A Preliminary Look at Searcher Computer Databases
			and Barcodes for SAR

		       Sept.  19, 1994

	  Bob Manson,  Lions Bay Search And Rescue


The following is a description of one concept of computers 
used in SAR, more specifically the use of databases to 
manage the Searcher resources during an actual task. This 
database system is described as it would fit into a larger 
system involving computers and other software as tools in 
assisting in SAR Management. This is a preliminary 
description, designed to introduce the concept and provide a 
foundation for discussion and evolution of such tools.
Other computer software, such as Martin Colwell's "Search 
Manager" would certainly be a part of such a system. This 
report however, deals with what can be added to that system 
to compliment it.


During Sarex '94 I had an opportunity to show-off a 
demonstration version of a SAR Personnel Resource Database I 
had devised, using barcoded ID cards for searcher ID input.
The system is called the "Searcher Registry." For 
discussion purposes, I am posting this on Mindlink with the 
hope that it will stimulate some feedback. The only way 
such a system can be truly effective is through 
standardization achieved through discussion with other 
teams.


PURPOSE
To make registration, and utilization of team personnel
resources during a large scale mutual aid operation:

   1. Easier    - No lengthy specialized training would be required.
		  Based on a MS Windows program, the system would
		  be very easy to learn and operate.

   2. Quicker   - For those already in a database, only the quick
		  pass of a barcode reader is necessary to
		  check in and out, and to supply a complete profile
		  of the searcher's skills and important information
		  to the search manager. No long line-ups as
		  searchers checked-in.

   3. More effective & reliable
		- Skills are evaluated before, & by those
   		who can make a critical assessment of the
		searcher's skills, and there is less chance of
		errors in data entry during the task. All relevant
		information, including next-of-kin would
		already be on file.

   4. Safer     - By being so simple, better track can be kept of
		  personnel as they check in and out. Search
		  managers could know instantly who has checked in
		  and out and when, and what resources are
		  immediately available.


"SEARCHER REGISTRY"
This system is a two pronged approached that utilizes 
computers before and during such an operation. The basis, 
and first part of the system is a computer database for each 
team, containing a file on each member of that team.
Ideally, each team would be responsible for maintaining 
their team's database as they are familiar with the 
individual's skill training and competence. This would 
prevent reliance on searchers evaluating themselves at the 
time of registering for a large scale search with the usual 
show-of-hands. 

The second part of the system would be a printed Barcode 
attached to the back of each existing team member's PEP card 
and a barcode reader with the registration computer. By 
reading the barcode, the computer is given an ID number for 
a searcher and draws-up the datafile associated with that 
number. The computer would then also log the "IN" time for 
that searcher.

The data file for each team would be uploaded to the 
"Mindlink!" BBS Resource library where each team would 
periodically download all files to ensure they have an up
-to-date database. With this done, a search manager in any team
would already have all the necessary information on other 
team's resources before the call went out for mutual aid.
This would still leave the actual call-out responsibility 
with the respective teams, but when those searchers arrive, 
their abilities would already be on file and by "signing in" 
with their barcoded card, that information would instantly 
be available to the search manager.

Registration can be done from more than one location with 
the use of modems and phone lines between stations. One 
computer would be designated the base station with remote 
stations calling-in to upload the latest data. By 
exchanging data, even the remote stations would have all the 
latest registration information.

All of this information can be stored for later analysis by 
the search manager planning for a subsequent day's 
operations, or for post search evaluation and statistical 
analysis.


SCENARIO
During a large scale search, in which mutual aid brings 
searchers from different teams, a large group of personnel 
begin arriving at the staging area. As usual, registration 
needs to be done to know who is on-scene and what their 
abilities are. With the use of a computer and barcode 
reader, each searcher is checked-in with the swipe of their 
PEP ID card. This process takes only two seconds. By doing 
so, the search manager is provided with up-to-the-minute 
information on what personnel resources are available. 
(Non-team affiliated volunteers would still have to have 
information manually entered.)

