1st OPS SAR Manager is a comprehensive 2-day (16-hour) search management course designed to prepare responders to effectively manage a missing person incident during the critical First Operational Period until additional trained and credentialed resources can arrive to assist.

This course provides students with the foundational knowledge, operational framework, and practical tools necessary to coordinate safe, organized, and effective search operations utilizing NIMS/ICS principles, search management best practices, and modern situational awareness technology.

The course utilizes a multisensory learning methodology (Hear / See / Do) that combines lecture, visual instruction, group discussion, hands-on activities, and practical exercises to maximize student engagement and long-term knowledge retention. By integrating auditory (hearing), visual (seeing), and kinesthetic (doing) learning inputs, students build stronger cognitive connections that can improve information retention by up to 75% compared to traditional lecture-only instruction.

Students will receive a basic-level introduction to SARTopo, enabling participants to develop and maintain a shared Common Operating Picture (COP), improve situational awareness, document operational activities, and support resource coordination throughout a search mission.

Topics include:

• Step 1 - Preplanning: Build plans, partnerships, communications, and resource capability before the incident occurs.
• Step 2 - Investigation: Gather critical information such as witness statements, Lost Person Questionnaire (LPQ) data, establish Search Urgency timelines, and build the subject profile.
• Step 3 - Command & Control: Establish the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), Incident Command System (ICS) structure, objectives, operational priorities, and responder accountability.
• Step 4 - Mapping: Coordinate resources, track assignments, manage operational tempo, and oversee field operations.
• Step 5 - Search Management: Develop accurate maps, define operational areas, establish assignments, and maintain situational awareness.
• Step 6 - Strategy and Tactics: Select strategies, determine tactical assignments, prioritize areas, and maintain situational awareness.
• Step 7 - Logistics: Provide communications, transportation, food, medical support, equipment, and sustainment.
• Step 8 - Implementation: Execute the operational plan, deploy resources, monitor progress, and adjust as needed.
• Step 9 - Demobilization and Operational Transition: Release resources safely and efficiently while maintaining accountability and documentation.
• Step 10 - Hot Wash: Conduct an immediate review, capture lessons learned, identify improvements, and strengthen future operations.

This course is ideal for:

• Law Enforcement
• Fire/Rescue/EMS
• Emergency Management
• Search & Rescue personnel
• Dispatch/Communications personnel
• Park Rangers and Public Safety Officials

Upon completion, students will possess the knowledge and confidence necessary to initiate, organize, and manage a missing person search operation during the most time-sensitive phase of the incident.