Unit Roles Within SusSAR
There are several roles within the Search and Rescue team. Below is a brief description of each role.
Search Technician - Every operational member undergoes a period of training and assessment in order to qualify as a Search technician.
Team Leader - Teams range in size from 3 to 4 members with the team leader providing group leadership and managing the Health and Safety and welfare of the team. They will decide on team tactics and break the search sector down into manageable search areas.
Search Controller - Co-ordinate all the resources available and provide scenario based plans. They divide the search area into high, medium and low probability sectors based on missing person's behaviour statistics. The search controller records all information coming back from the teams and liaises with other agencies such as police, HM Coastguard, Lowland Search Dogs etc.
First Aider - A member of the team who is highly trained and skilled Search Technician with additional first aid skills to support the other team members and the missing person if they are found injured.
Bike Searcher - Additionally trained Search Technicians with the skills required to use the unit's mountain bikes. This team specialise in fast route and path searches, scouting terrain and identifying search areas and boundaries.
Tracker - Specially trained Search Technicians skilled at identifying and following evidence of movement.
Non-operational members - Whilst not actively participating in searches, these members are equally vital to the Unit. They help maintain equipment, keep our vehicle on the road, carry out fundraising and recruitment activities and assist with the accounts.