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About the Conclusion stage

Page updated: 30 November 2020

The Conclusion stage is the final stage of a SAR operation. It focuses on either concluding or suspending the SAR operation.

The Incident Controller will start the Conclusion stage

They will do this for one of these reasons.

  • The subject has been located, rescued, and taken to a point of safety. 
  • The subject is no longer in distress or has advised that they do not need search and rescue assistance.
  • The Incident Controller has enough reliable information to conclude no subject is at risk and a SAR response is not needed.
  • The Incident Controller determines that the subject is unable to be located or rescued, and no further opportunities exist for useful investigation and SAR activities.

The Incident Controller must complete specific actions before a SAR operation is concluded or suspended. Once these actions are complete, the SAR operation is formally concluded or suspended. At this time, all SAR activity associated with the operation should stop.

Need to report someone lost or missing? call 111 - Ask for police