Search And Rescue Service Research Articles

Republic of Singapore Air Force Helicopter Search-and-Rescue and Medical Evacuations: A 5-Year Review

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) provides Helicopter Search-and-Rescue (SAR) and Helicopter Medical Evacuation (Heli-Medevac) coverage for the Singapore Aeronautical Search and Rescue Region (ASSR) in the South China Sea, spanning 840,000 km2. This region contains busy international shipping lanes and air traffic routes. Each year, Singapore's Helicopter SAR and Heli-Medevac service is activated multiple times to rescue personnel lost at sea or to evacuate ill and injured ship sailors or passengers to tertiary hospitals in Singapore for stabilization and advanced care. This is a retrospective review on all civilian SAR and Heli-medevac activations by the RSAF over a 5-year period from 2016 to 2020. Case profiles, presenting conditions, in-flight treatment, and patient outcomes are reviewed and discussed. Key operational observations made from RSAF's SAR and Heli-Medevac, as well as lessons learned from these missions, are discussed in this article.

Research on Backup Strategy of BeiDou Global Navigation System Constellation

BeiDou Global Navigation System (BDS-3) will be fully completed by 2020, and provide global users with high-quality services including positioning, navigation and timing, global short messages communication (GSMC), international search and rescue(SAR) etc. Compared with the regional navigation system, the global navigation system serves a wider area and more users, and the consequences are more serious in the event of a service outage. It is necessary to study the backup strategy of the space segment as early as possible in the early stage of system operation. Firstly, the paper analyses the effects of three kinds of satellite in different positions on the system performance, then analyses the probability distribution of multiple satellites failure, and then puts forward the satellite backup strategy. From the perspectives of improving GSMC coverage and increasing the available time of SAR, combined with the remaining life and configuration of the satellites in orbit, the orbit positions of redundancy satellites are suggested. The analysis results show that if one or two satellites are backed up in three MEO orbital planes, the robustness of the system will be improved effectively, and the availability of the system will be guaranteed even if any satellite fails. Furthermore, if four satellites equipped with SAR and GSMC load are backed up in proper phase on the first and third orbit planes, the availability of GSMC service will reach 100% in the global scope, and the availability of SAR service will be significantly improved.

A prospective observational study of why people are medically evacuated from offshore installations in the North Sea

ObjectivesFew studies have described evacuations due to medical emergencies from the offshore installations in the North Sea, though efficient medical service is essential for the industrial activities in this area....

A framework for assessing the capability of maritime search and rescue in the south China sea

Maritime search and rescue (SAR) services are critical for the safety of humans and property in marine environments. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework to assess the capability of maritime SAR in the South China Sea (SCS). The framework comprises three steps. First, rescue vessel response times are estimated by a geographic information system-based response time model. Second, maritime SAR services demand is calculated by combining ship location data and marine incident data. Third, three assessment criteria, namely primary coverage, weighted coverage, and mean access time, are determined to quantitatively assess the capability of maritime SAR. This framework was then applied to the SCS in the analysis of three scenarios in which the SAR response system was defined according to the rescue mechanism (e.g., noncooperation vs. cooperation between countries bordering the SCS). The results showed that only a limited area near the coasts can be reached in a short response time when countries do not cooperate. It was also determined it is difficult for a single country to implement SAR missions effectively while covering the whole SCS; a joint SAR mechanism would allow for better outcomes regarding the performance of maritime SAR services. Furthermore, maritime SAR capacity can be significantly improved when island rescue bases are built. The study offers insights to help policy makers take actions concerning strategic planning to develop effective risk reduction measures and improve maritime SAR capacity in the SCS.

