How a search runs today
1
The call
A 911 call or a satellite messenger alert. The county sheriff is responsible and pages the volunteer search and rescue team.
2
Hasty search
Small, fast teams check the trails, the last known point and the likely spots.
3
Area search
Teams and dogs sweep segments of the map, planned from lost-person behaviour statistics.
4
Air support
A helicopter when one is available and the weather allows; a pilot-flown drone close to a team.
5
Night
Aircraft stop, ground teams slow down or wait for first light.
Drones already help
DJI's public tally counts over 1,000 people worldwide rescued with the help of a drone, many found with a thermal camera. It counts only reported cases.