine Search and Rescue (MASAR) and plans monthly trainings accordingly. Active members should attend the majority of these meetings to enhance individual and team skills. It is recommended members also work towards Basic Search and Rescue (BASAR) certification.
In addition to monthly training, FSAR engages in extended training exercises with state and local agencies that put the monthly meeting topics into practical training exercises. These include rope rescue, backcountry scenarios, and coverage at Baxter State Park. These activities are strongly recommended for all FSAR members.
FSAR recognizes that many of the team members have strong individual skills and experiences that enhance the organization and encourages members to be involved in training. Individual experiences and training however, cannot take the place of team sponsored and organized training, and it is essential that all active members participate in team activities.
19. FSAR Team gear
• Team gear and equipment is stored at the Kingfield Fire Department. Gear is
secured in locked storage cabinets. Such gear is available by access of
combination padlocks whose combinations are provided to members for
access as needed.
• Equipment includes items such as a Cascade litter and wheel, Wiggies bag,
WFR level first aid kits, external frame packs, climbing ropes and various
rope rescue equipment, topographical maps, Motorola PR 860 radios and
batteries, etc..
• Responders may be asked to pick up items at the KFD when enroute to a call
out.
• A gear and equipment log is kept current and included inside the cabinet as
well as a sign out sheet. Other information such as date of purchase is
kept on file.
• Inspection of all gear by a Rope Rescue team member, particularly ropes and rope rescue hardware, shall be examined every time it is taken out and before it is put into use. The log should be filled out with information such as name, date of use, date of exam, etc.
• If gear is damaged or found to be defective the equipment should be taken out
of service and an FSAR board member should be notified.
• In 2015 FSAR also has available, through the Franklin County Emergency
Management Agency, a Stealth cargo trailer which will be utilized for
equipment transport and storage.
20. FSAR JOB DESCRIPTIONS
FSAR Team Leader
The Team Leader (TL) is tasked with making the expected challenges of the mission clear to all responding FSAR members before deployment. What kind of terrain, weather, elevation, ground cover, weather, duration, etc. might the team be expected to operate in? The TL should encourage the team to think about and discuss their current level of fitness/readiness. The goal is assign each team member an appropriate task that will maximize their effectiveness in the field.
Responsibilities of the TL:
Inspect clothing and equipment of team members
Insure that the departing team has enough gear such as maps, rope, etc. so that if
team divides in the field all units are adequately supplied.
Make team assignments: safety, navigation, radio, recorder, medical, stokes carrier.
insure the safety and welfare of the team.
Lead team performance of the mission in accordance with the IC directives.
Monitor performance and physical status of team members.
Keep IC informed via radio or phone during mission.
Provide complete debriefing for IC at conclusion of assignment.
FSAR Incident Commander: is tasked with the overall management of the FSAR
personnel. The individual is expected to follow the ICS 100 operational management
system.
Duties include:
1. Establish communications with the local jurisdiction communications center (Franklin Comm, BSP, etc.) and the Maine Warden Service.
2. Establish objectives for the particular SAR incident.
3. Activate resources for achieving the SAR objectives. Activation may include
deployment of resources or placing resources on standby.
4. Establishing an incident command post. The ICP should be established with
consideration of connectivity to resources and deployment of SAR personnel.
5. Maintain communication with FSAR personnel.
6. Provide incident documentation upon closure of the incident.
The FSAR Safety Officer is tasked with assuring the safety of responders and
monitoring and anticipating hazards and conditions deemed unsafe.
Duties include:
1. Evaluate the preparedness of FSAR responders and make recommendation to
assure safety.
2. Continuously monitor safety and health considerations during the mission.
3. Alter, suspend, or terminate activities that pose safety or health dangers to FSAR
responders.
4. Document both safe and unsafe acts, corrective actions taken on scene, accident or
injuries, and ways to improve the safety of future missions. This should be included in the synopsis report post mission and submitted to FSAR Director.
SOPs Adopted 2-23-2015
Unanimous Approved by FSAR board of directors
Steve Yates
Paul Marcolini
Pay Cyr
Steve Mitman
Barry London
Appendix A
MASAR Recommended Minimum Personal Equipment List
The following is a list of the minimum equipment which MASAR recommends ground
searchers have with them when responding to a search and/or rescue call. Equivalent
items or combinations are acceptable, as noted. The list may be expanded to suit
personal tastes, but the basic equipment normally carried while searching should not
impair maneuverability or endurance.
Each searcher should be prepared to carry their equipment in winter conditions in
rough terrain for up to 12 hours in the field (and 24 hours in a survival situation).. Basic
equipment may be carried in a fanny pack or small day pack that can be stuffed inside
the main pack when necessary. An additional supply of extra clothing, etc., that can be
left at the search base is strongly recommended for all response situations.
NOTE: This list assumes that the searcher will be properly dressed for the season,
as well as the prevailing and anticipated conditions.
Year-Round Equipment
Ready Pack Small, light-weight pack, vest with storage pockets, or
fanny pack
Compass: Liquid-filled with sighting mirror, plus spare. Spare may be
GPS unit; if so, bring spare batteries for it
Time keeper: Watch or equivalent
International Orange Vest: Required item
Light: Headlamp, plus a second light source. Both to have extra
batteries and spare bulb, if the latter is replaceable
Lightstick: Cyalume or equal
Whistle: Plastic recommended
Eye protection: Sunglasses with high UV protection, and goggles (the
latter for protection from airborne debris)
Hand protection: Work gloves with padded palms for litter carrying
Ear protection: 2 sets of disposable foam ear plugs or equal
Lip protection: Lip balm or equivalent (optional, but recommended)
Skin protection: Sunscreen (optional, but recommended)
Survival Knife: Folding knife with multiple tools (locking blade
recommended)
Fire Starter: Two types; at least one must be waterproof
Candle: High temperature type that will not melt in pack
Cord: 20 feet of parachute cord
Recommended Minimum Equipment List
Rev. 5 -- 3 March 2013
Suggested SOP Addition List (Not Adopted yet)
Minimum Personal Equipment for FSAR Rope Rescue Team
Personal Protective Equipment
o Helmet
o Harness
o Gloves
4-6 Locking carabiners
4-6 Non-locking carabiners
Purcell Prussik set
Tandem prussic set
10 meters 8mm cord
1-2 Prussik minding pulleys
Descent control device
2 Runners (120cm) (60cm)
Knife
4-6 ft. webbing
**Winter specific equipment
Crampons
Mountaineering Axe
