📊 RADeMS - Response Assessment & Decision Making Support
The RADeMS tool provides a systematic approach to evaluate SAR operation risks and response capabilities, helping SAR managers and team leaders make informed decisions during operations.
📄 Download Complete RADeMS Reference Guide
Download/View RADeMS PDF Guide🧮 Interactive RADeMS Calculator
What is RADeMS?
RADeMS (Response Assessment and Decision Making Support) is a risk assessment tool developed for Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) operations in British Columbia. It helps evaluate:
- SAR Operation Risk - Complexity, hazards, environmental conditions, vulnerability, and external pressures
- Response Capability - Training, experience, preparedness, planning, and resources
The tool uses a dual-axis heat-map format with green (safe), yellow (caution), and red (danger) zones to quickly visualize risk levels.
Key Features
- Heat Map Card: Visual 3"x4" reference card for quick field assessment
- Rating Guides: Detailed guides for Ground Search, Rope Rescue, Mountain Rescue, and Swiftwater Rescue
- Scoring System: 0-10 point scale for both risk and capability axes
- Decision Support: Objective method to identify hazards and reduce risk
SAR Operation Risk Score (Y-Axis)
Five elements scored from 0-2 each (total 0-10 points):
| Element | Question |
|---|---|
| Operational Complexity | How complex & complicated is the task? |
| Activity Hazards | How high are the hazards in the activity? |
| Environmental Conditions | How high are the environmental hazards? |
| Vulnerability | How exposed and vulnerable are team members? |
| External Influence | What is the level of pressure (survivability, media, family)? |
Response Capability Score (X-Axis)
Five elements scored from 0-2 each (total 0-10 points):
| Element | Question |
|---|---|
| Personnel Training | What level of training do personnel have? |
| Personnel Experience | What level of experience do personnel have? |
| Mental & Physical Preparedness | How mentally & physically prepared are personnel? |
| Planning | How much planning has there been? |
| Resources | What is the level of resources available? |
Interpreting the Heat Map
Green Zone (Low Risk)
- Low operation risk combined with high response capability
- Proceed with standard safety protocols
Yellow Zone (Moderate Risk)
- Review risks and response capabilities
- Consider additional safety measures
- Improve planning or wait for better conditions if possible
Red Zone (High Risk)
- High operation risk and/or low response capability
- Reduce risks and/or improve response capability before proceeding
- Consider delaying operation, requesting additional resources, or altering tactics
How to Use RADeMS
- Assess the Situation: Evaluate all five SAR Operation Risk elements (0-2 points each)
- Evaluate Capabilities: Score all five Response Capability elements (0-2 points each)
- Calculate Totals: Add up scores for each axis (0-10 points each)
- Plot on Heat Map: Find where your scores intersect on the card
- Review Individual Scores: Check if any single element scored high (2) even if total is moderate
- Take Action: Implement risk mitigation strategies based on assessment
- Reassess Regularly: SAR operations are dynamic - reassess as conditions change
Rating Guides Available
The complete RADeMS reference guide includes detailed rating guides for:
- Ground Search: General search operations, tracking, sweep searching
- Rope Rescue: Low to high angle rescue, rappelling, raising/lowering operations
- Mountain Rescue: Alpine terrain, glaciated routes, technical climbing
- Swiftwater Rescue: River rescue, shore-based and water-based operations
Pre-Planning Importance
Pre-plans are essential for safe, efficient SAR responses. RADeMS supports pre-planning by:
- Identifying high-risk scenarios before they occur
- Helping determine required training and equipment
- Establishing resource lists and mutual aid agreements
- Creating contingency plans for common incidents
Types of Pre-Plans
- Generic Discipline-Based: General scenarios for each SAR discipline
- Area-Specific: Plans for specific geographic locations
- Detailed Location Plans: Complete with assignments, staging areas, travel times
SAR Volunteer Health and Safety
BC Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS) objectives prioritize responder safety:
- Provide for the safety and health of all responders (Primary objective)
- Save lives
- Reduce suffering
- Protect public health
- Protect government infrastructure
- Protect property
- Protect the environment
- Reduce economic and social losses
Key References
- Public Safety Volunteer Lifeline Safety Policy
- SAR Volunteer Safety Program Guide
- Provincial Operating Guidelines
- EMBC Resources: www.embc.gov.bc.ca
- SAR Health & Safety Committee: ohs@bcsara.com
Example Scenario
Lost Skier - Winter Mountain Search:
A lone skier separated from party at Zoa Peak area, Coquihalla summit (8,000'). Late afternoon, weather forecast calls for heavy snow, temperatures falling to -10°C with strong winds. Subject has minimal survival equipment. Moderate slopes with potential avalanche risk.
SAR Operation Risk Assessment:
- Operational Complexity: 1 (MODERATE)
- Activity Hazards: 1 (MODERATE - avalanche risk managed by MOT techs)
- Environmental Conditions: 2 (HIGH - severe weather incoming)
- Vulnerability: 1 (MODERATE - multiple teams, good planning)
- External Influence: 1 (MODERATE - friends on scene, little media)
- Total Risk Score: 6
Response Capability Assessment:
- Personnel Training: 1 (MODERATE - mixed experience levels)
- Personnel Experience: 1 (MODERATE - some winter experience)
- Mental & Physical Preparedness: 0 (HIGH - well-rested, good condition)
- Planning: 1 (MODERATE - pre-plan in place)
- Resources: 1 (MODERATE - mutual aid summoned)
- Total Capability Score: 4
Result: Plot at (4, 6) on heat map = YELLOW zone. Review risks and response capability. Consider waiting for avalanche assessment, ensure teams have proper winter gear, monitor weather closely.
💡 Remember: RADeMS is a tool to support decision-making, not replace it. Use it alongside your training, experience, and judgment. Always prioritize SAR volunteer safety above all else.