Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group

AMRG Search Manager Standards

This document defines the Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group (AMRG) search management team standards for the roles of the Search Planner, Operations Manager, Search Manager and Sr. Search Manager. These positions are defined as search-critical roles in leading search missions, as well as serving as progressive steps towards becoming a fully certified MRA Mountain Rescue Operations Chief (aka Operations Leader). By formalizing these roles and their responsibilities, AMRG aims to ensure seamless coordination and enhanced decision-making during SAR missions. They provide a structured framework for team members, aiding in their professional development and readiness for advanced responsibilities. This approach is fundamental in maintaining consistency, professionalism, and high performance in SAR operations, ultimately leading to more successful mission outcomes and the safety of both the rescue personnel and those they serve.

These standards also form the basis for expectations for mutual aid partners who wish to assist AMRG and the Allegheny County Child Abduction Response Team (CART) with search planning and management. 

Search Planners, Operational Managers, and Search Managers assist AMRG’s officers in the planning and executing of searches by serving in various ICS positions in the command post. During callouts, team members who do not meet requirements for these certifications can still be assigned to search management support duty, Section Chief shadowing, or field team duty. 

During a callout, the position of Search Manager should be filled by the highest-ranking team member present, usually the Chief, Deputy Chief, or Operations Officer.  In the event that no AMRG officers are available to respond to a search, these search management team members may lead AMRG’s response or assist its mutual aid partners.

Search Planner

The Search Planner plays a crucial role in search operations by helping to create the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and preparing search maps and task assignments. Supporting the Search Manager, a Search Planner may serve as a Planning Section Chief or as a member of the planning team.  Search planning may take place at the scene of a search. However, it often happens remotely by team members who can’t respond to the search, but can support it from either home or other remote locations.

Education and Experience:

  • Complete the AMRG Operational Member/Fundamentals of Search and Rescue training 
    • (current qualification at the Operational Member Level is preferred, but Search Planner certification may be granted to those who are not physically able to meet the Operational Member requirements)
  • NIMS ICS 100, 200, and 700
  • Attend at least one of the following training classes:
    • MLPI with SARTopo 
    • SAR Initial Actions 
    • Allegheny County CART’s SAR Initial Actions for Law Enforcement
  • Complete NASAR’s CalTopo (SARTopo) for Incident Response training
  • 24 hours field work, including at least three (3) shifts of shadowing or being mentored by an AMRG officer or Search Management team member during a search incident. Up to twelve (12) of these hours can be in simulations or training. 
    • Shadowing or mentoring will be documented using the ICS 225 (available in the AMRG Search form packet). To be accepted, all factors must be 3-Met Standards or higher. Any evaluation rating lower than 3-Met Standards must have a documented remediation plan prior to the next shadowing or mentoring opportunity

(Equivalent classes, including MSO, and classes taught by other entities may be accepted for initial certification. However, in order to operate in line with regional best practices and team policies, AMRG members should take the MLPI with SARTopo and/or SAR Initial classes offered by AMRG).

Practical Skills Demonstration:

  • Emergent Incident Mapping exercise – This exercise demonstrates the candidate’s ability to quickly create a plan for the initial operational period of a search as needed in situations such as
    • creating a map and starter assignments before leaving for a search 
    • as a remote search planner, creating assignments and a plan while other team members are enroute to a search.
    • Given a situation description and a PLS address, complete the following within fifteen (15) minutes:
      • Create a SARTopo map in the AMRG Team account
      • Mark the PLS and possible staging/parking areas,
      • Create range rings (25%, 50%, 75%, and 95% for an appropriate Lost Person Behavior profile)
      • Create at least ten (10) hasty tasks for a mix of ground and canine teams. 
        • Using the Bike Wheel or Spiderweb model as appropriate for the subject type/scenario, the hasty tasks should represent an effective initial search strategy to prioritize high probability areas, attracting features, and possible life saving interventions. 
  • Planned/Multi-Operational Period Planning Exercise

Create a full pre-plan for an assigned location.  Given a specific location, (usually a State Park, County Park, Gameland, or other similar location) and a timeframe of at least two (2) weeks for completion, the candidate will create a pre-plan including the items below. AMRG’s officers may elect to assign a team of candidates, working together, to complete a pre-plan for particularly large areas. In this case, each candidate will be assigned specific areas of responsibility to complete for the pre-plan. This pre-plan will be used for future real operations. The pre-plan will include:

