Search and Rescue Initial Response Tools

This proposal doubles the size of the International Search and Rescue Incident Database (ISRID) from 50,000 to over 100,000 SAR incidents organized by incident type, subject category, terrain, ecoregion domain, and population density. The PI brings over 30 years of SAR field experience and over 20 years of SAR research experience to the problem including experience in creating ISRID. At the start the TRL is 3 and at the end of Phase I we estimate 4-5. The enhanced database with new data will provide the needed information to provide new models to predict the probability of area (POA) of missing people. Sending teams to the right area saves lives, resources, and time. New research into combining geographic models of behavior along with effective sweep width and searcher velocity will allow the calculation of Probability of Success Rate. This underlying factor along with initial response tasking algorithm will allow a graphic display of not only exactly where initial search teams should be tasked plus show the relative priority of tasks. This will allow the power of formal search theory to be placed into the hands of initial responders with little to no formal training. The research and development will allow a full suite of products to be developed. From durable plastic job aids, Lost Person Behavior smartphone Apps, paper and e-book field guides, training courses, to software aimed at the initial SAR response we are in a unique position to commercialize the effort, since SAR is our primary market since 1991.