Resources
Emergency Response Procedures - search
Where it is suspected that a student is lost:
- Confirm that a student is missing (count heads).
- Identify the student's name, description and what they were wearing.
- Ascertain the location where the student was last seen.
- Send two people (at least one of whom is a staff member) to retrace the group's steps for fifteen minutes only, calling out, listening and carefully observing signs.
Note: Only ever separate the group into two sub-groups as described above; one searching and one staying put. Seek additional assistance if the searching group returns without the student.
In situations where there is no immediate access to a mobile telephone or other communication equipment:
- Identify two people (at least one of whom is a staff member) to go for assistance.
- Discuss the route to be taken by this pair.
- Note relevant details on paper for the pair to carry (include the time, day and date, the location with grid reference and land features, the name of the lost student(s) and how they are equipped, composition of the remaining group, events leading up to the incident, intentions of the group left behind and supplies required).
- Equip the pair as a fully contained unit with the appropriate food, clothing, water, tent or other shelter as well as a torch and map.
If appropriate the remaining group should make camp in a sheltered position and keep notes of actions, including times and other relevant information.
Note: The police are the appropriate agency to contact. They will organise the search and call other agencies as required. Also contact the school principal or excursion contact person. The school will contact the Department of Education's twenty-four-hour emergency communication centre and the relevant regional office (refer Communication during an emergency).
For non-remote areas with well-defined boundaries:
- Check the area if possible.
- Search and continue searching the perimeter (using a vehicle and/or on foot), stopping to whistle, call or toot a car horn and waiting to listen for a response.
- Police assistance should be sought if the student has not been found within half an hour of being declared missing. In such a case, also notify the ranger (if applicable) and the school principal or prearranged school contact person.
- Record on paper a description of the student, the area that has been searched, and list possible areas where the search could widen out.
More information
For more information, see: