ASTM F1633-97(2008)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Techniques in Land Search (Withdrawn 2017)
Standard Guide for Techniques in Land Search (Withdrawn 2017)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Lost persons are at risk of injury or death from extended periods of isolation, either mental, physical, or both. Their inability to solve immediate problems requires that search and rescue (SAR) personnel use the most efficient and effective techniques to resolve the lost person's situation and to minimize the risks of injury or death.
Searching for immobile or unresponsive subjects, including those deceased, places further limitations upon the search options that are available to search managers. Where appropriate, the guide identifies these limitations.
The use of the listed techniques improves the probability of locating a lost or missing person when applied to land search incidents. These techniques may be employed at the discretion of and under the direction and control of a land search manager.
Terms used in this guide are not intended to be comprehensive, nor are they presumed to be inclusive of all terminology used in the search function.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide identifies and describes techniques that may be used by individuals or agencies when searching for persons, property, or evidence on land. The application of one or more of these techniques to any particular land search will depend upon the individual circumstances of the search and the judgment of the person responsible for conducting the search.
1.2 This guide assists individuals and agencies by providing a list of techniques for their consideration during a land search and by providing a brief description of the application of the technique to land search. Some advantages and disadvantages, as well as the most common uses of the techniques, are discussed in the guide. The guide does not, however, purport to discuss all aspects of conducting a land search.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This guide identified and described techniques that may be used by individuals or agencies when searching for persons, property, or evidence on land.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee F32 on Search and Rescue, this guide was withdrawn in July 2017 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: F1633 − 97 (Reapproved 2008)
Standard Guide for
Techniques in Land Search
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1633; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.3 confinement, n—the act of limiting the growth of the
potentialsearchareabyminimizingtheabilityofthesubject(s)
1.1 This guide identifies and describes techniques that may
leaving the search area undetected.
be used by individuals or agencies when searching for persons,
property, or evidence on land. The application of one or more
3.1.4 electronic search, n—technique(s) using electronic
of these techniques to any particular land search will depend
systems or devices to locate a subject(s) or evidence, or both.
upon the individual circumstances of the search and the
3.1.5 hasty search, v—to send a fast moving, well-trained
judgment of the person responsible for conducting the search.
crew(s) of searchers to quickly check selected high probability
1.2 This guide assists individuals and agencies by providing
area(s).
a list of techniques for their consideration during a land search
3.1.6 investigation, n—the systematic collection and analy-
and by providing a brief description of the application of the
sis of information about the lost or missing subject(s) by
technique to land search. Some advantages and disadvantages,
interviewing (interrogation) or reviewing records or evidence,
as well as the most common uses of the techniques, are
or both.
discussedintheguide.Theguidedoesnot,however,purportto
3.1.7 line search, v—tousesearchersinalinearpattern(s)at
discuss all aspects of conducting a land search.
specified intervals, to investigate a defined search segment.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.8 probability of area (POA), n—the probability of a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- subject or clue being in the area or segment being searched.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.9 probability of detection (POD), n—theprobabilitythat
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the subject or clue will be detected by the search action if the
subject or clue is in the search area.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.10 search dog, n—canine trained in techniques to locate
2.1 ASTM Standard:
a subject(s) or evidence, or both.
F1767 Guide for Forms Used for Search and Rescue
3.1.11 search dog crew(s), n—canine and their handler(s)
trained in search techniques to locate a subject(s) or evidence,
3. Terminology
or both.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.12 segment (search area), n—a geographic unit within
3.1.1 attraction, n—to get the attention of lost, missing, or
the search area established for the purpose of effective and
stranded subject(s) by sound or visual methods, or both, for
efficient assignment of search resources.
example, whistle, light, smoke.
3.1.13 segmentation, n—the process of partitioning the
3.1.2 clue awareness, n—to be aware of evidence left by a
search area into segments.
subject(s) which may help to ascertain their location or
direction of travel, or both.
3.1.14 segmentation, binary, n—to reduce the size of a
search area through subdivision into increasingly smaller
segments.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search and
3.1.15 tracking, v—to follow a subject(s) footprint(s),
RescueandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeF32.02onManagementand
Operations. track(s), or sign through varying types of terrain.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2008. Published December 2008. Originally
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as F1633 – 97(2003).
DOI: 10.1520/F1633-97R08.
