Once a team announces that they have found the subject, hold your position. Command will want to confirm that the subject that has been located is in fact the person we are looking for, and what their condition is. If you are close to the subject’s location, you may be asked to go to that location to assist. But, wait until you receive directions. Your assistance may be needed to carry equipment from the ICP, or you may be valuable as a radio relay in your present (or another) location. Do not call Command unless absolutely necessary, as the overhead team will be very busy during this time and may be working other radio channels.
If your team finds the subject, report it immediately to Command. Be aware that the media may be monitoring your transmissions, and the subject’s family may be able to hear your transmissions as well. Command will want to know your location, the subject’s condition (size up), and what resources you will need. Try to be as precise as possible. Consider the terrain you will have to cover and the time it will take. If a technical evacuation is necessary, ask for more rope that you think you will need. Ask for medical assistance appropriate for the situation.
The amount of care needed by your subject will vary widely. Sometimes the subject is simply lost and will easily walk out with you. On the other extreme, the subject may be severely injured, and a rapid evacuation may be necessary to save his life. Always act professionally, and try to inspire confidence in your abilities, but don’t try to be Superman. You are not, and the subject will usually see through your masquerade. Members must act as a cohesive unit. If the subject has been sitting in one place for a time, he will probably be cold, except on the warmest of summer days. You generate a lot of heat through your activities, and it is usually difficult to understand how cold your subject is.
Medical evaluation of the subject is taught in separate medical training.
