Home | US Forest Service



| |Forest Service Manual |

|[pic] |SUPERIOR NF (REGION 9) |

| | |

| |DULUTH, MN |

fsM 1500 – external relations

CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS

SUPPLEMENT NO.: 1500-2015-1

Effective Date: March 12, 2015

Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.

|Approved: BRENDA HALTER |Date Approved: March 12, 2015 |

|Forest Supervisor | |

Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to this Handbook was 1500-2001-1 to 1590.

|New Document |R9 Superior 1599.03-1599.04e |13 Pages |

| |Supplement No. 1- March 2015 | |

|Superseded Document(s) (Supplement Number and |R9 Superior 1599.03-1599.04e |8 Pages |

|Effective Date) |Supplement No. 1 – 11/2001 | |

Digest: 1599.03 – Policy. - #4. Reference R9 Superior Partnership Council agreement - Emergency Fire, Rescue, Medical or Protective Work Agreement, included as Exhibit 2.

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 2 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

1599 - SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS. The Superior National Forest recognizes its public (FSM1599) duty to render assistance to the public under certain emergency conditions within the Forest boundary. In the State of Minnesota, County Sheriffs have the primary responsibility for search and rescue (S&R) in their respective areas. The purpose of this supplement is to clarify S&R responsibilities of Forest Officers (means an employee of the Forest Service 36 CFR 261.2-Definitions), and establish a uniform process.

1599.02 - Objective.

Seriously ill or injured is defined as a case where immediate services of a doctor or hospital are required to save life, prevent permanent damage or injury, and reduce suffering. Assistance means getting people to the nearest point where they can be transferred to interested parties or local authorities.

1599.03 – Policy. The role of the Forest Service in S&R is one of developing and supporting strong local leadership. This requires maintaining liaison with the County Sheriff departments. The Forest Service may temporarily take the lead role where quick response is needed; however, the lead role will be maintained only until local responsible authorities are available to take over leadership. The Forest Service shall then revert to a supportive role and provide assistance; i.e., radios, maps, boats, airplanes, supplies and technical specialists.

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 3 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

When the Forest Service has assumed a supportive role:

3. Contract aircraft will be released to the responsible agency; and that agency shall become responsible for payment.

4. Forest Service aircraft may be provided to the responsible agency.

5. Forest Service personnel needed to provide coordination, planning and leadership to the responsible agency will be paid by the Forest Service.

6. Authorized employees (those employees that are members of established S&R units and have an approved request to participate in an outside activity on file) may be excused from work without charge to leave, to participate in a civilian capacity in S&R activities during official working hours. Authorization of administrative leave for volunteer work is granted for no more than 20 hours of excused absence per calendar year. Any individual meeting the 20-hour limitation may be granted additional time, per the supervisor's authorization, on a case-by-case basis.

a. Administrative leave will be granted by the employee's immediate supervisor, appropriate line officer or team leader.

b. Administrative leave used for this purpose will be documented on the individual's time sheet.

c. Reference R9 Superior Partnership Council agreement - Emergency Fire, Rescue, Medical or Protective Work Agreement, attached as Exhibit 2.

7. Employees who are not members of an S&R team, who volunteer to take part in the incident during their regular work tours, will be placed on annual leave or leave without pay.

8. Employees involved with an S&R incident (under Forest Service leadership) that is delegated to the sheriff will be carried in work status with pay for the remainder of the work shift, if the sheriff requests that they continue.

9. No overtime will be paid unless the Forest Service has the lead role.

When

When the Forest Service is not directly involved in any part of the S&R operation, and/or the S&R operation is taking place outside the Forest Proclamation Boundary, item 4 above will be applicable.

The Superior National Forest Search & Rescue Plan is attached as Exhibit 1.

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 4 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

1599.04 - Responsibility.

1599.04d - Forest Supervisor. The Forest Supervisor shall provide guidance on S&R. The Fire Management Officer is delegated staff leadership and coordination responsibilities on the Superior National Forest for S&R.

Duties include:

1. FSM 2326.04c delegates authority to the Forest Supervisor to allow the use of motorized equipment and mechanical transportation when emergency conditions exist which involve the health and safety of people.

