Missing person ground search briefing example

Acknowledgments

Our family cannot express enough their gratitude and admiration for your selfless sacrifice in helping them search for our missing loved one.

I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We thank the spirits of the land and the land itself, we respectfully request their help with today’s search. Thank you.

Important information

We are operating on the premise we will find (name of missing loved one) alive.

Volunteer safety and first aid

Volunteer agreement: We agree as volunteers, that we partake entirely at our own risk.

Sign in and out at the end of each day.
Always wear the hi-vis vest provided and please return it at the end of your day.
Please stay in sight of others and know the names of the people with you.
Please stay in your groups and regularly re-group to allow others to catch up.

Large groups use a number system if you need to reconvene. Clarify how the number system works if you’re unsure.
Exit the bush in pairs if possible.

Supplies

Water and sun protection
Bring a strong stick for clearing undergrowth ahead of you.
Wear safety/sunglasses if you have them, they help prevent twigs from sticking into your eyes.
Plenty of insect/leech repellent.
Have a pair of strong gardening or work gloves for hygiene purposes in case you are sifting through discarded bags/camping gear.

Hazards in the bush

Step carefully over logs, rocks, and uneven ground.
Clear leaf litter backward, not side-to-side.
Descend steep declines side on in a zigzag fashion.
Do not step blindly over fallen logs without checking first, better to step up and on rather than over.
Never approach a tent or camp alone, call another team member to assist. Again, please respect the property of the campers/homeless.

Snake awareness

Those in the bush, please have a snake bite kit available, know where they are before you enter the bush and be searching in groups no smaller than 3.

If you do encounter a snake:

Remain calm.
Stay still, the snake will probably move on its way, don’t panic and try to move slowly away.
Do not attempt to capture or hurt snakes.

Snake bite first aid

Media protocol

Is there any media present today? Please make yourself known to search leaders.
The media should not interfere with searches; follow group leader instructions.

Search procedures

Item descriptions:

List items the person may have with them such as a phone and its brand.
Familiarise yourself with their clothing. Eg. Green Hat, Black hooded jumper with logo on front, light beige pants and black shoes.

Whilst searching:

If you find something you feel relevant, photograph it and, as much as possible, do not touch it, call your group leader. Everybody stop and wait where you are, then the leader calls 000 if relevant.

If you come across a homeless camp or people: Call out, say hello and tell them who you are looking for. This is their home and it’s best to be polite and keep your distance. Please respect their property.

If you locate the missing loved one alive:

Remain calm and reassuring. Try not to overwhelm or crowd them.
Practice first aid prompts DRSABCD. Can you hear me, pulse etc. Call 000.
Do not move them unnecessarily (unless they are in immediate danger).
Offer water and food, protect them from the elements.
Wait with them for help to arrive.

If you locate the missing loved one deceased:

Try to remain calm
Call 000 and provide as much detail as possible
Survey the scene without interfering with the immediate setting
Wait nearby with a fellow searcher until help arrives

Communication

Use radios, phones, or whistle signals to stay in contact.
If separated or injured, stay calm and call for help.

Head count and debrief

Before starting, the group leader takes head count.
During the search, check in at agreed intervals.
At the end, head count again; report findings to the search leader.
Regroup location and time will be confirmed before search begins.