Episode Title: “The Principles of Search: Art, Urgency, and Strategy in SAR”

When a person goes missing, time is critical—and so is the strategy. In this episode, we break down seven foundational truths that every Search and Rescue professional, volunteer, or agency must understand to be effective in the field. From treating search as a true emergency to knowing when (and when not) to deploy a grid search, we explore the mindset, tactics, and priorities that drive successful outcomes.

We'll cover:

• Why search is always an emergency
• How every mission is a classic mystery in need of critical thinking
• The importance of searching for clues and the subject simultaneously
• What to prioritize for the best chance of success
• How to recognize if the subject has left the area
• The correct order of search priorities
• Why a grid search should be your last resort

Whether you're a seasoned SAR operator or just getting involved, this episode lays out the core principles that separate a chaotic effort from a calculated, life-saving mission.

Hosts: Jason "Big J" Tartalone

If you have comments you would like to share or a topic for a discussion, hit us up at [email protected] or click the contact link on our webpage at www.SergeantRescue.com.