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In October 1982, the first issue of SAR Dog
Alert came out under the auspices of NASAR, the National
Association of Search and Rescue. Judy was the editor with Hatch
assisting. Both had taken NASAR's course Managing the Search
Function -- now renamed Managing the Lost Person Incident.
Both of us believed the table-top exercises with maps
and a scenario were one of the best learning tools for search
managers: incident commander, plans chief, logistics chief,
operations chief. And we believe, since dog handlers so often are on
their own, the insight into search management, is valuable for them
as well.
The best way to use these problems is to read the
information, consider lost person behavior based on the category of
subject, whatever life history is available, weather conditions,
experience, etc. Segment the search area. Determine POA, resources
needed. Go into as much detail as you can before you consult the
solution.
All of these searches are real. None have been
fabricated. They were submitted by readers of SAR Dog Alert from all
over the country. Judy included the first map problem under the
heading FIND 'EM! in the 7th issue of Alert in June, 1983. Now,
you go
find 'em! |
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LAKE LAGUNITAS
FIND 'EM! San Rafael, CA Quadrangle
- SUBJECT: Ludwig Magener WMA 91
Good physical condition, takes frequent hikes and swims
regularly.
Last seen 25 July 82 at 1300 hrs; left his wife at Lake
Lagunitas parking lot (PLS on map) to hike for a couple of
hours; last observed setting off up a steep firebreak toward
Inspiration Point directly north of Gardner Lookout on East Peak
(marked X on map). Wearing light cotton pants, polo shirt,
cotton fishing hat, glasses; did not take his day pack or lunch.
WEATHER: 85°, 0-3 mph wind, clear.
- TERRAIN: Steep coastal mountain range; dense
chaparral (manzanita, etc.) with Redwood and Douglas Fir in
canyon bottoms (shade and water).
- ACTION: When Mrs Magener reported to the
State Park Rangers, one ranger hiked to Inspiration Point, west
across North Side Trail to Rifle Camp where he was picked up on
the Rocky Ridge Road. No sign was seen of Magener. Search teams
were called for the morning of the 26th.
Solution |
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MAACAMA
FIND ‘EM!
Healdsburg,
Jimtown, Mark West Springs, &
Mount St. Helena, CA quadrangles)
15-16 March 1982
SUBJECT: WMA 22
- Extensive history of schizophrenia; mental
and physical condition deteriorating (had not eaten or slept in
48 hours); might try to hide; declared he was "Going to find
God."
- Last seen by other members of Unification
Church camp (Camp Maacama red arrow) when he exited a camp bus
on Hwy 128 at about 2015 and fell down an embankment to the
creek; witnesses said they heard him swimming in the creek in
street clothes and Vibram-soled boots.
WEATHER:
- 40°, stormy, ˝ inch of rain during the night.
TERRAIN:
- Steep canyon with rocky creekbed; after
unusually heavy winter rains, Maacama Creek was a raging stream
and could be crossed only by a narrow suspension bridge and the
entrance bridge to Camp Maacama, both at Hwy 128 grade.
HASTY SEARCH RESULTS (2200 15 March – 0200 16
March):
- Sonoma County deputies located prints ˝ mile
upstream from the PLS, headed northeast (presumed but not
confirmed to be the subject’s).
- Hasty search by dog teams along the west edge
of the creek turned up the subject’s Bible with $50, and slide
marks down the embankment, pinpointing the LKP (Last Known
Position)
Solution |
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