3.2.1 breakage, n—a physical rupture of material or the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
surface of material, such as frequently seen when vegetation is
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
crushed or bent by external forces such as the passage of
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. subjects.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1633 − 97 (2008)
3.2.2 bruising, n—changes in the subsurface of vegetation 5. Significance and Use
which generally leaves the surface intact but noticeably differ-
5.1 Lost persons are at risk of injury or death from extended
entandistheresultofvegetationbeingcrushedorsqueezedby
periods of isolation, either mental, physical, or both. Their
external forces such as the passage of a subject(s).
inability to solve immediate problems requires that search and
3.2.3 color change, n—changes in tone or contrast of a
rescue (SAR) personnel use the most efficient and effective
surface as a result of a disturbance which causes the disturbed
techniques to resolve the lost person’s situation and to mini-
area to appear different from the surroundings. An example of
mize the risks of injury or death.
such a change would be the turning up of sub-soil with more
5.2 Searching for immobile or unresponsive subjects, in-
moisture than the drier surface soil, thereby creating a darker
cluding those deceased, places further limitations upon the
pattern in the disturbed area. See also shine.
search options that are available to search managers. Where
3.2.4 disturbance, n—evidence of recent change,
appropriate, the guide identifies these limitations.
displacement, or rearrangement such as dislodged rocks,
5.3 Theuseofthelistedtechniquesimprovestheprobability
pebbles, twigs, or bruised leaves. Other evidence could include
oflocatingalostormissingpersonwhenappliedtolandsearch
breaks in branches, twigs, or bruised leaves at or above the
incidents. These techniques may be employed at the discretion
ground.
of and under the direction and control of a land search
3.2.5 flattening, n—when pebbles, twigs, and other objects
manager.
are pushed below their natural bed, indicating that something
5.4 Terms used in this guide are not intended to be
very hard such as a sole or hoof of an animal has stepped on
comprehensive, nor are they presumed to be inclusive of all
them.
terminology used in the search function.
3.2.6 scuff, n—a disturbance caused by the dragging of a
foot on a surface such as is evidenced by the displacement of
6. General Considerations
a lichen on a rock.
6.1 Operational factors that are common to any search but
3.2.7 shine, n—an apparent color change in the reflection of
not specific to any one phase or element of the operation are
light from surfaces as a result of disturbance to the area.
listed in Table 1. Each factor should be considered when
Frequently seen as dew laden grass that has had the moisture
initiating a search for a lost subject(s). Often these consider-
knocked from it as a subject walks through it or as flattened
ations can be summarized to a single form such as is given in
grass from foot pressure. This is most easily seen from
the example in Appendix X1.
distances between 5 and 10 m.
7. Land Search Techniques
3.2.8 sign, n—any evidence of external forces acting upon
the environment. Emphasis is placed on sign that indicates the
7.1 Attraction—Method of searching, in which the searcher
passageofthesubject(s)beingsought.Examplesincludeasole
attemptstoestablishcontactwiththesubjectbyaudioorvisual
pattern imbedded in the soil as a sign that a person or shoes
means, or both. When the technique is used it is important that
have been there.
the searcher remains stationary for a long enough period of
time to be sure the subject will respond if able. This method is
3.3 Terminology not defined in this guide but referenced in
used when the subject is believed to be responsive. The
the text can be found in ICS 420, Managing the Search
4 5
subject(s) may or may not be mobile, although mobility
Function, and in Search is an Emergency.
improves the usefulness of the technique in many instances.
4. Summary of Guide
4.1 This guide presents the land search manager with a brief
TABLE 1 General Considerations for Land Search
synopsis of various land search techniques that have been
Subject Considerations: number of subjects
shown to be effective in locating missing subjects or evidence.
age
Some known strengths and weaknesses are discussed to assist
physical condition and abilities
mental condition and attitude
thelandsearchmanagerinselectingthemostappropriatesetof
knowledge and training
techniques for the incident at hand.
clothing
equipment
4.2 Much of the information in the guide comes from
self-rescue likelihood
classroommaterialsavailablethroughtheNationalAssociation
Terrain Considerations: difficulty of travel
difficulty of access
for Search and Rescue Managing the Search Function Course
remoteness
and from the Emergency Response Institute’s classroom text
exposure to object hazards
Search is an Emergency.
Weather Considerations: recent past
present
future
International Fire Service Training Association, Incident Command System
Time Considerations: last seen
Field Operations Guide, ICS 420 available from the International Fire Service
remaining light, if any
Training Association, Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University,
sign age/longevity
Stillwater, OK 74078.