  • A SARTopo map, in the AMRG team account, Pre-Plan folder consisting of:
    • Hasty tasks following the Bike Wheel or Spiderweb model 
    • Area assignments, of reasonable size, for the terrain
    • A folder structure that allows hasty assignments, area assignments, and geographic areas to be easily displayed or hidden, to facilitate operations in specific parts of the area
    • Indicate locations for Parking, staging, and possible command post 
  • Create a map packet with an overview map and regional Task Assignment Maps (between 1:12,000 - 1:24,000 scale). Maps will be saved as PDFs in an AMRG gDrive folder.
  • Utilizing the AMRG IAP Builder, create a full Incident Action Plan for the area in an AMRG gDrive folder. Both the Google Sheets version of the IAP and a pdf of the IAP will be stored in the gDrive folder.

(Candidates are highly encouraged to seek feedback on their pre-plan from the officer giving the assignment after doing a small amount of work. This will avoid having to do a large amount of rework, if there are issues with the map).

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Develop and execute an effective search strategy in the following environments:
    • Urban
    • Suburban
    • Rural/Wilderness
  • Adjust the search strategy based on new information received/the results of previous and ongoing efforts
  • Develop multiple scenarios to drive search strategy
  • Lead a modified Mattson average/proportional prioritization of scenarios and regions
  • Collect and manage incident-relevant planning data
  • Supervise preparation of the IAP
  • Utilizing the “Planning P”, conduct and facilitate planning meetings
  • Determine need and request method for specialized resources
  • Establish specialized data collection systems as necessary (e.g., weather)
  • Oversee preparation and implementation of the Demobilization Plan
  • Serve in the planning function from a remote location (e.g., home or office), effectively communicating with on-scene and other remote members of the search management team

Demonstrate knowledge of:

  • Bike Wheel and spiderweb search strategy models
  • Scenario driven search management strategies
  • Terrain driven search management strategies
  • Lost person behavior profiles
  • The Planning P

Equipment:

  • Lost Person Behavior app on phone, tablet, or computer 
  • CalTopo app on phone

Certification 

  • Members meeting the requirements for Search Planner shall send documentation to the Chief
  • The Chief will bring candidates, meeting the requirements, for a vote of the membership at a regular or special meeting of the membership.

Recertification/ Continuing Education:

Search Planners are expected to remain actively engaged with the team and support its operations on an ongoing basis. Search Planners are encouraged to progress toward becoming Search Managers.

Required activity to maintain Search Planer certification includes:

  • Participate in six (6) searches per year, either through onsite response to the incident or providing remote planning 
    • Up to two (2) incident responses can be replaced by planning mock searches or attending classes required for the Sr. Search Manager certification
    • Incident responses documented, using the ICS 225 (available in the AMRG Search form packet), and completed by the lead AMRG Officer or Search Manager for that incident. To be accepted, all factors must be 3-Met Standards or higher. Any evaluation rating lower than 3-Met Standards must have a documented remediation plan prior to the next shadowing or mentoring opportunity.
    • For incidents where the candidate was the Search Manager and there were no supervisors to complete the ICS 225, the evaluation will be completed by the Chief after the search is presented for an After Action Review (either as a stand alone AAR for major incidents or at the quarterly Safety and Quality meeting)
  • Complete one (1) new full pre-plan for an assigned location per year.
  • Due to the speed at which search and rescue techniques are evolving, retake or help teach AMRG’s SAR Initial Actions or the current version of AMRG’s MLPI with SARTopo at least once within the past three (3) years.

Operations Manager

The Operations Manager plays a crucial role in search operations by coordinating the on-scene response. Operations Managers may serve as an Operations Section Chief or as a member of the search management team, supporting the Search Manager. An Operations Manager must be familiar with AMRG’s equipment cache, radio operations, and the capabilities of AMRG’s team members and its mutual aid partners. 

