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 4 to 6 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 persons behaviour statistics. The
search controller records all information coming back from the teams
and liaise 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.