The father and son went hiking but were now overdue to return. The mother became concerned when they did not return by 7 PM and contacted authorities. A search and rescue team was activated. The son has diabetes and only packed enough insulin for one day. Heavy rain began during the search, making conditions dangerous for walking search teams due to slippery rocks.

1. SAR TABLETOP
Skot Covert, Kevin Sbanotto, Aaron
Sabatini

2. OCTOBER 22, 2008
Father and Son depart at 9:00 AM for a day long hike

in the Ozark Mountains. They only have enough
supplies (food and water) for 8 hours.
The hiking trail is designed for moderate hikers, it is

extremely rocky in some parts. The trail fluctuates
between wide and narrow.
A 50% chance of light/moderate showers are

forecasted for the day.
Forecasters predict a high of 50 degrees, and a low

of 41 degrees that night.
The father and son are expected to be back at 5 PM.


3. HIKERS ARE NOW OVERDUE.
At 7:00 PM the father and son still have not

arrived. At this time the mother becomes very
concerned and contacts the rangers station
to see if they have checked out.
 Forest Ranger says no.
The mother contacts the proper authorities,

and the local SAR team is activated.

4. DISCUSSION
At what point should the mother become

concerned?
 Is she over reacting?
Who should she call?

 She called the forest ranger, how would they
coordinate efforts with the SAR team?

5. 9:00 PM
SAR leaders interview the mother and find

out the following:
 Son suffers from diabetes and only packed
enough insulin for one day.
 The father and son are inexperienced
hikers, and are not familiar with the area.

6. DISCUSSION
With the current weather conditions (rain and

temperature), when would you deploy your
search teams?
 Must keep in mind the safety of SAR members.
Does the health conditions of the son

increase the urgency?

7. SEARCH BEGINS – 10:00 PM
SAR teams deploy dogs, ATV teams, and

walking teams to canvas the area.
 At 11:23, heavy rain begins, eliminating the
use of search dogs…Also creating slippery
rocks, creating a high risk for walking teams.

8. DISCUSSION
With the high danger to the walking teams

due to the slippery rocks:
 Do you call in the teams for their safety?
 Continue the search?
 Call off the ground search and only use mobile
searchers (ATV’s etc.)