| 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. |
Lost Person Behavior - Small Children (3-6)
Children ages three to six are more mobile and can travel further than a 1-3 yr old. They have a definite interest and may follow a pet or a playmate. They may also decide to explore.
A three to six year old does understand the concept of being lost and will try to return home. When they become tired, they will usually find shelter to sleep in. (Which makes it harder to find them.)
You should try calling to a three to six year old. They may be stranger resistant at first, but usually will decide that a searcher is the lesser of two evils.
On the older side of this group, the child may have learned to climb. In addition to looking IN - ON - AND UNDER everything, LOOK UP. Look in trees, on roofs, in attics...
You can buy the book Lost Person Behavior: A search and rescue guide on where to look - for land, air and water
