Search Refresher

Now that visitor numbers are back on the rise, it's time for a quick resource refresher on handling minor search incidents in parks. Some parks have almost daily searches for missing persons while others may only experience it once or twice a season, but there are a few important things to remember if a visitor requests your help with a missing person. Check out the resources and forms below.

Search Urgency Form

MPS Initial Checklist for a Missing Person

Search Briefing IAP

Missing Person Questionnaire

For a more thorough refresher on search operations, use the practice scenario below (and some creativity) with all park staff!

Practice scenario: 

Staff roles required: Scenario leader, missing person, reporting party, Duty Ranger, other park staff available to assist with search

**Prior to any scenario, please notify the appropriate parties that a training scenario is occurring (local NRP, DNR Comm. Center, other park staff, signage for visitors, etc.)**

The scenario leader should place the "missing person" (or manikin) somewhere in the park. The reporting party should approach the Duty Ranger or any park staff member stating that they can't find the missing person. Details about the missing person can be made up on the spot by the reporting party or can be outlined ahead of time. See how staff members respond! The scenario leader should have an idea of what a "good response" might look like prior to initiating the scenario. Remember that there is more than one way to approach a missing person scenario based on the details that are received from the reporting party. It's best to have a successful outcome during a practice search session, but if you want to throw in some medical skills practice, the missing person could have a broken bone or have difficulty leaving the area for a similar reason. When the scenario has concluded, conduct a debrief with everyone involved to review what worked well and what improvements can be made. Good luck!