# Presentation: 355324

## Technology In Search And Rescue

- Developed as part of the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project

## Introduction

- Technology in SAR:  A misnomer?
- What do we mean by Technology?
- In what facets of SAR can Technology be used?
- Current Technology and its Applications
- The Future of Technology in CAP Emergency Services
- Problems and Issues of Technology in SAR

## Technology in SAR:  A Misnomer?

- Do the methodologies of CAP Search and Rescue lend themselves to the use of Technology?
- Can technology be useful enough to justify the time and money?
- At each level, decisions must be made to determine how much time and money will be spent on technology
- Cost/Benefit analysis must be made

## What do we mean by Technology

- Technology does not necessarily include only computers
- Technology refers to the application of new tools to make us more efficient
- These tools can include
- Computers and Software
- Radio technology
- Digital cameras
- Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
- Etc.

## Where can Technology be Used in CAP ES?

- There are applications for current and future technology at all levels of CAP
- ES Incident Bases
- Wing Level
- At the local squadron
- On Ground Teams
- Etc.
- The applications of technology and ES are limited only by cost and the human element

## Current Technology and Applications

- Computers and Software
- Of all the technological innovations, computers and software have the most use in CAP ES
- Almost unlimited uses at all levels of CAP ES
- COTS (*commercial off the shelf*) products
- Specially designed software packages have been written by SAR personnel

## Mobile Computers

- Mobile computers are especially useful in CAP ES
- Portable
- Light
- Mobile computer have disadvantages
- Expense
- Battery Life
- Susceptible to the elements

## Software

- COTS Products, such as office suites, have a number of applications
- Spreadsheets
- Personal Databases
- Word Processors
- Applications
- Check-ins
- Tracking ES Qualifications
- Computerized ES Forms

## Software continued...

- Mapping Programs
- Delorme Topo Maps
- Topo Maps are now available in high resolution
- Can be used for both air and ground crews
- GIS Systems
- Many other specialty software packages are available that have limitless applications for CAP ES

## GPS

- GPS receivers are becoming more affordable and more precise
- GPS receivers will soon be built into personal radios
- GPS systems can interface into many mapping programs
- Provides unprecedented utility to ES Ground teams

## Communication Technology

- Digital radio communications
- Higher Range
- Clearer, less static
- Cellular Phones provide far better communications than current 2 meter radios in many areas
- RF Technology has many future uses

## Other Current Technology

- Personal Digital Assistants
- Current and Future PDAs have almost as much power as mobile computers
- True power of PDAs rests with PDA peripherals
- Digital Cameras and Imaging
- Many other technological innovations can be used to make SAR more efficient

## Practical Examples

- Computerized Check-in
- CAP Forms Online - _[http://www2.netdoor.com/~drchuck/capforms.html](http://www2.netdoor.com/~drchuck/capforms.html)_
- Track ES Qualifications

## Future of Technology in SAR

- Moore’s Law – “The sum total of all processing power doubles every year”
- Most benefit of technology in SAR will be the a result of merging current technologies
- Vision of Future Ground Team Mission

## Problems and Issues 

- For all of its benefits, technology does present unique problems
- These problems are inherent to technology in all applications, not just CAP SAR
- Some problems can be solved, but some must be sidestepped

## Problems

- Expense
- Up front expense
- On-going expense
- Training problems
- Care and Maintenance
- Short Technology Lifecycle

## The Human Element

- Technology for technology’s sake
- Technology applications must make SAR more efficient
- Technology for its own sake costs much, but provides little benefit
- The human element
- Many SAR personnel do not like computers, technology, etc.
- “We’ve done it this way for years” mentality
- Must demonstrate that technology can be used to make us more efficient

## Discussion

**What are you doing today?**
**What have you done to better position yourself for the future?**

## QUESTIONS?