2. Serving as Superior National Forest coordinator on major S&R, or other emergency operations on the Forest.

3. Keeping Superior National Forest personnel and the Regional Office informed on S&R operations.

4. The Superior National Forest (SNF) Law Enforcement Officers (LEO’s) or their acting representative to serve as liaison and coordination responsibilities on the (SNF) for S&R. The LEO will serve as Liaison between the County and Forest Service Dispatch Center.

5. Representing the Forest Supervisor at meetings with other agencies involving S&R.

6. Scheduling annual meetings with County Sheriffs.

1599.04e - District Rangers. District Rangers are responsible for conducting S&R activities on their Ranger District within the guidelines of this supplement.

Duties include:

1. Reviewing the S&R plan with district personnel.

2. Analyzing facts on S&R requests, and taking action according to the flow chart provided as Appendix B to Exhibit 1.

3. Notifying Forest Dispatcher and LEO of S&R operations.

4. Developing a report after S&R operations are completed.

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 5 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

1599.04 – Exhibit 01

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST SEARCH AND RESCUE PLAN

1. OPERATIONS

District Rangers, their representatives or any other Forest Officer should take immediate action if they are present at the scene of an emergency, or are otherwise able to prevent injury or protect property before arrival of local authorities. Each Forest Officer must evaluate the situation in terms of:

a. Urgency (how fast is action needed?)

b. Responsibility (which agency has primary responsibility?)

c. Seriousness (what would happen without action?)

d. Forest Officer's own ability (how can he/she help?)

In many cases, the Forest Officer will merely notify the District Ranger, Forest Dispatcher, or LEO. In other cases, they may be able to resolve the emergency alone (give directions to a lost person, help someone with a painful ankle to cross a portage, or drive an injured person from a remote work site to the nearest medical facility).

In some cases, the Forest Officer may need to organize or direct the initial action before the District Ranger, Forest Dispatcher, LEO or County Sheriff can be contacted, or retain leadership of the effort when the entire operation is properly a Forest Service responsibility. In cases where leadership passes to the Sheriff, the Forest Service will continue to provide assistance according to existing cooperative agreements and the guidelines given in this supplement. The flow chart attached as Appendix B to Exhibit 1 will help District Rangers select the appropriate course of action and develop any additional instructions for their subordinates.

The Search and Rescue Incident Form (Appendix A: Missing Person Questionnaire, Dispatcher, North Eastern Minnesota Plan, Forms Section 5c) will be utilized to record the necessary information to be relayed to the appropriate authorities, and to maintain a record of the incident. (Maintain an adequate supply of copies of this form in an easily accessible location in the district office.)

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 6 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

1599.04 – Exhibit 01--Continued

Aircraft for S&R will be requested through the Forest Dispatcher. They will coordinate flight-following guidelines. Use the Missing Person Questionnaire, Dispatcher Form (Appendix A), to provide as much information as possible.

In summary, each Forest Service employee has a duty to lend assistance to people in need within the Forest boundaries and within the limitations of their training. Each employee must evaluate each situation, and act according to written guidelines and common sense.

2. SEARCH AND RESCUE WITHIN THE BWCAW

Some search and rescue (S&R) operations within the BWCAW will require the use of motorized vehicles (boats or aircraft). FSM 2326.04 delegates authority to the Forest Supervisor to allow the use of motorized equipment and mechanical transport when emergency conditions exist which involve the health and safety of people.

Airplanes, motorboats and snowmobiles will generally be authorized:

1. To remove seriously injured or an ill person from the BWCAW (seriously injured or ill is defined as persons needing the immediate services of a doctor or hospital care).

2. To remove deceased persons.

Persons empowered to authorize the use of motorized transport in the wilderness will consider:

a. Urgency of the situation

b. If several alternatives are available, which one will have the least impact on the wilderness.

c. Which method of transportation will have the least impact on users.

d. Cost, an important consideration outside the wilderness, is not one of the primary criteria in the BWCAW.

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 7 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

1599.04 – Exhibit 01--Continued

The Forest Supervisor maintains the authority to approve the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport. If the Forest Supervisor is not available, the following individuals are authorized to approve motorized use with the guidelines of this document. Approval should be sought in the following order:

1. Forest Supervisor

2. Deputy Forest Supervisor

3. District Ranger

4. Forest Fire Management Officer

All authorizations will be documented in writing, and attached to the final report.

