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SARSCENE 2002

SARSCENE 2002 "No call for help goes unanswered"

Six hundred delegates, speakers and exhibitors attended SARSCENE 2002 from September 11-14 in Halifax, taking part in a workshop program offering some 54 sessions, a trade show, SAR demonstrations and tours, as well as SAR games.

• Workshop reviews SAR Prevention Working Group's Best Practices
• International speakers at SARSCENE 2002
• Alberta team wins SARSCENE Games
• SAR Awards
• Demonstrations and tours capture spotlight

Advanced technologies advance SAR operations

From laser lights to computer models, innovative technologies are advancing and enhancing almost every aspect of search and rescue. A number of those dynamic new technologies were featured at SARSCENE 2002. Here is a brief summary of the presentations.

Maritime Activity Risk Investigation Project

Dr. Ron Pelot, Dalhousie University and Paul Kendrick, Canadian Coast Guard and a Dalhousie University researcher
A Dalhousie University Marine Activity and Risk Investigation Network Project, the Geographical Information Systems-based (GIS) technologies risk model is designed to analyze maritime activities by type, location and time and to combine them with SAR incident data (SISAR). Developed for the Canadian Coast Guard, the GIS-based model enables managers to compare accident statistics and risks by various criteria. It will play a key role in SAR strategic planning.

The Cold Exposure Survival Model (CESM)

Dr. Allan Keefe, Research Technologist, Defence R&D Canada (DRDC) Toronto
The Cold Exposure Survival Model (CESM), a new computer-based hypothermia prediction model, gives SAR teams the capability to accurately determine the impact of hypothermia on a casualty. Using biophysical and physiological principles, the CESM estimates the core body temperature of exposed individuals by taking into account the physical characteristics, the clothing worn, the weather or sea conditions and the specific crisis situation. Using this information, it predicts both the functional and actual survival times of hypothermia victims. Developed by DRDC in partnership with EMS Technologies, this decision-aid enables SAR teams to input data about an actual lost party and use the CESM's calculations to aid in formulating search windows and preparing emergency medical services.

Laser Light Applications in SAR

Paul Burke, Greatland Laser
Sophisticated laser light signalling instruments developed by Greatland Laser of Alaska may be a promising new option, over conventional light systems, for the SAR high tech tool kit. Waterproof and simple to use, laser light devices emit light that can be seen for up to 20 miles. They can be used in SAR operations for both sending signals to lost parties and for detecting reflective materials to locate a lost person. Laser light is stronger and more directional than conventional light systems and when used in SAR operations it produces an unmistakable brilliant red flash that can easily be seen by the lost party. If the light is reflected by something the lost person may have on his or her person the sender or searcher will see a bright red flash back.

The Infrared Eye-an airborne SAR tool

Paul Chevrette and Benoit Richard, Defence R&D Canada
A new SAR airborne surveillance technology, the Infrared Eye, is a promising viewing system that will enhance airborne spotting and searching techniques. A NIF project, sponsored in partnership with DRDC, the Infrared Eye has accomplished this task by duplicating the mechanics of the human eye and simultaneously using two fields of view. This includes a wide overall field with high sensitivity, but low resolution for situation awareness and detection, and a narrow field of view with very high resolution that can easily be directed to objects of interest in the wide field, tracking the operator's line-of-sight.

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for Search and Rescue (SAR) of Crashed Aircraft

Tom Lukowski, Physical Scientist, Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, Natural Resources Canada.
Improved capabilities to detect crashed aircraft without an Emergency Locator Transmitter is the goal of a NIF project involving Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and RADARSAT-2 (scheduled for launch in 2004). The key advantage to using a SAR system in search and rescue missions is its ability to obtain imagery through cloud, darkness and in bad weather. In addition, the signatures of crashed aircraft in SAR imagery differ from those that can be seen visually or with optical imaging systems enabling SAR imagery to be used with imagery from other systems. The project includes the modification and development of algorithms for detecting crashed aircraft with emphasis on multi-temporal and multi-polarization imagery. Tests to date show that imagery from polarimetric and interferometric SAR systems can determine the potential locations of downed aircraft resulting in reduced search times, saving both lives and money.

GPS in Low-Cost High Tech Searching

Robin Hughes and Charlie Strickland, Pictou County Volunteer Ground Search and Rescue
A recent Nova Scotia bastard search - a search for a subject who is not in the area - may lead to a promising new SAR tool. The search involved a woman who was thought to have disappeared in the area of a bridge, but was later discovered to have moved to New Brunswick. Prior to learning of her whereabouts, the SAR team conducted a live search of the area using the team's GPS units and downloading their taskings onto electronic maps provided by a new computer software system. The result was a well-documented search area showing all the tracks and paths of the search teams. This "high tech for a reasonable price search technique" can not only aid in gathering information and facilitating better communications during a live search, but can provide worthwhile documentation for future search operations.

