Manual despacho

Dispatch Training Manual
Last Update: October 1, 2000



Dispatching Theory


The dispatcher serves as a conduit between the search and the rest of the world. Safe, efficient and effective searches depend upon the dispatch function running smoothly. When dispatch runs well, no one notices. The search community is kept well apprised of the development of the search and Base receives allof the available resources that it needs. When the dispatch function runs poorly, Base is aware of its shortcomings and the ASRC is poorly represented.
The most valuable training for successful dispatch is experience. Good dispatchers are aware of the wealth of details, conventions and expectations of Search and Rescue. This document works to help orient the new dispatcher to the BRMRG dispatcharea and dispatch expectations, but it cannot substitute for apprenticeship and experience.



Dispatching Goals


1) At all times, maintain searcher safety.
The most important job of the dispatcher is to ensure effective communication throughout the search. In doing so the dispatcher helps to maintain the safety of searches en route, on scene, and homeward bound.
2) Keep track ofsearchers en route to the scene, on scene, and en route home.
It is critical that the dispatcher keep the Availabilities Board accurate and neat at all times. The availabilities board allows the dispatcher to keep track of people in the field, and know the resources that will be available to base.
3) Keep complete and accurate documentation, including Dispatch Log, Daily Incident Reports, IncidentSummary and End of Search Checklist
Documentation is important in getting a sense of the history of a search, recording important information in case of a white-board mishap, and, of course, for legal reasons. Most documents can be found in the Dispatch Binder.
4) Determine the availabilities of BRMRG members.
Dispatch is responsible for trying to get base the personnel resources it needs to run aneffective search. Dispatchers should try to get availabilities through pages, email, and personal phone calls.
5) Determine the availabilities of other ASRC groups.
The BRMRG dispatcher also serves as the conference dispatcher for the ASRC. Therefore the dispatcher is also responsible for getting availabilities from other groups and recording those availabilities on the Board. The dispatcheralso needs to keep track of teams en route, on scene and homeward bound from other groups.
6) Determine the equipment, personnel, and other needs of Base and work to meet those needs.
Dispatchers need to understand what resources Base needs, and if the dispatcher doesn’t know, they need to call and find out. Meeting those needs means getting appropriate personnel and sending them with theappropriate resources, as well as performing or delegating any other errands Base needs run.
7) Ensure that there are dispatchers and Dispatch Supervisors signed up for future shifts.
Dispatchers need to ensure that someone is available to replace them, and they should also try to fill future shifts. All dispatchers must also have a designated dispatch supervisor. Ideally, each shift is at least 3 hours,and longer shifts produce better dispatching continuity.



Specific Dispatching Skills



Before Becoming a Dispatcher Officer

Everyone needs a certain level of training before becoming a dispatcher.
• CQ or ADC permission
The CQ Workshop includes important basic information about vocabulary, search procedures, and callout procedures that all dispatchers need to know.
•Locker Orientation
All dispatchers need to be thoroughly familiar with the equipment in the locker and the various sign out procedures.
• Dispatch Training and one shift of apprenticeship
Before dispatching alone, all dispatchers must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the skills and knowledge in the training standards, and spend at least one full shift (at least 3 hours)...