Education and Experience:

  • Currently qualified at the AMRG Operational Member Level
  • NIMS ICS 100, 200, and 700
  • Attend at least one of the following training classes:
    • MLPI with SARTopo 
    • SAR Initial Actions 
    • Allegheny County CART’s SAR Initial Actions for Law Enforcement
  • Attend AMRG Dispatch Officer training
  • 24 hours, across at least three (3) shifts, of shadowing or being mentored by either an AMRG officer or Search Management team member during a search incident. Up to twelve (12) of these hours can be during simulations or training. 
    • Shadowing or mentoring will be documented using the ICS 225 (available in the AMRG Search form packet). To be accepted, all factors must be 3-Met Standards or higher. Any evaluation rating lower than 3-Met Standards must have a documented remediation plan prior to the next shadowing or mentoring opportunity.

(Equivalent classes, including MSO, and classes taught by other entities may be accepted for initial certification. However, in order to operate in line with regional best practices team policies, AMRG members should take the MLPI with SARTopo and/or SAR Initial classes offered by AMRG).

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Utilizing AMRG’s equipment and trailer, direct the setup of a command post, including at a minimum:
    • Set up the tent
    • Set up the base station radio, radio antenna, and handheld radios
    • Establish power via the AMRG generator
    • Establish internet via AMRG’s FirstNet wifi router
    • Utilize AMRG computers to access SARTopo and the AMRG IAP Builder
    • From AMRG’s computer print to the AMRG laser printer
    • Prepare a quick response medical/evac package, including litter, BLS kit, and appropriate technical rope gear
  • Direct the breakdown of the command post and repacking of all equipment in the AMRG trailer 
  • Briefing field teams, ensuring they;
    • understand their assignment
    • have the proper equipment
    • all team members can track and share their location via the CalTopo app or a gps unit. 
  • Document all team members who are on each team/each assignment (this may be delegated to the team during the team briefing) 
  • Maintain documentation of Tasks To Be Assigned, In Progress, and Completed 
  • Debrief teams, including the collection of detailed information about the task completed and ensuring CalTopo/GPS tracks are upload to the mission map
  • Upload tracks from the team’s handheld GPS units to CalTopo
  • Lead a GAR Risk Assessment and assure safety of tactical operations
  • Manage tactical operations
  • Develop the operations portion of the IAP, utilizing the AMRG IAP Builder on gDrive
  • Supervise execution of the operations portions of the IAP
  • Request additional resources through the appropriate chain of command to support tactical operations
    • Demonstrate knowledge and use of the AMRG Resource Manual
  • Effectively coordinating with off-site remote planning and AMRG’s command officers

Demonstrate knowledge of:

  • Bike Wheel and spiderweb search strategy models
  • Scenario driven search management strategies
  • Terrain driven search management strategies
  • Lost person behavior profiles
  • The Planning P

Equipment:

  • Lost Person Behavior app on phone, tablet, or computer 
  • CalTopo app on phone
  • Have a mini “Ops Kit” sufficient for the initial search actions, including:
    • Compass
    • File folders, including Tasks to Be Assigned, Tasks In Progress, Task Completed, Investigations, General
    • A printed copy of AMRG’s Search Form Packet which includes a full set of ICS forms, Lost Person Questionnaire, and other forms
      • Ten (10) Sign Sheets (ICS 211p)
      • Ten (10) ICS 204A Search Team Brief/Debrief (aka Task Assignment Form)
    • Various pens and markers
    • Small stapler and extra staples
    • Recommended 
      • A computer or tablet 
      • Cords to connect Garmin GPS units to computer/tablet 

Certification 

  • Members meeting the requirements for Operations Manager shall send documentation to the Chief
  • The Chief will bring candidates, meeting the requirements, for a vote of the membership at a regular or special meeting of the membership.

Recertification/ Continuing Education:

Operations Managers are expected to remain actively engaged in the team and support its operations on an ongoing basis. Operations Managers are encouraged to progress to becoming Search Managers. 

Required activity to maintain Operations Manager certification includes:

  • Participate in six (6) searches through onsite response to the incident:
    • Up to two (2) incident responses can be replaced by planning mock searches or attending classes required for Sr. Search Manager
    • Incident responses documented using the ICS 225 (available in the AMRG Search form packet), completed by the lead AMRG Officer or Search Manager for the incident. To be accepted, all factors must be 3-Met Standards or higher. Any evaluation rating lower than 3-Met Standards must have a documented remediation plan prior to the next shadowing or mentoring opportunity.
    • For incidents where the candidate was the Search Manager and there was no supervisor to complete the ICS 225, the evaluation will be completed by the Chief after the search is presented for an After Action Review (either a stand alone AAR for major incidents or at the quarterly Safety and Quality meeting)
  • Due to the speed at which search and rescue techniques are evolving, retake or help teach AMRG’s SAR Initial Actions or the current version of AMRG’s MLPI with SAR at least once within the past three (3) years.