BWCAW Entry/Flight Request; North Eastern Minnesota Search and Rescue Plan, Forms Appendix 6-4.k.

3. COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES

Nearly every emergency situation requires involvement of other agencies. Search and rescue (S&R) is only one of them (wind, snow, fire, flood or civil disturbances are other possible emergencies requiring multi-agency participation). Agencies, which can be called upon to participate, and their most likely role in an emergency occurring in the Superior National Forest, are listed in Appendix C, "Contact List"; North Eastern Minnesota Search and Rescue Plan, Appendix 1.a.

The Forest's Fire Management Officer will maintain contact with these agencies and update the list annually. The Fire Management Officer will also arrange for annual coordination meetings with the Sheriff's Departments of Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties. Meetings with other agencies may also be arranged when considered necessary.

4. LIST OF APPENDICES

A. Missing Person Questionnaire, Dispatcher

B. Flow Chart for Search and Rescue Actions

C. Contact List North Eastern Minnesota Interagency SAR Plan-Appendix 1.A

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 8 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

Exhibit 2

SUPERIOR PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL

Emergency Fire, Rescue, Medical or Protective Work Agreement

In the interest of public welfare, authorized employees shall request and may be excused from work without charge to leave to participate in a civilian capacity in emergency medical, rescue, fire or protective work during official working hours. Authorization of administrative leave for volunteer work is granted for as many as 20 hours of excused absence per calendar year. Any individual meeting the 20-hour limitation may be granted additional time, per supervisor’s authorization, on a case-by-case basis.

The employee’s immediate supervisor, appropriate line officer or team leader will grant administrative leave to the employee.

Administrative leave used for this purpose will be documented on the individual’s time sheet.

Employees who are authorized must be members of volunteer fire, rescue, first responder or ambulance services. Employees serving in this capacity shall have an outside activity authorization on file. Emergency situations include, but are not limited to, fires, medical emergencies, emergency rescues, floods or other natural phenomena.

Administrative leave shall be granted to employees who respond to an emergency, and who are operating as a volunteer in a non-wage status.

This agreement constitutes a subordinate agreement to the Master Agreement dated October 25, 2010 and will be reviewed when a new Master Agreement becomes effective.

This policy is subject to review two (2) years after the date of implementation.

This agreement entered into this 1st day of July 1996.

/s/Clyde Thompson /s/Therese Elverum for

CLYDE THOMPSON FRANK E. LEONI

Acting Forest Supervisor President, NFFE Local 2138

This agreement was reviewed and updated on August 30, 2001, by:

/s/ James W. Sanders /s/ Frank E. Leoni

JAMES W. SANDERS FRANK E. LEONI

Forest Supervisor President, NFFE Local 2138

This agreement was reviewed and updated on February 19, 2015 by:

/s/ Chip Weber__________ /s/ Jim Bertelsen___________

CHIP WEBER JIM BERTELSEN

Acting Forest Supervisor President, NFFE Local 2138

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 9 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

APPENDICES A

Missing Person Questionnaire, Dispatcher

|MISSING PERSON QUESTIONNAIRE, |NOTE: TRY TO OBTAIN BOLDFACE ITEMS. |DATE PREPARED: | |

|DISPATCHER |NON-BOLD ARE “BONUS” (WE’LL GET THEM | |PAGE 1 OF 2 |

| |LATER.) |TIME PREPARED: | |

|SUBJECT # ______ of ______ |INTERVIEWED BY: |ICR # |

|REPORTING PARTY & WITNESS INFORMATION |

|FIRST NAME: |ADDRESS: |

|MIDDLE NAME: |CITY: |

|LAST NAME: |STATE/PROVINCE: |ZIP: |

|DATE OF BIRTH (DOB): |PHONE: (CELL?) (IS HE (SHE) CARRYING IT?) |

|RELATIONSHIP TO SUBJECT: |ALTERNATE PHONE: |

|MISSING SUBJECT INFORMATION |

|FIRST NAME: |ADDRESS: |

|MIDDLE NAME: |CITY: |

|LAST NAME: |STATE/PROVINCE: |ZIP: |

|NICKNAME / “ANSWERS TO”: |PHONE: |

|DATE OF BIRTH (DOB): AGE: |IS PHOTO AVAILABLE? Y N ( (CHECK WHEN OBTAINED) |

|GENDER: MALE FEMALE |HEIGHT: |WEIGHT: |EYES: |HAIR COLOR: |

|COMPLEXION: |HAIRSTYLE / LENGTH: |

|TATTOOS / SCARS / BIRTHMARKS: |DOES SUBJECT HAVE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS OR DISABILITIES? (DESCRIBE) |

