The LAST Acronym

The acronym L.A.S.T. has been around for some time, but just what does it mean in Search and Rescue.

The Four Phases of Search and Rescue.

L – LOCATE              A – ACCESS              S – STABILIZE         T – TRANSPORT

LOCATE                    Obviously you must find or LOCATE the subjects in your rescue. This is what the first part of Search and Rescue is all about.

a.   Zero in on the subject(s) location.

2. Make contact with the subject(s).

c.   Assess the situation.

4. Develop a plan
5. SITREP the team and command

ACCESS                     You need to get by the subject(s) to evaluate what their immediate needs are (e.g. medical).

1. Initial access to subject(s); safely.
2. Assess the subject(s).
3. SITREP the Team Leader and Command.
4. Update the plan.
5. Stay with subject(s) for reassurance.

STABILIZE                Render first aid to stabilize the injured and stabilize situation to prevent further harm.

1. First aid and Stabilize subject(s).
2. Update SITREP.
3. Patient packaging for transport.
4. Prepare for transport.
5. SITREP the team and command.

TRANSPORT            Moving the subject(s) to safety.

1. Rescue plan in place.
2. Is the rescue safe?
3. Evacuate subject(s) to safety.
4. Check Equipment, Personnel.
5. De-brief the team.

This is a general outline; individual steps may vary due to type of rescue or your local protocols. SITREP is a SITuation REPort

Ted Fisher, Vermilion County Search and Rescue, 09/30/2002