Mass rescue operations: optimizing success

A mass rescue operation is defined by the International Maritime Organization as search and rescue services characterized by the need for immediate response to large numbers of persons in distress. As such, normal search and rescue capabilities are inadequate. These operations may involve a natural disaster or an aircraft, vessel, roadway or rail incident. Success is contingent upon the efforts of the many people and agencies that implement effective plans, as no single organization is fully equipped to handle such an operation. This article details the steps necessary for success in this area, including planning, establishing a response chain, designing response organizations, and organizing a unified command. Further keys to success are effectively using limited resources, identifying common communication channels, conducting training exercises and drills, and implementing lessons learned from those exercises.

• Record URL:
  • http://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/issue/43475/22/
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/15479676
• Authors:
  • Culver, Paul
• Publication Date: 2011

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Pagination: pp 22-24
• Serial:
  • Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council
  • Volume: 68
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: U.S Coast Guard Headquarters
  • ISSN: 1547-9676

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crashes; Disaster preparedness; Disasters and emergency operations; Emergency management; Implementation; Optimization; Search and rescue operations
• Uncontrolled Terms: Mass Rescue Operation; Natural disasters
• Subject Areas: Security and Emergencies; Transportation (General); I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01357067
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 16 2011 2:51PM