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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
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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 • 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?