The primary goal of the Search Planning & Management course is to enhance the ability of the US&R Task Force to more effectively accomplish the operational objectives of searching for and locating victims of natural and manmade disasters. It is also the goal of this course to teach participants the essential elements o planning and managing search operations using a wide variety of tools available including grid references systems (USNG, Lat/Long) in addition to the documentation and reporting requirements of an Incident Commander. The course shall be performance based and include multiple student exercises including table top, skills stations and field exercises. These exercises shall be designed to reinforce critical learning points of the cognitive and manipulative skills required to plan for and manage search operations. 26.5 hour course.

• Course Enabling Objectives
  At the completion of this course the student will:
  
  
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of personnel assigned to the Operations Section of an incident requiring Urban Search and Rescue resources.
  • Explain the fundamentals of search operations in the disaster environment including types of searches, marking systems, and differences of detection and location strategies as they relate to search operations.
  • Explain various geo-reference and point reference systems used by various state and federal agencies and the differences of detection and location strategies.
  • Develop proficiency in the use of map and compass navigation, US National Grid System, and handheld GPS systems.
  • Have an understanding of various intelligence gathering resources including local maps,USGS, NGA, incident briefings and on scene reconnaissance
  • Develop proficiency at gathering and reporting necessary documentation, and ensure intelligence reporting is met in a timely manner.
  • Understand the proper assignment and use of resources necessary to meet the assigned operational objectives established by higher authority.

List of Deliverables

• Student Manual with all required handouts
• Instructors guide
• All visuals not limited to PowerPoint, Videos, and Handouts etc.
• Printing Plan for easy duplication
• Daily quizzes and answer keys
• Final examination and answer keys