4.14 Search and Rescue (SAR)

VERSION 1.0 – DECEMBER 2023

Purpose: To provide procedures for the State Operations Communications Centre (SurfCom) Operators for coordinating search and rescue incidents.

Scope: This procedure applies to all operators at the State Operations Communications Centre (SurfCom).

General Information:
The principles of SAR – preservation of life, safety, and preservation of property and the environment are closely related to the role of a communication centre in coordinating and managing rescue operations.
Effective communication is essential to ensure that search and rescue teams can respond promptly and efficiently to an emergency, and that critical information is accurately communicated between all parties involved in the operation. In particular, SurfCom must ensure that all rescue resources are deployed in a timely and coordinated manner, and that search and rescue operations are conducted in a manner that minimises the risk of further injury or loss of life.

Procedure:
All allocations of resources must be in line with SOP 4.1 Dispatching SLSQ Resources, this procedure is an addition to all other operational SOPs.

1. SurfCom is notified of any missing person/s requiring a search and rescue in the following circumstances:
   1.1 There is concern that the person was last sighted in or near the water;
   1.2 The person missing is suspected to have a mental illness or is neurodivergent (spectrum disorder);
   1.3 There is reasonable suspicion or evidence that there may be criminal activity involved;
   1.4 There is any circumstance that suggests the person may be at immediate risk; and
   1.5 It is better to call additional resources early than have a delayed response to an aquatic incident when it may be too late.

2. Queensland Police Service (QPS)
   The QPS is the lead agency for all search and rescue operations. SurfCom must contact QPS immediately once a person is confirmed missing and requires search and rescue.

3. Information Gathering
   Gain the necessary information to commence appropriate actions:
   3.1 Obtain descriptive details of the missing person (name, age, basic clothing);
   3.2 Identify last location of missing person; and
   3.3 Identify time since last seen.
   3.4 Initial information must be passed to the appropriate coordinating agency (QPS) and recording of all details entered into LIMSOC.

4. Coordinate Search with Incident Commander
   4.1 Assist in the coordination of assets in conjunction with the incident commander.
   4.2 Ensure correct and accurate information is gathered and recorded.
   4.3 Ensure the SurfCom is a single point of truth when it comes to the flow of information to and from the incident site. Including, the sharing of information from QPS to the incident commander.