Chapter 18, Annex AK SAMPLE BRIEFING

Situation

A 26-year-old male, Jim Grapevine, was a member of a group of hikers travelling through the park towards Hope Lake. He was lagging behind the group and was told to catch up. An hour after the group reached the lake, he still had not caught up. The group decided to look for him on their own and by nightfall, they returned to the lake without finding any sign of him. All the next day they backtracked along their trail to the point he was last seen. They searched back towards the lake, still finding no signs. After a day and a half of searching, they decided to contact the authorities. As there was no cell phone signal at the lake, they hiked the next morning to where they could make the emergency call. It has now been two days since Jim was last seen and through examining the clues we have, I have decided to concentrate the search in this area (point to the area on the map). Jim is an inexperienced hiker but very cool-headed. He has a very creative personality and was tired but in good spirits when he was last seen. He was only carrying his own gear. No other member of the group can say what he had except for a sleeping bag and clothes.

Details of the Confinement Area

A lookout has been airlifted to the top of Cloud Hill, which overlooks the area. Increasing low cloud cover will make the lookout ineffective in about two hours. The main road is being patrolled by vehicle and the Hope River is being patrolled by boat. Track traps have been set on the main trail from the lake.

Formation

The formation we will be using is the creeping line (as when cadets do a garbage sweep). Remember to move slowly so as to not get too far ahead of the other pairs.

Distance Between Pairs

Based on the type of terrain we will be encountering, the distance between pairs will be 10 m (30 ft).

Call Signs and Radio Frequency to be Used

Call signs that will be used are:

SAR leader: Sierra

Left anchor (end) team: Lima Major

Right anchor (end) team: Romeo Major

First pair to the left of the SAR leader: Lima One

Second pair to the left of the SAR leader: Lima Two

etc...

First pair to the right of the SAR leader: Romeo One

Second pair to the right of the SAR leader: Romeo Two

etc...

The radio frequency will be 6.07, check your radio now to ensure it is on the correct frequency.

Magnetic Bearing (Search Direction)

The magnetic bearing you will be searching on will be 72 degrees. It is important that you stay in your search lane and not veer into a neighbouring team’s lane. Remember your pacing techniques when bypassing obstacles. If possible, use a steering point.

Safety Bearing (If Lost or Disoriented)

If you become lost or disoriented, radio the SAR leader, who will assist you to get back on track. If you are also out of radio contact, use a magnetic bearing of 260 degrees which will bring you to Highway 43, which is being patrolled. Wait on the side of the road and flag down the patrol vehicle when you see it.

Actions to Take if the Cadets Discover a Clue/Lost Person: Radio In, Wait for Instructions

If you find a clue, stop and radio the SAR leader. Follow the instructions given. All other teams should stop and wait for instructions. Depending on the type of clue found, the search may be reoriented based on the new information.

If you find the lost person, one of you shall evaluate the situation to assess whether it is safe to approach. The other person should radio the SAR leader with the discovery and wait for instructions.

Does anyone have any questions?