Workshop reviews SAR Prevention Working Group's Best Practices

Federal SAR Working Group

Preventing SAR incidents by educating and preparing people for the risks associated with outdoor activities is an important part of the SAR mandate. The Federal SAR Prevention Working Group has been working to develop a strategy for federal SAR prevention activities since 1998. A major part of that strategy is the establishment of SAR Best Practices Criteria-a system to measure the overall effectiveness of new, ongoing and proposed SAR prevention programs.

In a joint presentation from the NSS and Parks Canada delegates to SARSCENE 2002 received an overview of the development and application of the SAR Prevention Best Practices Criteria, which consist of 14 best practices elements to serve as a benchmark for evaluating SAR prevention programs.

The SAR-related prevention programs that were reviewed included Parks Canada's SNOWSMART, which is designed to increase young people's awareness of the risks associated with winter activities, and Environment Canada's Arctic Land Fast Warning and Advisory System, aimed at better educating fast-ice travellers on the dangers involved in this activity. Examples of other government prevention programs included the Liquor Control Board of Ontario's advertising campaign "What will you remember about your prom night?", which is designed to discourage heavy alcohol consumption by young people at graduation celebrations.

Other SARSCENE Workshop presentations on prevention

• Make SAR Prevention Fun, a new prevention initiative aimed at youths in the Northwest Territories, was featured as an interactive presentation
• Sea Kayaking Prevention and Safety in the Mingan Archipelago described approaches used to prevent sea-kayaking accidents and improve SAR responses at Quebec's Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve.
• YouthSafe Outdoors: Risk Management on School Field Trips was profiled as an innovative NIF prevention project to help youth manage outdoor recreation risks for themselves.
• The NIF-Canadian Avalanche Association funded Recreation Avalanche Course Program was featured as a prevention success story, which now trains some 3000 people in avalanche safety annually.

International speakers at SARSCENE 2002

SARSCENE 2002 hosted a number of international SAR organizations. Speakers from six countries provided perspectives on their various SAR programs and activities.

New Zealand

Ross Gordon, Director/Trainer, Search and Rescue Institute New Zealand Ltd.
The Search and Rescue Institute New Zealand Ltd. (SARNIZ) provided an overview on the series of courses and operations SARNIZ has developed to maximize search team Point of Detection (POD) using sound and light. The presentation included an examination how a life was saved with the use of the sound light line.

Iceland

Gardar Eiriksson, VP ICE-SAR, Thorstein Thorkelsson, SAR Department, ICE-SAR Headquarters
The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) provided a synopsis of its work in search and rescue and accident prevention, as well as a general overview of Iceland's SAR operations on both land and sea.

Sweden

Harry Sepp, Survival Instructor and Adviser for the Swedish Civil Defence League
Lost in the Woods: Awareness of the Physiological Signs in Survival for Children and Adults was the topic of the presentation from the Swedish Civil Defence League. Outlining the psychological and physiological problems that a person may encounter within hours of being lost, the presentation also discussed preventative measures, focusing on the question, "How much do you really know about your child?"

Scotland

Hamish McDonald, Director of the Maritime Rescue Institute, Stonehaven, Scotland
The Maritime Rescue Institute of Stonehaven, Scotland provided an overview of SAR Craft Operations and the Required Training for Crew. The presentation detailed the training requirements in planning marine SAR units equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Training needs were outlined within the context of the significant loss of indigenous seamanship knowledge and skills.

United Kingdom

Pete Roberts and Dave Perkins, Northumderland National Park SAR Team
The use of the UK Lost Person Behavior database and a review of its effectiveness was one of two presentations from the Northumberland National Park SAR Team. Their second presentation discussed recent trends in SAR management and training, focusing on the value of a common approach to SAR among the various agencies.

Chris Price, Staff Officer Operations the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) outlined its contribution to SAR activities in the UK. Topics focused on how the RNLI is organized and the manner in which it carries out its business within the SAR framework of the UK and Ireland.

United States of America

Chris Long, Washington State SAR Coordinator
Mr. Long lectured about the crucial role of good leadership in SAR to a packed audience. He stressed the importance of leadership in all aspects of SAR operations from search teams through incident command.

