Missing person search training

Serve On volunteers completed an intensive missing‑person search course last weekend at the Outreach Rescue Centre, delivered by L&MPS International. A mix of practical and classroom learning was delivered by Ian Plater, Paul Duffey, and Mags Kelly, whose extensive operational experience shaped the course content.

Trainees were introduced to a structured progression of search techniques, including hasty searches, efficient area sweeps, and thorough, high‑assurance methods. Instructors emphasised not only how each technique is performed but also the reasoning behind their application during different phases of a search.

The final assessment required participants to integrate all techniques learned over the weekend into a realistic search scenario. Serve On volunteer Stu said: "Using the natural surroundings and purpose built features at Outreach meant the training was intense but realistic.

"I was really impressed with the knowledge Ian, Paul and Mags were willing to share and allow for an open dialogue that really allowed me to understand the reasoning behind the methods and put it in to practice on the final day assessment. Overall, a fantastic course that has taught me vital skills for search and rescue." Another of Serve On's volunteers who attended the course, Graham, added: "Genuinely a brilliant course in a brilliant location, I think we all learnt a great deal and I'm eager to add this as a capability to Serve On along with my team."