ID
8-508-1264
Name
Stillwater/Flood Search and Rescue Team
Status
Published
Version
1.0
Updated
3/9/2021 8:35:28 AM
Original Release
03/09/2021
Last Major Release
03/09/2021
Description
The Stillwater/Flood Search and Rescue (SAR) Team conducts search, rescue and recovery operations for humans and animals in stillwater and stillwater/flood environments.
Resource Category
Search and Rescue
Primary Core Capability
Mass Search and Rescue Operations
Secondary Core Capability
 
Resource Kind
Team
Overall Function
The Stillwater/Flood SAR Team: 1. Searches for and rescues individuals who may be injured or otherwise in need of medical attention 2. Provides emergency medical care, including Basic Life Support (BLS) 3. Provides animal rescue 4. Transports humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary land or air transport 5. Provides shore-based and boat-based water rescue for humans and animals 6. Supports helicopter rescue operations and urban SAR in water environments for humans and animals 7. Operates in environments with or without infrastructure, including environments with compromised access to roadways, utilities, transportation and medical facilities, and with limited access to shelter, food and water
Composition and Ordering Specifications
1. Discuss logistics for deploying this team, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation and meals, prior to deployment. 2. Requestor and provider address certain needs and issues prior to deployment, including: a. Communications equipment that enables more than intra-team communications, such as programmable interoperable communications equipment with capabilities for command, logistics, military, air and so on b. Type of incident and operational environment, such as weather event, levy or dam breach or risk of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) contamination c. Additional specialized personnel necessary, such as advanced medical staff, animal SAR specialists, logistics specialists, advisors, helicopter support staff or support personnel for unique operating environments d. Additional transportation-related needs, including specific vehicles, boats, trailers, drivers, mechanics, equipment, supplies, fuel and so on e. Additional aviation support, such as helicopters or fixed wing aircraft f. Tools, hardware, software, ropes and survivor evacuation equipment beyond what is specified for this resource g. Any additional equipment, such as thermal imager, litter wheel or night vision goggles h. Potential for contaminated environments and the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), respiratory protection, clothing and related equipment i. Level and duration of self-sufficiency necessary, including food, fuel and shelter 3. To ensure team has appropriate capabilities, requestor specifies whether night operations are necessary. 4. Requestor specifies the type of animal rescue involved, such as livestock, equine, companion, avian, non-domestic or exotic animals. 5. This team has the authority to transport rescued humans and animals using water-based means; requestor acquires secondary land or air transport separately. 6. Operations in SAR environments may be immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH), per ASTM International (ASTM) F2890: Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel; requestor should consider the need for additional recognized capabilities or endorsements.
Supporting Core Capabilities
None
Components
Component Notes  
MINIMUM PERSONNEL PER TEAMNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 116
Type 212
Type 36
MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT PERSONNEL PER TEAMNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1 – National Incident Management System (NIMS) Stillwater/Flood SAR Team Leader
Type 31 – NIMS Stillwater/Flood SAR Team Leader
SUPPORT PERSONNEL PER TEAM1. For Type 3, one team member should also hold a NIMS Type 1 EMT qualification. 2. For Type 3, one team member should also have logistics management knowledge. 3. For Type 2, one team member should also hold a communications specialist qualification.