In assigning the resources, the Search Manager accesses the 
file of available, unassigned personnel. With a list of 
skills displayed he/she can pick the personnel with the best 
skills for a certain assignment. By using a mouse, the 
names of the selected searchers can be dragged and dropped 
onto a team assignment icon. The computer could then keep 
track of when they are sent out into the field and log their 
radioed reports.

By working in conjunction with existing software and which 
would automatically exchange information, a very clear 
picture can be kept of a search team's status:

"Searcher Registry"
Can tell who is on a team and what their skills and 
equipment are.

"Maximizer - Radio Log"
Reports from teams in the field are recorded in a computer 
data file, can be call-up and reviewed.

"SAR Tracker"
Mapping software shows the current location of the team in 
the field.


In summary:
	- planning involves use of "Search Manager" software to
	  determine efficient search techniques
	- Searchers arrive at base and are checked-in with
	  barcoded ID cards
	- Search manager assesses resources from the datafile
	  and assigns personnel
	- teams reporting-in on radio are logged in the Radio
	  Log which feeds their location to mapping software
	  which graphically displays their location on a digitized map.
	- when searchers arrive back at base, they check-out 
	  with another swipe of their card.

And of course, all of the facilities of computers would be 
available: Fax Modems to send data or faxes to remote 
stations, printers to output team assignments, disk storage 
of all data for later use.

DATABASE
Like many teams, LBSAR has had a team resources database in 
effect for some time. The usefulness of this was 
demonstrated at last year's HiTechSAR '93 Exercise. Ours as 
it existed was a simple text database where comments were 
entered on various training and skills categories.

In order to make the database system more effective, some 
sort of standardization was required. I devised a 
rudimentary system simply for the purposes of introducing 
and demonstrating the concept at SAREX '94. The structure 
of that database was as follows:

	-Searcher Name
	-Address
	-Phone Numbers
	-Next of Kin
	-First Aid Training Level
	-Team affiliation and ID number
	-Team Status
	-Date of last file update


And room for a list of 40 skills and training, so far 
containing the following:

	 1. Search Mgt.
	 2. Basic SAR
	 3. Ground Search TL
	 4. CPR
	 5. Radio
	 6. Map & Compass
	 7. Helicopter Safety
	 8. Survival
	 9. Climb Rock
	10. Climb Ice
	11. Rope Rescue
	12. Rope Rescue TL
	13. Backcountry Ski
	14. Avalanche
	15. Tracking
	16. SWR I
	17. SWR II
	18. Diver
	19. Own Skis
	20. Own Snowshoes
	21. Own Beacon


As the database exists, it is designed so that skills are 
checked off, indicating whether the searcher had those 
skills or not. A suggestion was made that a 1-5 numeric 
scale indicate their skill level, and the way the database 
is currently structured, this would be easy to implement.
Debate exists over whether that kind of detailed information 
is really necessary to the search manager deciding to 
allocate resources during an actual search- "either they 
have those skills or not" - or to utilize that kind of 
detailed info for other uses outside an actual search.


Trail and Area Familiarization
Although this could be incorporated into the database, it 
may be best left off. All of our team members are expected 
to be familiar with all the trails in our area. But since 
our team has been called upon from Pemberton to the Sunshine 
Coast to Mt. Baker, to be able to keep a record of all the 
trails in that huge area would be staggering. Perhaps it is 
best left as a check box to be checked when the searcher 
registers for that particular task.


CONCLUSION
There are many advantages to such a system: ease, speed, 
efficiency, safety. For such a system to work between 
different teams, there must obviously be standardization.
Other teams may find that other skills need to be listed, 
and that other bits of information be recorded. For such a 
system to work in an integrated environment, these other 
additions must appear in each team's database. That is my 
purpose in posting this preliminary report, in hopes that 
feedback can help such a system to evolve into a truly 
useful and valued SAR tool.



Bob Manson
Training Officer
Lions Bay Search And Rescue

Home Address:
P.O. Box 549
Lions Bay, BC
V0N 2E0

h. 921-8151

e-mail:  SARINFO@MINDLINK.BC.CA