Search Manager 

The Search Manager plays a vital role as the strategic leader and coordinator of a search effort. This position involves supervising the overall search strategy, integrating inputs from various specialists such as search planners and operations managers. The Search Manager is responsible for effectively; assessing the situation, defining search areas based on probabilities and available data, and allocating resources. They make critical decisions, considering factors like terrain, weather, and the subject's profile, on the deployment of search teams, methods, and techniques. The Search Manager mentors other team members as needed. Additionally, the Search Manager ensures effective communication and coordination among all teams involved, including liaising with external agencies as required. This role demands a deep understanding of search theory, strong leadership skills, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. The effectiveness of the Search Manager directly influences the efficiency of the search operation, ultimately impacting the likelihood of a successful outcome and the safety of both the search team(s) and the missing individual(s). Ultimately, the Search Manager is responsible for ensuring the professional conduct of team members and mutual partners by ensuring that AMRG’s policies and procedures are followed. 

Education and Experience:

  • Meet all requirements listed for Search Planner and Operations Manager
  • Attend both MLPI with SARTopo and Allegheny County CART’s SAR Initial Actions for Law Enforcement
  • 32 hours, across at least four (4) shifts of on-scene search management team (Search Manager or Command Staff) roles during an incident. 
    • Incident responses will be documented using the ICS 225 (available in the AMRG Search form packet), completed by the lead AMRG Officer or Search Manager for the incident. To be accepted, all factors must be 3-Met Standards or higher. Any evaluation rating lower than 3-Met Standards must have a documented remediation plan prior to the next search.
    • For incidents where the candidate was the Search Manager and there was no supervisor to complete the ICS 225, the evaluation will be completed by the Chief after the search is presented for an After Action Review (either a stand alone AAR for major incidents or at the quarterly Safety and Quality meeting)
  • Complete FEMA IS-29: Public Information Officer Awareness

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Effectively direct a search management team on a moderate to complex incident, including effectively establishing the ICS organization
  • Establish an Incident Command Post (ICP) and recognize when it is appropriate to relocate the ICP 
  • Set priorities and determine incident objectives and strategies to be followed  and document them in the IAP (ICS form 202)
  • Ensure incident safety and managing risk
  • Coordinating and approving the IAP
  • Use an effective folder and operational period structure in SARTopo to keep the map organized and performing well during a multi-operational period, large search
  • Utilize Pre-plans on an incident
  • Effectively implementing the Planning P on multi-operational incidents
  • Conduct general briefing at large incidents
  • Effectively coordinating with off-site remote planning and AMRG’s command officers, including effectively utilizing off-site/remote team members
  • Effective relationships with local co-responding agencies and units, including knowing and effectively utilizing the capabilities of AMRG’s mutual aid partners
  • Integrating effective EMS into SAR operations and handling an incident within an incident
  • Ensuring after-action reports are completed and leading After Action Reviews/incident debriefs at quarterly Quality and Safety Meetings
  • Coordinating Command and General Staff activities
  • Mentoring new search management team members using effective teaching techniques
  • Request additional resources to support tactical operations
    • Demonstrate knowledge and use of the AMRG Resource Manual

Demonstrate knowledge of:

  • Establishing goals and objectives based on Lifesaving Intervention, Live Find, or Find considerations and the impact those goals and objectives have on strategies and tactics
  • Describe factors to be considered when selecting communication frequencies to use on an incident (including VTAC/UTAC, PSARC statewide frequency, ASRC licensed frequencies, fire radios, Zello, etc)
  • Leadership development, including general knowledge of;
    • Span of control
    • Remaining leadership oriented vs. task oriented
    • Delegation of tasks and duties
    • Group personality dynamics
    • Recognizing defusing and debriefing needs
  • Roles of local, state and federal agencies and associations in SAR for Region-13 and the surrounding areas
  • AMRG’s bylaws, operational policies and procedures, and mutual aid agreements
  • Family Liaison function, including dealing with the victims’ families and significant others

Certification 

  • Members meeting the requirements for Search Manager shall send documentation to the Chief
  • The Chief will bring candidates meeting the requirements for a vote of the membership at a regular or special meeting of the membership.

