Search and rescue in the United States involves a wide range of organizations that have search and rescue responsibilities.
In January 2008, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the National Response Framework (NRF) which serves as the guiding document for a federal response during a national emergency. In addition to the NRF, there are 15 annexes relating to Emergency Support Functions (ESF), which include other federal agencies that contain resources or expertise to support an emergency. Search and Rescue is included in ESF-9 and divides SAR into four primary elements while assigning a federal agency the lead role for each of the four elements.[1]
In the U.S., SAR standards are developed primarily by ASTM International and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which are then used by organizations such as the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA), the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR), and the NFPA to develop training that will meet or exceed those standards.[2] Within ASTM International, most standards of relevance to SAR are developed by Committee F32 on Search and Rescue. Formed in 1988, the committee has 85 current members and a jurisdiction of 38 approved standards.[2]
Virginia benefits from a state-coordinated system of training and response under the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). Under Title 44 of the Code of Virginia, VDEM develops and maintains the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan (COVEOP) that includes the ESF-9 Annex for Search and Rescue. Similar to the federal version of ESF-9 under the National Response Framework (NRF), VDEM divides SAR into four primary elements. While VDEM functions as the lead for ESF-9, many agencies, departments, and volunteer organizations routinely respond to and support SAR operations in the Commonwealth of Virginia.[34][35]
Search and rescue services for downed, missing, or overdue aircraft and Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs). Organizations include:
For search and rescue of lost and missing persons in a wide variety of circumstances and environments, resources include:
Providing search and rescue for vessels in distress in coastal and inland waters, resources include:
To provide response in the event of collapsed structures and significant events, organizations include:
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