May 15th 2021 our SAR Team Leader conducted a spring training session on line search and Probability of Detection (POD). POD is one of the variables in an equation to determine how well an area has been searched. The Probability of Success equals the probability the subject is in the area times the POD. POS = POA x POD. The graphic shows how to determine searcher separation. AMDR is the average distance where any given searcher has a high probability of seeing the object they are looking for.
Nathan’s objective was to practice line search techniques and determine POD so that teams could better estimate their POD during a real mission. The scenario was a missing uranium prospector in Fence Canyon. The prospector had left a number of items (pickax, shovel, pots and pans, other prospecting things) which led to a pair of overalls (the prospector). The team lined up and after searching the area found greater than 80% of the prospector’s items meaning POD was greater than 80%! However, they ended up missing the actual prospector. In their defense the overalls that represented the prospector are the same color as New Mexico dirt. Anyway, it was a good session and all learned something especially be always looking all around you.