JP 3-50 National Search and Rescue Manual Vol I - US Navy

750 ON SCENE RESCUE AND DELIVERY PROCEDURES
A. Inland rescue information is contained in Chapter 8.
B. When two or more SRUs capable of conducting the rescue
operation arrive on scene and the SMC or OSC has not assigned one SRU to
conduct the rescue, generally the first to arrive will make the first
rescue attempt. The SMC coordinates the dispatch of relief RUs and
other personnel or equipment required by the OSC.
C. Basic procedures for all rescues may include accounting for all
people, conducting initial survivor debriefing, taking remedial action
including emergency medical care or delivery of equipment or supplies,
transporting or escorting survivors, and conducting extended survivor
debriefing.
751 Aerial Delivery
A. Aerial delivery of supplies to survivors may be necessary. The
SMC should consider factors such the relative locations of the distress
site and RUs, delay expected before rescue, and dangers of exposure.
Aerial delivery procedures should follow agency directives.
B. If a search is prolonged, supplies are usually dropped to
survivors to help sustain and protect them while they await rescue.
Supplies may also be dropped to augment those carried by approaching
RUs. Mobility of personnel on land generally enables them to recover
equipment dropped some distance away, but air-drops to survivors at sea
require a high degree or accuracy.
C. Droppable survival equipment should be marked to assist
survivors. Colored streamers may be attached to the equipment, using
the international color code. Where supplies of a mixed nature are
dropped in one container, color codes should be combined. The code
follows:
1. Red - medical supplies and first aid equipment.
2. Blue - food and water.
3. Yellow - blankets and clothing.
4. Black - miscellaneous equipment.
Instructions, printed in English and preferably in al least two
other languages, on the use of the survival equipment should be enclosed
in each package.
D. Survivor supplies and equipment may include:
1. Medical supplies - first-aid kit, insect repellent, aspirin,
sunburn lotion, and sunglasses.