Start of the Mission
(Initial page by the deputy for ESAR O/L’s to call)

• Setup journal for recording the mission
  
  logging on a computer makes everything simpler, I use a notebook
  application to record my log of the missions I participate in. If I can’t
  get the computer ready immediately, I’ll start my log on paper
  
• Draft Voicemail messages into the Journal
  
  Mission Greeting: This is the King County Explorer Search and
  Rescue Information line for XXXX on XXXX. We have a mission in progress
  for [Describe what you know here]. Please leave your name and D-E-M number after the tone. Speak
  clearly since this information is received in noisy conditions.
  
• Open web pages for the mission
  
  ESAR Web Site (http://www.kcesar.org/)
  – for access to the online roster
  
  MOBILITY.com (http://usamobility.com/send_a_message/index.html)
  - to be able to page
  
  Google Maps – for in town searches
  
  TopoZone (http://www.topozone.com/ style='color:black'>) - for searches outside the city
  
  
• Check on who the O/L is supposed to be
• Bring up 511 and listen for any mission traffic
  
  don’t start anything until confirmed by the O/L
• Check to make sure the Voicemail is clear of all saved messages
• Wait for O/L’s page looking for Comm support
  
  (sometimes the O/L will just call) … call the O/L for instructions when
  paged
• 832 page to all ESAR (206-680-7162) calling for support
• Set 511 repeater to mission status (*74)
• Set the Voicemail message to mission status

During the Mission

• Pickup checkins from Voicemail on a regular basis
• Report check in list to O/L as requested
  
  remember to make sure that the O/L has your name and ID number to add to the
  list
• Check in with the O/L regularly to update on mission status
• Send out pages or provide additional support as needed by the O/L

After the Mission (O/L has declared it over)

• Return Voicemail to normal by recording a new welcome message
  
  Normal Greeting: This is the King County Explorer Search and Rescue
  Information Line for XXXX on XXXX. We have no Search and Rescue activity
  in progress at the moment. If you have an emergency that requires search
  or rescue, hang up now and dial 9-1-1. If you would like to learn more
  about Explorer Search and Rescue or how to join, hang up now and call our
  recruiting line at 206-748-1300, that’s 206-748-1300. Thank you and Good
  Bye.
  

• Clear all message from Voicemail
• Return 511 repeater to normal (*73)

The Mission Journal

I find a mission log the most effective way to make sure I
haven’t missed anything. I’ve kept them on paper when I needed to, but since
I’m working most missions through online resources, I normally keep my log on
my laptop in another window using a Notebook application. I can type drafts of
messages for Voicemail and/or pages, and then paste pager messages to the pager
interface at mobility.com.

It’s sometimes necessary to abbreviate when things are
moving fast. I use a system I studied long ago called Notescript. Anything you
do needs to be something you can read later, but simple things like leaving out
punctuation, leaving out vowels, and so forth can make it work. Can you read
this: “its smtms ncssry t abbrviate when thngs r mvng fst I use a systm I
studied lng ago clld ntscrpt nythng u do nds t b smthng u cn read ltr bt smpl
thngs lk lvng out pnctuatn, lvng out vwls, / so frth cn mk t wrk”

Log

• Record time & note for everything that happens from the 1^st page,
  don’t need to record the pages themselves
• Write down outbound pages & voicemail welcome messages in the log, the rough
  can help get it right when sent or recorded
• If keeping the log on a computer, messages for the outbound page can be cut &
  pasted into the page window

Responders

• My name and ID# at the top
• Record ID# & name as best you can from the Voicemail ESAR
  
  At the very least, get the ID#
• Look up every name & ID# to confirm the name, sometimes it’s hard to hear
  what the person is saying, so confirmation on the ESAR list can be
  essential to get the information right

Example Mission Log

I keep the mission log in a notebook application on my computer. I write my messages there and then cut-and-paste them into Metrocall.

You'll notice that sometimes I'm typing things out fully, but when I rushed and have lots going on, I'll shift into abbreviation mode for my log. Since this is a rough log for my use only, I can use whatever technique I want.

Voicemail Call Ins

I put this on a separate page in my notebook application and move back and forth between the log and the record of check ins.