Search and Rescue operations can be organized using the LAST mnemonic. 

LAST

L-Locate: 

A-Access

S-Stabilize

T-Transport

 Locate:  Climbing emergencies frequently happen in areas that are well known and even crowded.  It is less common that a significant life threatening climbing accident happens and requires anything more than the simplest of searches.  It is easy however in the chaos of a developing incident to confuse areas, route names and details about the incident which could delay response.  A simple knowledge of the principles of search may assist with reducing the uncertainty faced when trying to locate an injured climbing. Once the location is confirmed it is important to slow down and consider the scene prior to rushing into action.  The Scene Assessment is a vital first step for rescue success.

Access: Getting to the patient in technical terrain requires skills and experiences that may need to be applied in contexts beyond the typical climbing day.  Honing these skills and gaining the experiences may prove to make the difference between optimal and sub-optimal outcomes.

Stabilize:  The stabilize phase is the provision of medical care discussed in the Preventing Cardiac Arrest chapter.

Transport:  The transport phase is discussed in the Moving the Patient chapter.

Click the buttons below for further exploration of Search Principles, Scene Assessment and Patient Access.