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: 1 – NIMS Boat Operator (SAR) 1 – NIMS Stillwater/Flood SAR Technician 1 – NIMS Stillwater/Flood SAR Technician with the following skill set: animal rescue specialist 1 – NIMS Stillwater/Flood SAR Technician with the following skill set: communications specialist
Type 23 – NIMS Boat Operator (SAR) 3 – NIMS Stillwater/Flood SAR Technician 1 – NIMS Stillwater/Flood SAR Technician with the following skill set: logistics specialist 3 – NIMS Stillwater/Flood SAR Technician with the following skill set: NIMS Type 1 EMT
Type 31 – NIMS Boat Operator (SAR) 4 – NIMS Stillwater/Flood SAR Technician
Operations Capability Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Is capable of supporting and rescuing animals
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: Coordinates or operates in a large operations area using multiple stillwater/flood rescue resources, including: 1. Boat-based operations 2. High-clearance vehicle operations 3. Helicopter-based operations
Type 31. Performs the following water operations in stillwater with a current of less than 1 knot: a. Paddle and powerboat operations b. Offensive water rescue c. Flood response operations 2. Performs first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use 3. Requests rope rescue and aviation resources as necessary 4. Operates in HAZMAT-contaminated environments 5. Manages search operations 6. Provides medical care, including BLS 7. Performs low-angle rope rescue 8. Demonstrates self-sufficiency as the operational environment demands
Minimum Environment Per MissionNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 3Stillwater/flood
Recovery Equipment Per Rescue BoatNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. Litter/stokes basket or similar 2. Adjustable bridle 3. Patient harness system 4. Animal restraint devices, such as handling equipment, prods, lead ropes, halters, collars, leashes
Water Rescue Equipment Per Rescue BoatNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. 3 – Throw bag 2. Throwable flotation device 3. Vessel support kit 4. Paddles
Decontamination Equipment Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. 2 – 25-foot garden hose 2. Garden hose wye valve 3. Decontamination equipment kit including, for example: a. 2.5-gallon pressure sprayer b. 5-gallon bucket c. Soap and bleach solution d. 40-gallon plastic work box e. 110-volt submersible pump f. 110-volt power washer
Gas Detection Equipment Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Multi-gas detector
Type 3Not Specified
Ground Transportation Equipment Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. Vehicle(s) and trailer(s) capable of hauling personnel, equipment and boats 2. Tie-downs and strapping
Communications Equipment Per Team Member1. Keep communications within and among teams consistent with National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG). 2. Consider alternate forms of communication, such as satellite phones, based on the mission assignment and team needs.
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. Two-way handheld radio 2. Mobile phone (waterproof) 3. Chargers for devices
Communications Equipment Per Boat CrewKeep communications within and among teams consistent with NIFOG.
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. Marine band radio (portable/waterproof) 2. Portable radio with ground-to-air capability 3. Handheld GPS unit
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) PER TEAM MEMBER1. The following regulation addresses PPE: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.146: Permit-Required Confined Spaces. 2. Recommended rating for PFDs for stillwater environments is 15.5 pounds of buoyancy or higher.
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. Stillwater/flood SAR helmet 2. Headlamp and batteries 3. Eye and hearing protection 4. Respiratory protection 5. Uniform/protective clothing 6. Gloves 7. Footwear 8. Dry suit 9. Appropriate Personal Flotation Device (PFD) 10. Deployment/travel pack 11. Personal medical kit 12. Survival kit 13. Other necessary field packs or gear
Rescue Equipment Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. Powered saw and appropriate fuel 2. Rope rescue kit 3. Pole for reaching (pike or equivalent) 4. Assorted hand tools, including Halligan bar, 8-lb. flathead ax, 10-lb. sledgehammer, hammers, drills and saws
Rescue Boat Equipment Per TeamAppropriate watercraft depends on mission needs and may include rafts in addition to powerboats.
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: 2 – Inflatable rescue boat, flat-bottom boat or watercraft appropriate for type of water, equipped with supplies and fuel
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1 – Inflatable rescue boat, flat-bottom boat or watercraft appropriate for type of water, equipped with supplies and fuel
Type 31 – Inflatable rescue boat, flat-bottom boat or watercraft appropriate for type of water, equipped with supplies and fuel
868868
Notes
References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 509: Boat Operator (Search and Rescue)
FEMA, NIMS 509: Emergency Medical Technician
FEMA, NIMS 509: Stillwater/Flood Search and Rescue Team Leader
FEMA, NIMS 509: Stillwater/Flood Search and Rescue Technician
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, National Response Framework, October 2019
ASTM International (ASTM) F2890: Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel, latest edition adopted
National Search and Rescue Committee (NSARC), Catastrophic Incident Search and Rescue (CISAR) Addendum to the National Search and Rescue Supplement to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual, latest edition adopted
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.146: Permit-Required Confined Spaces, latest edition adopted
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Emergency Communications (OEC), National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG), latest edition adopted