Time Course of Hoist Operations by the Search and Rescue Helicopter Service in Southeast Norway

Optimal dispatch of emergency medical services relies on accurate time estimates of the various prehospital stages. Hoist rescue work time intervals performed by the search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service in Norway have not been studied to date. We aimed to describe the epidemiologic, operational, and medical aspects of the SAR service in southeast Norway. To complement the prehospital timeline, we performed simulated hoist operations. We reviewed time and patient descriptors and medical interventions in hoist operations performed at a SAR base over 5 y. In addition, a simulation study measuring hoist rescue time intervals was performed. Data are presented as mean±SD, except National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) scores, which are presented as modes. There were 148 hoist operations performed during the study period, involving 180 patients. Time to take-off was 13±7 min. There were 88 patients (49%) who were injured; 53 (29%) had a medical condition, and 39 (22%) were evacuees. The mode of the NACA score was 3. Forty-five patients (25%) had an NACA score of 4 to 6. Medical interventions were performed on 77 patients (43%) in 73 operations (49%). Nine patients (5%) were endotracheally intubated, and 1 thoracostomy was performed. The simulated rescuer access time was 4±2 min, the simulated anesthesiologist access time was 6±2 min, and the simulated hoist extrication time was 13±2 min. Hoist rescue was performed in 10% (n=148) of the SAR operations. New information about hoist extrication time intervals can improve rescue helicopter dispatch accuracy.

THE FUNCTIONING OF THE AERONAUTICAL SEARCH AND RESCUE SERVICES IN POLAND

The article examines the legal and institutional functioning of the aeronautical search and rescue services (ASAR services) in Poland, also in view of their cooperation with civil and military authorities. This study also looks at the international and national legal regulations relating to ASAR services. The work contains a presentation of the most important legal acts underpinning the organisation and functioning of the ASAR services in Poland, as well as the tasks of the civil/military aeronautical rescue coordination centre and the civil and military authorities responsible for establishment and operation of ASAR services. The characteristics of the relevant entities forming part of the ASAR services have been outlined, as have other relevant legal instruments and operational documents that are essential for the functioning of the aeronautical search and rescue services in Poland

Protection against cold - a survey of available equipment in Swedish pre-hospital services.

The aim of this study was to survey the current equipment used for prevention, treatment and monitoring of accidental hypothermia in Swedish pre-hospital services. A questionnaire was sent to all road ambulance services (AS), the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), the national helicopter search and rescue service (SAR) and the municipal rescue services (RS) in Sweden to determine the availability of insulation, active warming, fluid heating, and low-reading thermometers. The response rate was 77% (n = 255). All units carried woollen or polyester blankets for basic insulation. Specific windproof insulation materials were common in the HEMS, SAR and RS units but only present in about half of the AS units. Active warming equipment was present in all the SAR units, but only in about two-thirds of the HEMS units and about one-third of the AS units. About half of the RS units had the ability to provide a heated tent or container. Low-reading thermometers were present in less than half of the AS and HEMS units and were non-existent in the SAR units. Pre-warmed intravenous fluids were carried by almost all of the AS units and half of the HEMS units but infusion heaters were absent in most units. Basic insulation capabilities are well established in the Swedish pre-hospital services. Specific wind and waterproof insulation materials, active warming devices, low-reading thermometers and IV fluid heating systems are less common. We suggest the development and implementation of national guidelines on accidental hypothermia that include basic recommendations on equipment requirements.

The Competence of Hellas on Search and Rescue Items in the Aegean Area

Hellas as a maritime State with a long tradition in shipping and allocating one of the most powerful fleet in the world, played and still plays important and fundamental role in the international conferences, for the establishment of international regulations and conventions on subjects of maritime safety in which is included Search and Rescue (SAR). Parallel with the international legal framework which is applied by Hellas, was also developed and national legal framework which is consent to the orders of the international law and aims in the most effective providing, application and co-ordination of SAR services in regions where base on the international law, Hellas has institutional competence. At the same time Hellas, respectively participated in all the international conferences for the establishment of international conventions and regulations that concerned subjects of air transports, as well as providing services of air SAR, constituting and in this case national framework which is consent to the orders of the international law and aims in the most effective providing, application and co-ordination of SAR services in regions where base on the international law, Hellas has institutional competence.

