This course addresses the critical need to "find the victims" before you can extricate them. It has been proven time and time again during international disaster responses that trained USAR rescuers can extricate victims trapped in concrete building collapses. The true challenge is finding them first! This course will address the following search competencies:

• Development of a search plan
• Understanding of search strategies
• Search phases
• Search methods and resources
• Search analysis and prioritization
• Planning and information management
• Technical search equipment applications
• Sound propagation factors/interference considerations
• Detecting and locating/sensor spacing
• Listening device operational competence
• Environmental and operational limitations of listening devices
• Visual search systems-search cameras/fiberoptics-components & operations
• Visual void search
• Visual orientation and spatial distortion
• Safety considerations
• Marking systems and documentation