PCL 1 - Preparations of Rescue Team by JinLi

Planning factors
1. Command and control - rescue team
2. Safety
3. Communication
4. Assessment
5. Treatment - injuries , allergies
6. Means of Evacuation ( transport )

Parties involved
1. JSART - Jungle Search and Rescue Team ( a branch of the Fire Department )
2. The Police
3. Paramedics
4. The local hikers ( volunteers )

Team Structure:
1.Commander (1 major)
2.Deputy Commander (1 Captain)
3.Logistics Cell (1 Sgt and 2 Cpl) - ensure sufficient preparation and maintenence for the search- including the communication specialists
4.Admin Cell (1 WO and 3 Cpl)
5.Search and Rescue Section (1 Lta, 1 sgnt, 10 Cpl)
6.Support Section (1 Lta, 1 Sgnt and 12 Cpl including paramedics,doctors and technical personnel )

* Rescue work must only be carried out by those who have specialist training, equipment and physical conditioning for working in the environment.

Important information to be taken into account
1. Gather Information about the victim
- a photo of Sima
- the clothes that she's wearing
- where and when was she last seen
- any language barrier
2. Weather , physical environment
3. Access, extrication difficulties (to remove or freeing the casualty if she is trapped )
4. Establish search area - to plan for possible approach routes
5. Insurance cover prior of the expedition
6. Items should be packed in waterproof containers
7. Choice of receiving hospital

A. Food
- warm food or fluids ( warm , sweet fluids such as tea, milo with milk and sugar, Chocolate and energy bar to boost energy )
- only if concious / shivering has stopped
- if unconcious , warmed IV fluids ( 37-39 celsius )

B Transportation
- helicopters ( request made via the police )- costly , cover large distance
- ambulance - time consuming

C Equipments
- whistle
- first aid kit
- drug box
- blankets
- special rescue stretcher ( usually with helicopter lift cables for easy transportation and holds the casualty securely )
- personal protective equipments ( jacket appropriate for the weather, knee pads )

D Communications
- mobile phones ( if applicable)
- Emergency Locator Transmitter - function manually or automatic by a switch , can be activated in 10 minutes once detect signals ( certain frequency )
- Satellite phones - that connects to orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial cell sites
- Walkie talkie

Sources
1. Ian Greaves , Keith Porter ( 2006), Emergency Care : A Handbook for Paramedics , Elsevier Limited, United Kingdom
2. Malaysia Fire and Rescue Volunteers
http://www.mvfra.org/sJSART.htm