Galileo/SAR: Performance aspects and new service capabilities

AbstractThe European satellite navigation system Galileo is a highly promising technology and offers communication capabilities that can be bridled to provide an enhanced Search‐and‐Rescue (SAR) service in combination with the system, currently in service, Cospas‐Sarsat. In order to enhance the process of retrieval during a rescue operation, this article proposes a Short Messaging Service (SMS) by utilizing the existing message formats and owes of the SAR service. Architectural building blocks which are particularly belonging to either Cospas‐Sarsat or Galileo are highlighted. A new simulation method for local 3D scenarios is presented, which combines detailed 3D environment models with ray tracing and event‐based protocol simulation. Results, both in a global and local 3D setup, reflect the performance indicators of the satellite systems from which the achievable service quality of SAR‐SMS is deduced. The necessity of Galileo/SAR for highly reliable and fast applications in emergency situations is shown and a minimum number of Galileo satellites carrying SAR payload is derived. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Liability in Search and Rescues: Should Individuals who Necessitate Their Own Rescues Have to Pay?

Over the course of the past several years, numerous disasters in the outdoors have received widespread attention by the media and the American public. Search and rescue (SAR) services in the U.S. generally have been provided free of charge to outdoor enthusiasts who need them. In light of the excessive costs associated with some rescues, the fact that many rescues are either the result of perceived stupidity or unwarranted, and other factors, there has been a shift toward charging individuals who necessitate their own rescues.This paper examines the legal basis for free SAR services in the U.S., the rationale behind the shift toward charging for these services, and the implications of holding individuals liable for the cost of SAR activities. It reviews the formal shift toward individual liability for SAR services, looking specifically at state legislation and local policies, as well as some case law. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of charge-for-rescue policies.

Search and Rescue in Yosemite National Park: A 10-Year Review

To describe the general characteristics and epidemiology of search and rescue (SAR) in Yosemite National Park (YNP) and identify possible areas for intervention directed at reduction in use of these services. Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) personnel record every search and rescue mission on a Search and Rescue Incident Report. The information contained in these reports was used to perform a retrospective review of all SAR missions within YNP during the 10-year study period between January 1990 and December 1999. YOSAR performed 1912 SAR missions, assisting 2327 individuals and recording 2077 injuries and illnesses. Popular trails in and around Yosemite Valley collectively accounted for 25% of all individuals needing SAR services. Lower extremity injuries and dehydration/hypovolemia/hunger were commonly identified reasons to need SAR services. The duration of SAR missions averaged 5 hours, used 12 SAR personnel, and cost $4400. Helicopter was the primary mode of transport in 28% of SAR incidents. There were 112 fatalities, yielding a SAR case fatality rate of 4.8%. The majority of fatalities occurred while hiking/snowshoeing, with falling the most common mechanism of lethal injury. Day-hikers in and around Yosemite Valley use a large portion of SAR services, with lower extremity injuries and dehydration/hypovolemia/hunger the most common reasons. It seems reasonable to direct future intervention to prevention of these commonly identified problems in this particular population of Park visitors.

Search and Rescue Services for Airport Disasters in Germany

The Search and Rescue Co-ordination Center Goch called me, some years ago, to the Stuttgart airport with the rescue helicopter of the Federal Armed Forces Rescue Center at Ulm. A single-engine sports plane, whose pilot was a student on his first solo flight, had tried a belly landing. Next to the runway, there were several fire-trucks, two ambulances and one emergency physician's car waiting. Our rescue helicopter stayed hovering for nearly one hour until the student pilot finally managed a belly landing. Safe on the ground, he was surrounded by firemen, paramedics and physicians, while we flew back to Ulm. We had not landed promptly I was told because of the landing taxes an army helicopter has to pay at a civilian airport! This episode prompted me to look for more information.The Federal Republic of Germany is obliged by international agreements to search for planes in distress—no matter what nationality—to save the passengers and, if possible, the equipment and to provide medical treatment for the survivors if necessary. This Search and Rescue (SAR) Service is executed according to the instructions given by the International Civil Aeronautical Organization (ICAO). In the Federal Republic, the SAR service is provided jointly by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Transport. The Ministry of defense provides the means and the Rescue Co-ordination Center. The Ministry of Transport provides the alarm services through the air traffic control offices.