Robert Koester, Type 1 Incident Commander

The number of searches for Alzheimer's patients has gone up dramatically in the last few years and Robert Koester's sold-out pre-workshop explained the techniques and psychology needed to undertake these types of searches. Mr. Koester also gave two presentations during the workshop on Alzheimer's and related dementia, and searcher fatigue.

Lieutenant-Commander Paul Steward, Office of Search and Rescue, U.S. Coast Guard

American Paul Steward and Canadian Pete Howe joined forces to talk about the future of the Cospas-Sarsat, an emergency beacon detection system. The presentation included a live demonstration of the satellite system.

Alberta team wins SARSCENE Games

A record number of 13 teams from across Canada entered this year's SARSCENE Games armed with only compasses and multi-tools. The day was overcast but the setting was ideal - the 95 acre Sir Sanford Fleming Park in Halifax complete with a lake. The competition was scored on the basis of timing and skill and consisted of six stations. They included search planning, medical first response, clues and evidence, line throwing, a relay of four mini-desk events as well as a mystery event that turned out to be crossing a cable using a fixed pivot balance rope.

For the second year in a row, the Foothills SAR Team from Turner Valley Alberta (left), took first place at the SARSCENE Games. Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (centre) came in second, while the Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit, Ontario, (right) secured third spot.

SAR Awards

The National Search and Rescue Secretariat recognized the dedication and professionalism of six members of Canada's SAR community at SARSCENE 2002 with the presentation of SAR Achievement Awards and Certificates.

Outstanding SAR Achievement Award

John Kelly, recipient of the Outstanding SAR Achievement Award 2002.

John Kelly of Winnipeg received the 2002 Outstanding SAR Achievement Award. It was presented to him by John O'Reilly, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of John McCallum, head Minister for Search and Rescue.

Currently the National Administrator of the Civilian Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), Mr. Kelly's distinguished career has spanned some three decades. During that time he saved many lives, provided SAR training to thousands of military and civilian SAR workers and educated thousands of people on outdoor survival, safety and prevention. An award-winning parachutist, he helped develop a new parachute enabling SARtechs to more effectively penetrate crash sites to administer lifesaving medical treatment.

Five SAR Achievement Certificate winners

Alberta-based RCMP dog handler, Corporal James Galloway, played a key role in forming Alberta's RCMP Civilian Search and Rescue and Service Dog Association, a province-wide organization that develops and trains SAR dog teams.

Tim Jones of British Columbia's BC North Shore Rescue Team was recognized for his contribution to SAR training designed to meet the unique challenges presented by the province's mountainous terrain. This included the development of SAR procedures for avalanche, swift water and ground rescues.

Eric Langley, a founding member of the Cape Breton SAR Team, was recognized for his three decades of service. Mr. Langley played a key role in developing many of the team's training procedures and was an active in hunter and firearm safety training programs.

Denis Maurice, founder of the Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue Unit, was recognized for his vision in creating a Central Region SAR unit. He also developed a training curriculum, policies and standard operating guidelines.

Robert Petitpas, President of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Quebec), was recognized for his life-long dedication to volunteer marine search and rescue. He has worked closely with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Canadian Safe Boating Council, the St. Lawrence Waterway Committee, the Management Committee on the Pleasure Craft Operator's Card and the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron throughout his career.

Demonstrations and tours capture spotlight

Peter Stow, Yves LeClerc and Captain Marc Beaumier provided the commentary for the SAR demonstrations.

A hoist from the CCG Earl Grey to the CCG Yarmouth helicopter in Halifax Harbour, during SARSCENE 2002.

One of the highlights of SARSCENE 2002 was the marine and air demonstration, organized by Kathleen Flemming of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax, with the support of Canadian Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard.

The demonstrations included the RCMP dive vehicle and a kayaking team sponsored by Parks Canada Agency and a rescue boat from the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, making this year's show one of the most multi-disciplined. The perfect weather brought out hundreds of delegates and the public who lined the waterfront area.

Taking in the tours

SARSCENE 2002 offered tours to three operational centres that play vital roles in the region's SAR operations.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax
One of the three 9-1-1 centres for marine and aviation calls for Canada, the JRCC is jointly staffed by the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Forces and is responsible for tasking-out vessels and aircraft across an area of nearly five million square kilometers.

Canadian Hurricane Centre (CHC)
With an area of forecast responsibility that lies along the Canada-United States border and extends into Canadian waters for 200 nautical miles, the CHC advises Canadians on the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms and provides guidance to weather centres in all regions affected by such storms.

Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) Centres
Providing ships with safety, communications and vessel traffic services, the MCTS Centre provides services that are vital to the safe and expeditious movement of vessels in harsh weathers and seas.

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