Lessons Learned

Learning SAR Lessons

Each year there are thousands of search and rescue operations and many thousands of hours dedicated to individual and collective training in preparation for operations.  Most of the time we get it right, sometimes we get it wrong but often, we think that we could do better.

Beyond formal tuition, much of what we learn is from direct experience on operations, on exercises or in discussion with our mates

Issues that need to be fixed before we do it next time are often identified through debriefs or discussions during or after the event.  When this information is captured, shared, and procedures are changed, additional training given or similar then lessons identified become lesson learned – at least at the local level.

While this has proven to work well, it does not allow us to learn effectively from our peers and their experiences (good and bad) if they are not in our area. 

To help SAR lessons from around New Zealand transition into lessons learned across the country, the NZSAR Secretariat established two ways for the sector to share information.  

  • The Lessons learned section of this website is intended as a forum where issues that have been identified can be posted for others in the sector to view, consider and perhaps incorporate the solutions into their procedures and training. 
  • The Link newsletter will also be used to publicise selected “lessons” for the benefit of the wider sector. 

Lessons are not necessarily problem areas

We also need to reinforce success by sharing the things we do well.  

For this to work effectively, we need three things:

  • Lessons suitable for sharing, or issues of interest to the sector to be posted onto this website.
  • SAR people to look at this section of the website occasionally (login required) and particularly before planning a SAREX, training or revising procedures.
  • An open mind. 

The Secretariat welcomes feedback and ideas for improving this system.

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