| | |

|WILDERNESS KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE: |MEDICATIONS REQUIRED / TAKEN: |

| | |

|HOW OBTAINED? (MILITARY / SCOUTS / OUTDOOR SCHOOL) | |

| |IS SUBJECT CARRYING NEEDED MEDS? |

“PLEASE SECURE AND STAY AWAY FROM THE SUBJECT’S VEHICLE, PARTICULARLY INSIDE AND AROUND THE DOORS. SEARCHERS WILL NEED TO GET TRACK AND SCENT SAMPLES.”

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 10 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

| |

|MAKE: |YEAR: |COLOR / ACCENT COLOR: |

|MODEL: |LENGTH (BOAT): |MOTOR TYPE / HP (BOAT): |

|LICENSE #: |DESCRIPTION OF TRAILER OR OTHER ATTACHMENT: |

|SAR-302 C |NOTE: TRY TO OBTAIN THE BOLDFACE INFORMATION ITEMS. LISTEN CAREFULLY FOR AND DOCUMENT NON-BOLD AS “BONUS” INTEL. |

|St. Louis County Rescue, 3/09 |(WE’LL ASK AGAIN LATER, THOUGH!) |

|MISSING PERSON QUESTIONNAIRE, DISPATCHER |PAGE 2 OF 2 |

|CLOTHING / EQUIPMENT |

|SHOE TYPE: |SHOE SIZE: |COLOR: |IS TRACK SAMPLE AVAILABLE? Y N |

|SHOE SOLE DESCRIPTION: |

|PANTS (TYPE / COLOR): |SOCKS (TYPE / COLOR): |

|SHIRT (TYPE / COLOR): |SWEATER / SWEATSHIRT: |

|JACKET (TYPE / COLOR): |RAINGEAR (TYPE / COLOR): |

|HAT (TYPE / COLOR): |GLOVES / MITTS (TYPE / COLOR): |

|WEAPON (TYPE / MAKE / CALIBER): |AMMUNITION (TYPE / AMOUNT CARRIED): |

|PACK (TYPE / MAKE / COLOR) |OTHER (TENT / STOVE / SLEEPING BAG, ETC.): |

|(CIRCLE ALL CARRIED): COMPASS MATCHES GPS TARP/SHELTER ROPE/CORD FLASHLIGHT CELL PHONE (NUMBER?) |

|LIQUIDS CARRIED (WATER, SODA, COFFEE, ALCOHOL): |FOOD / SNACKS CARRIED (CANDY? WHICH BRAND?) |

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 11 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

|POINT LAST SEEN (PLS) / LAST KNOWN POSITION (LKP) |

|DATE / TIME LAST SEEN: |BY WHOM? |

|POINT LAST SEEN (PLS): (DESCRIBE LOCATION, ADDRESS, ETC.) |

|“WHERE EXACTLY DID SOMEONE SEE HIM (HER)? CAN YOU SECURE THAT SPOT FOR US SO NOBODY GOES THERE?” |

|LAST KNOWN POSITION (LKP) (GPS COORDINATES): |

|WHAT EVIDENCE SUPPORTS THE LKP? (TRACKS, GEAR / CLOTHING FOUND, RADAR PLOT, ETC.) |

|LOCATION OF PARKED VEHICLE (IF APPLICABLE): |

|KNOWN TRAILHEAD / START POINT: |

|“WHAT WAS HIS (HER) PLANNED ROUTE, STATED INTENTIONS, PLANNED EXIT, THINGS LIKE THAT?” |

|REMARKS, OTHER PERTINENT DATA |

|“IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF THAT MIGHT HELP US?” |

| |

|SAR-302 C St. Louis County Rescue, 3/09 | |

APPENDICES B

Flow Chart – Search & Rescue Incidents

The concept of closest forces must be used and the lead role maintained only until the predetermined local responsible authority is available to assume its leadership. (FSM 1599.03 & MN SAR Plan) Forest Service employees are to contact USFS Dispatch. Partners involved will use the NIMS incident command system.