Recertification/ Continuing Education:

Search Managers are expected to remain actively engaged with the team and support its operations on an ongoing basis. Search Managers are encouraged to progress towards becoming Sr. Search Managers. 

Required activity to maintain Search Managers certification includes:

  • Participate in eight (8) searches per year either through onsite response to the incident or providing remote planning 
    • Up to two (2) incident responses can be replaced by planning mock searches or attending classes required for Sr. Search Manager
    • At least one (1) of the incident responses or mock searches must be an Allegheny County CART incident or a mock focused on a possible child abduction situation 
    • Participation in incidents will be documented through the Search Manager presenting the search at an After Action Review (either a stand alone AAR for major incidents or at the quarterly Safety and Quality meeting)
  • Complete one (1) new full pre-plan for an assigned location per year.
  • Due to the speed at which search and rescue techniques are evolving, retake or help teach the current version of AMRG’s MLPI with SAR at least once within the past three (3) years.

Sr. Search Manager (MRA Certification level: MOUNTAIN RESCUE OPERATIONS CHIEF, AKA Operations Leader).

The Mountain Rescue Operations Chief is a fully accredited MRA search manager. This represents an advanced highly experienced search manager with a variety of experience in both managing large, complex, multi-agency searches and coordinating rescue activities.  Mountain Rescue Operations Chief may be an active field qualified Rescue Members or field experienced command staff who may be retiring from the field, but are deemed by AMRG’s leadership as still effective in command post or non-field related activities.

Education and Experience:

  • Currently or previously qualified at the AMRG/MRA Rescue Member Level
  • Five (5) or more years in the technical search and rescue field
  • Meet all requirements for Search Manager
  • Attend the following classes:
    • National Inland Search and Rescue School Inland SAR Planning Course (ISPC)
    • ICS 300 – Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
    • ICS 400 – Advanced ICS- Complex Incidents
    • Swift Water Incident Management (SWIM)
    • FEMA E0105: Public Information Basics, or equivalent 

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Direct multiple incidents across multiple locations, including prioritizing resources and mutual aid requests across multiple incidents, including:
    • Managing multiple SARTopo maps simultaneously
    • Coordinating communication across the multiple incidents and remote team members
    • Effective use of Active 911 to keep the team notified of the status of each incident
  • Manage searches involving both land and water based search, including the effective use of Human Remains Detection (HRD) water dogs working from boats, side scan sonar, underwater cameras, divers, and drones
  • Direct a complex rescue scenario
  • Manage a search in winter/cold weather conditions

Demonstrate knowledge of:

  • MRA National and Regional policies and procedures relating to the field, such as accreditation and personnel guidelines
  • Awareness of effective relations with, and the nurturing and support of, the local SAR authority (specifically DCNR, State Police, and Allegheny County Child Abduction Response Team (CART), and other county law enforcement and Emergency Management Agencies throughout our primary response area)

Certification 

  • Members meeting the requirements for Sr. Search Manager shall send documentation to the Chief
  • The Chief will bring candidates meeting the requirements for a vote of the membership at a regular or special meeting of the membership.

Recertification:

Sr. Search Managers are expected to remain actively engaged with the team and support its operations on an ongoing basis. 

Required activity to maintain Sr. Search Managers certification includes:

  • Participate in eight (8) searches per year either through onsite response to the incident or providing remote planning 
    • Up to two (2) incident responses can be replaced by planning mock searches
    • At least one (1) of the incident responses or mock searches must be an Allegheny County CART incident or a mock focused on possible child abduction 
    • Participation in incidents will be documented through the Sr. Search Manager presenting the search at an After Action Review (either a stand alone AAR for major incidents or at the quarterly Safety and Quality meeting)
  • Complete one (1) new full pre-plan for an assigned location per year.

 

© Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group. All Rights Reserved

  • Due to the speed at which search and rescue techniques are evolving, retake or help teach the current version of AMRG’s MLPI with SAR at least once within the past three (3) years.

Login