Field Search Course

The Field Search course is designed for individuals and teams who may be involved in searching for missing persons in rural, wilderness, or remote environments. It is suitable for emergency services personnel, volunteer search teams, outdoor professionals, and anyone likely to support organised search operations under supervision.

Over the 3 days participants will learn the fundamental principles of search management and field search techniques. This includes understanding search organisation, safety considerations, clue awareness, area searching methods, communication procedures, and effective teamwork in the field. The course combines classroom-based learning with practical exercises to build confidence and competence in conducting structured, systematic searches in a variety of terrains.

Participants learn how to carry out structured area searches using safe and systematic search patterns, including line searches and sweep techniques. They develop clue awareness skills, enabling them to identify, preserve, and report potential evidence or indicators relevant to a missing person.

The course also covers basic navigation and map reading, along with effective communication procedures used during coordinated search operations. Teamwork and role awareness are emphasised, ensuring participants understand how to operate as part of a larger search team under direction.

Additional skills include personal safety in remote or challenging environments, maintaining situational awareness, and understanding search organisation basics such as tasking, briefing, and reporting procedures.