2.12 Available Technological Tools for Research and Operational Equipment
During emergencies at operational level, the search and rescue team must be in place, relying on a range of technological tools and operational equipment to address the challenges presented.
Search and rescue (SAR) is the term used to describe the process of searching for and assisting and helping people who are in/or threatened by imminent danger.
The objective of the team is both to provide operational assistance to the relevant State Agencies and to coordinate at the operational level the actions to be taken in the event of a disappearance, whether in an urban environment, a natural environment, or a mass disaster environment (rubble).
The search and rescue team should be equipped with specialized and modern equipment to enable a rapid response to crisis situations. This equipment provides the basic support required for the effective conduct of rescue operations and includes:
- Drones
The use of drones has greatly facilitated the search for missing persons, especially after natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. They offer advantages such as access to difficult or dangerous areas, ease of management and long-term savings in resources and manpower. The development of drones has led to a significant improvement in the effectiveness of search and rescue (SAR) operations, particularly following natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. Drones can cover long distances and provide visual data, such as video and images, to rescuers, allowing them to assess the situation and make decisions based on the information they receive. They also offer advantages such as access to difficult or dangerous areas, ease of management and long-term savings in resources and manpower.
Drones are an important tool in the search and rescue operation. Their capabilities to cover long distances and provide real-time visual data allow rescue teams to quickly assess the situation in hard-to-reach areas. Drones can locate trapped people, assess the extent of damage and provide important information to help plan rescue operations.
- Wireless Communication
Wireless communication is a critical element in the operation of missing persons search and rescue teams. Advances in technology have enabled the use of a variety of wireless communication systems that enhance the effectiveness and safety of rescue operations. One of the most important advantages of wireless communication is the ability to communicate directly between team members, even in environments with limited communication infrastructure.
Overall, wireless communication is an integral part of the equipment of missing persons search and rescue teams, offering flexibility, speed and safety to rescue and search operations. In addition, the use of wireless technologies allows for efficient management of team resources and the development of systems for monitoring and evaluating team performance, thus enhancing the efficiency and safety of rescue and search operations.
- Command Center | Mobile Command Center
The mobile operational unit in search and rescue teams plays a vital role in ensuring not only the immediate response to emergencies but also the coordinated action of the various teams involved in them. It is the communication, command and information centre that ensures the smooth progress of the rescue operation.
The main role of the mobile operational unit is to manage communication and information distribution between the various teams and sections that make up the overall intervention force. This means not only ensuring continuous communication but also exchanging information on the situation, needs and actions of the various units at the scene of the operation.
- Specialized Technical Vehicles (4×4, ATV, ambulance engines, personnel carriers)
The presence of specialized logistics vehicles, such as 4x4s, ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles), motor ambulances and personnel carriers, is a critical element in the operation of missing persons search and rescue teams. These vehicles are designed to provide fast and efficient movement across a variety of terrain and conditions, allowing rescue teams to reach search and rescue sites quickly and efficiently.
ATVs, on the other hand, are lightweight, maneuverable and can access even more difficult terrain, such as dense forests or plains with difficult terrain. Their small size allows them to pass through trees and other obstacles with great ease.
Ambulances provide the ability to quickly move and provide medical assistance in areas that are not accessible by other vehicles. They are designed to respond to medical emergencies and transport injured or other sick individuals safely and quickly.
- Incident Command System (ICS)
The Incident Command System (ICS) is an incident management program that provides a comprehensive framework for managing emergencies in the missing persons search and rescue team. In missing person situations, such as accidents in remote areas or loss of persons in natural disasters, ICS provides an effective structure for organizing and coordinating rescue efforts.
- GPS devices
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation and positioning system, which provides accurate location information. By utilizing signals from a network of orbiting satellites, GPS enables responders to pinpoint the precise locations of individuals in distress, helping to expedite rescue operations in diverse terrain and challenging conditions including the search and rescue efforts for missing people (Ershad & Ali, 2020).
Technological advances in the field of GPS devices have enabled the integration of advanced features such as hazard detection, communication, and mutual warning functions, which enhance the safety of rescued persons and rescuers during rescue operations. In this way, GPS devices are an integral part of the equipment of search and rescue teams, enhancing the efficiency and safety of operations.
- Satellite Images
The equipment includes the use of satellite imagery, which provides a comprehensive and broad picture of the search and rescue area. These images provide the team with a valuable resource for assessing the situation and identifying possible locations of missing persons or emergencies.
In addition, satellite imagery can provide information on topography, weather conditions and geographic resource distribution, helping to effectively organize and strategize the operation. In this way, the team can identify potentially dangerous areas or locate people in need of immediate assistance, thus improving the efficiency and safety of rescue operations. It provides the team with a valuable source of information, regardless of lighting conditions or weather. This is particularly important when conducting rescue operations at night or in areas with poor weather conditions, as satellite imagery can provide stable and reliable information that helps the team make quick and accurate decisions.