Resource Considerations: available personnel
Managing the Search Function, Third Edition, 1987. Available from the
available equipment
National Association for Search and Rescue, P.O. Box 3709, Fairfax, VA 22038.
knowledge, training and experience
LaValla, Rick and Stoffel, Skip. 1987. Search is an Emergency, Emergency available air-evac assets
Response Institute, 4537 Foxhall Drive, Olympia, Washington 98506.
F1633 − 97 (2008)
TABLE 3 Electronic Search Techniques
7.1.1 There are many ways of attracting a subject (see Table
2). Which method to use depends on a great variety of Subject Status/Technique Examples
conditions that may exist during the search. Some of the Not Specially Equipped, Not
Responsive
conditions to be considered are local background noise,
infrared thermal imaging helicopter Forward Looking Infrared
weather, natural and artificial lighting present, topography,
(FLIR)
infrared illumination
time of day/year, and resources available.
light amplification starlight or sniper scope
7.1.2 Attraction can be used in conjunction with other
acoustic amplification
search techniques. When searchers are moving it is important
magnetometer
to stop at various intervals to look and listen for a response. Not Specially Equipped,
Responsive
Observation and listening posts may be established throughout
all of the above
a search area.
seismic sensing
acoustic interrogation loudspeaker, acoustic amplifier for
7.2 Confinement—A search technique that presumes the
listening
subject’s ability to leave a search area can be prevented or at
Specially Equipped, Not
Responsive
least detected. It is most useful when several items of pertinent
radio direction finding automatically activated Emergency
information are known, thereby enabling the subject’s rate of
Locator Transmitter (ELT)
travel to be estimated. This information includes the point last
avalanche beacon
transponder interrogation RECCO™ personnel locator
seen (PLS), the time the person became lost, and the mobility
Specially Equipped, Responsive
of the subject keeping in mind that weather or darkness may
all of the above
further limit the subject’s mobility. radio direction finding manually activated transmitter
direct radio/telephone
7.2.1 Confinement is less effective when the search area is
communication
not well defined or is extremely large. If search tools such as
string lines or other temporary boundaries must be built, it will
require much time and manpower, thereby increasing the
7.4 Hasty Search—A planned, rapid, non-thorough search,
chances that the subject(s) may leave the search area unde-
ofhighprobabilityareas,bysmall,fastmoving,clueconscious
tected.
crews. This active method of searching is usually used in the
7.2.2 Terrain features may be conducive to the confinement
early phases of a land search to search the areas where the
technique if the borders of the search segment are well defined
subject is most likely to be located, or to find a clue to give
by natural or man-made boundaries. Under these
direction of travel, or both. Some areas in which a hasty crew
circumstances, boundaries tend to direct or restrict the sub-
may be used include known or suspected routes (for example,
ject’s travel.
trails),theareaaroundthepointlastseen,areaswhichmightbe
7.3 Electronic Search—The use of electronic systems or
attractive to the subject (for example, ponds, rivers, meadows,
devices to locate a subject(s) or evidence, or both. Which
vistas), drainages, and ridge tops.
electronic search techniques can be used depends upon what
7.5 Investigation—The act of gathering information, often
equipment is available, whether or not the subject or evidence
referred to as intelligence, about the lost person(s). In the
is specially equipped (for example, RECCO™, ELT), and
course of investigation, information is gathered regarding two
whether or not the subject(s) are responsive. Table 3 summa-
elements of lost persons. The first involves subject behavior
rizes the suitability of the various techniques to specific
and survivability profiles within the boundaries of the search
circumstances of a search.
area. The second pertains to the potential whereabouts and
7.3.1 All of these methods, except for infrared illumination
plightofmissingpersonswhoarepotentiallyoutsidethesearch
and light amplification, which can be used only at night, can be
5 7
area (staged incident or “bastard” search ). This could be
useddayornight.Mostinfraredthermalimagingsystemswork
information needed by criminal investigators should the search
only at night, but systems that produce color images can be
become criminal in nature.
used during the day. All the methods can be used in any
7.5.1 Intelligence is gathered from interviews with persons
weather or terrain, but the acoustic and seismic techniques
otherthanthesubject(s),reviewofrecords,andexaminationof
need a relatively quiet environment to function properly.
evidence found during the course of the search. Relatives,
friends, associates, and persons in the search area are prime
candidates for interviews. Record reviews might
...
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