FS first on scene

Gather Pertinent Facts and request support

USFS Dispatch Sheriff’s Department, LEO District Ranger

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 12 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

Sheriff’s Department (Move towards Sheriff Mgmt. of Incident at earliest opportunity)

LEO District Ranger

Patrol Captain Forest Supervisor / Deputy Forest Supervisor

Missing Person Questionnaire

Single Resources, Crews, Equipment

FS Lead- FS employee missing Keep Sheriff informed

|R9 SUPERIOR Supplement |1500-2015-1 |

|EFFECTIVE DATE: March 12, 2015 |Page 13 of 13 |

|DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed. | |

| |

|FSM 1500 – external relations |

|CHAPTER 1590 – SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS |

APPENDICES C

Contact List North Eastern Minnesota Interagency SAR Plan-Appendix 1.A

Northeastern Minnesota Search and Rescue Agency Contacts – Updated 12/23/13

This information is classified as “For Official Use Only” (FOUO) and contains data that is privileged or confidential. It is to be disseminated only on a need to know basis or with permission from the agencies listed.

Cook County Sheriff’s Office (dispatch) 218-387-3030

Emergency Management, Jim Wiinanen 218-387-3059 wk 218-370-9660 cell

Captain, Search & Rescue, Willie Olin 218-370-0315 cell

Lake County Sheriff’s Office (dispatch) 218-834-8385

Emergency Management, BJ Kohlstedt 218-226-4444 wk 218-220-7811 cell

Rescue Coordinator, Justin Mayne 218-353-7763 wk 218-226-8140 cell

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office (dispatch) 218-727-8770 Duluth 218-749-6010 Virginia

Rescue Squad Captain, Tom Crossmon 218-723-1787 hm 218-349-8970 cell

Superior National Forest Dispatch Center: 218-327-4175 (24 hours) or 888-650-3392 toll free

Initial Attack Center Mgr, Tracy Fifarek 218-327-4176 928-853-7966 cell

Superior National Forest Supervisors Office: 218-626-4300 office

Brenda Halter, Forest Supervisor 218-626-4302 office

Chris Theisen, Forest Fire Mgt. Officer 218-327-4568 office 218-244-1081 cell

Sea Plane Base 218-365-7565

Kris Hancock, Patrol Captain 218-626-4309 office 414-232-4713 cell

Gunflint and Tofte Ranger Districts: 218-387-1750 GM office 218-663-8060 Tofte

Barry Huber, Law Enforcement Officer 414-708-5664 cell

Kawishiwi Ranger District: 218-365-7600 office

Brian Gierczic, Law Enforcement Officer 414-232-4878 cell

LaCroix Ranger District: 218-666-0020 office

Kevin Sheffer, Law Enforcement Officer 218-269-7343 cell

Laurentian Ranger District: 218-229-8801 office

Mike Doherty, Law Enforcement Officer 414-305-0910 cell

Tofte Ranger District: 218-663-8060 office

Barry Huber, Law Enforcement Officer 414-708-5664 cell

DNR Dispatch / State Patrol Dispatch Duluth & Virginia Areas – 651-582-1455

K200 Captain Tom Provost (Grand Rapids) 218-999-7809 cell 218-689-0681

K30 Pilot Tom Pfingsten 218-828-8149 cell 218-330-2401

K230 Lt Dan Thomasen 218-834-1406 cell 218-380-0055

K231 (Ely West) Sean Williams 218-235-8747  cell 218-576-5905

K232 (ELY East) Marty Stage 218-365-4070  cell 218-290-0113

K233 (Grand Marais) Darin Fagerman 218-387-9751  cell 218-370-1717

K234 (Hovland) Mary Manning 218-475-0121   cell 218-380-0695

K235  (Silver Bay) Vacant

K236  (Babbitt) Anthony Bermel 218-365-2436 cell 218-290-4549

K237 (Tofte) Tom Wahlstrom cell 218-370-0244

K238  (Two Harbors) VACANT   cell 218-360-1175

US Border Patrol Dispatch 800-982-4077

MN State Duty Officer 800-422-0798

(Appendix 1.a)

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download