| Lost people are usually predictable. Their behavior can be charted depending upon age, gender, interests, physical and mental condition, time of day, weather, and terrain. With that in mind, it can be dangerous to make any presumptions regarding lost person behavior. A subject’s behavior is affected by many factors including environmental factors. Use your own judgment when considering these traits. This page is not designed to teach you how to search for your subject. It should give you a starting point. Data gathered from past search and rescue successes can point you in the right direction for your next search and rescue mission. |
Behavior Characteristics of Mentally Challenged
The mentally challenged lost person will ct and react similar to kids 6-12. They usually will not respond to name being called and often are afraid of authority. You might want to have your search and rescue team leave their uniforms at home.
They will usually hide and may remain in the same area for days unless found. You might want to instruct your search and rescue team to be sure to look under brush, logs, and branches as well as inside drainage ditches and behind rocks, trees...
They are attracted by sights and sounds. Your search and rescue team may find a way to use this to your advantage.
They are often found in structures or yards. They will travel into brush and briars. Tell your search and rescue team to search brush.
The average distance of travel from the PLS was about 1/2 mile in studies. maximum distance traveled was 2.5 miles.
Tasking your search and rescue team:
Conduct a through systematic search of residence and local yards
Cut for sign along roadways and trials
Consider asking the family to shout name
Remind your search and rescue team to search brush and briars
Subject may flee or move
An excellent book can be found on Amazon.com
Lost Person Behavior: A search and rescue guide on where to look - for land, air and water
