Search and Rescue (SAR)
Oriane Longerstaey · 2025
Search and rescue (SAR) describes the coordinated activities to locate and help recover living and deceased victims following an emergency or disaster. In the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) deploys urban search and rescue (US&R) systems during federally declared disasters. The United States also partners with other countries for international SAR efforts. SAR leverages the Incident Command System (ICS) to coordinate resources from local, state, and federal agencies to maximize efficiency and reduce risk. Rescuers will employ different search techniques depending on the type of terrain (e.g., ground, mountain, ice, or water), environment (e.g., urban versus rural), and weather conditions. Additional aids, such as canines, drones, and robots, can help facilitate SAR operations. Robots are taking on larger roles for repetitive actions or entry into dangerous environments.