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

and position, may be important in determining the probable
datum for subsequent search efforts.
2. Self-help and clinical medical treatment, particularly
prescribed or over-the-counter medication. If a survivor has
a history of a recurring disease, such as heart trouble,
diabetes, or epilepsy, this information should be noted on
survivor processing tags or in the medical log for future
attending medical personnel. The RCC should be informed of
these situations.
3. Experiences during the survival, search, and rescue phases.
Debriefing survivors helps to ensure that search personnel are
aware of information that may be important for further SAR
efforts, and assists in evaluating procedures used. It also
may help prevent future accidents. Depending on the case,
this step may be delayed until survivors are adequately cared
for and rested.
C. Responsibilities in Debriefing Survivors
1. Since about 60 percent of all survivors experience injury and
most have come through harrowing experience, survivors will
usually be in shock. Care should be taken to avoid worsening
their condition by excessive questions. The key element in
survivor questioning is the interviewer, who should at all
times be considerate, tactful, sympathetic, calm,
authoritative, and knowledgeable.
2. If the survivor is frightened or excited, the questioner
should consider survivor statements in light of this
condition. The validity of answers may be questionable.
3. Questions should be asked in a calm voice and paced to the
survivor's ability to respond. Words should not be put in the
survivor's mouth. Each survivor should be informed that
replies are voluntary and they will, if given, be used in
pursuing the SAR case, or preventing such incidents in the
future. Survivors should be provided with a copy of their
statement on request.
4. Information obtained from survivors should be treated with
discretion. Survivors should be advised that release is
governed by the Freedom of Information Act, 5 USC 552, and the
Privacy Act of 1974, 5 USC 552a. Service directives
implementing these laws should be consulted.
930 SURVIVOR EVACUATION AND TRANSPORT
A. Survivors should be removed from the distress scene,
transported to a safe delivery point, or medically evacuated (MEDEVAC)
to receiving medical facilities by the most expeditious means.
Considerations when selecting or requesting a transport RU are the